This information may change. Always check the official source.Last verified: August 2026 by

Getting around the city, and which apps to install

Public buses exist only in Vientiane, so ride-hailing does the work. Loca fixes the fare by GPS before you accept, but adding a foreign payment card requires uploading a passport photo and a selfie holding it.

Ride-hailing is how you get around. Public bus services exist only to a limited extent, and only in Vientiane on the VCSBE network.

  • Loca (iOS / Android) - the main national ride-hailing app, covering both cars and local tuk-tuks, with a fixed GPS-based price agreed up front.
  • Signing up and paying - register with an international phone number and pay in cash or by card.
  • Adding a foreign card is a process. For security the app requires a photo of your passport and a verification selfie holding it. Approval of the card profile takes a few minutes.
  • Xanh SM Laos (iOS / Android) - an all-electric taxi service (Taxi Xanh) operating in Vientiane and Vang Vieng. Pay in cash or with a card linked in the app.

Apps and platforms

Loca for cars and tuk-tuks, Xanh SM for electric taxis in Vientiane, and the immigration portal where you file the LDIF before you fly.

Arriving by air?1

Each airport has its own page for the way into town - the operator, the fare and what still runs late.

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Sources (2)

What this guide was checked against. Rules and prices change — follow the official link before you rely on a detail.