Unitel and Lao Telecom have the densest networks and passport registration is mandatory for both. About USD 4.75 buys Unitel's 35 GB tourist package, which keeps working along the Laos-China railway where the others drop out.
- Unitel has the best data coverage in remote areas and along the Laos-China railway; Lao Telecom is stable in the main cities but thinner outside them.
- Unitel's 35 GB tourist package is 105,000 LAK for 30 days, which is the one to buy for a trip of one to three weeks.
- Passport registration is mandatory for every operator, done at the counter while you wait.
- Kiosks sit in the arrivals halls at Wattay and Luang Prabang, following the flight schedule from 07:00 to 21:00 and taking cash in LAK, THB or USD.
- City prices match the airport tariffs, so buying on Avenue Lane Xang in Vientiane or Sisavangvong Road in Luang Prabang costs no more.
What to buy as soon as you land
Two operators dominate, and which one you want depends on where you are going. You will want maps and ride-hailing working the moment you land.
- Unitel (Star Telecom) - the best data coverage in remote areas and along the Laos-China railway.
- Lao Telecom (LTC) - stable high-speed connectivity in the main cities.
- TPlus and ETL are alternatives, but their coverage outside urban centres is limited.
Comparison table
Tourist data packages checked in March 2025 (conversion: 1 USD ≈ 22,000 LAK, which still holds in August 2026 - Lao prepaid pricing moves less than most). Treat the kip column as the real price:
| Operator | Tourist package | Price (LAK / USD) | Data | Validity | Where to buy | Passport registration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unitel | Tourist SIM Lite | 11,000 LAK | 3 GB | 7 days | Airport arrivals halls, branded stores, eSIM online | Mandatory |
| Unitel | Tourist Unlimited | 105,000 LAK | 35 GB | 30 days | Airport arrivals halls, branded stores, eSIM online | Mandatory |
| Lao Telecom | Tourist Express | 11,000 LAK | 4.7 GB | 6 days | Airport arrivals halls, official branches | Mandatory |
| Lao Telecom | Tourist Monthly | 110,000 LAK | 30 GB | 30 days | Airport arrivals halls, official branches | Mandatory |
| TPlus | Saver Package | 33,000 LAK | 5 GB | 7 days | Airport kiosks, city resellers | Mandatory |
| TPlus | Max Data | 110,000 LAK | 30 GB | 30 days | Airport kiosks, city resellers | Mandatory |
| ETL | Eco Tourist | 132,000 LAK | 10 GB | 30 days | ETL branches, Wattay airport | Mandatory |
Where exactly to buy
- Wattay International Airport (Vientiane) - Unitel and Lao Telecom kiosks in the arrivals hall, immediately after immigration and baggage reclaim, before the exit doors. They follow the flight schedule, daily 07:00 to 21:00, and take cash in LAK, THB or USD.
- Luang Prabang International Airport - sales stands in the central arrivals hall by the terminal exit.
- Branded stores in the cities - central Vientiane on Avenue Lane Xang, Luang Prabang on the main Sisavangvong Road. City prices match the airport tariffs, and staff complete registration while you wait.
- eSIM online before you fly - Saily sells a profile that roams on a Laotian network, with the data configured automatically before you land.
Short verdict
For 1 to 3 weeks, the Unitel Tourist SIM / eSIM with 35 GB at about USD 4.75 (105,000 LAK). It has the widest 4G coverage in the country, which keeps you connected even on long-distance train and bus journeys.
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