Laos (Lao People's Democratic Republic) – known for its waterfalls, nature & temples.
It is also the only landlocked country in Southeast Asia, but the country still has a lot to offer.
Such as the famous Kuang Si Waterfall or Tad Yuang Waterfall – must see.
But if you do not want to deal with too many other people and tourists, consider going to Bolaven Plateau or Khon Phapheng Falls.
Landmarks like the Patuxay Monument, Pha That Luang Vientiane, Phoisi Hill & Wat Xiengthong can also not be missed.
Oh, and of course the night market in Vientiane.
Being bored in Laos? No way! No reason to be.
Another thing you should not do when in Laos is roam internationally – International roaming can be expensive.
That is why I always recommend local prepaid SIM cards or eSIM and even travel eSIMs so that you can enjoy low rates for data, minutes & SMS.
Fortunately, mobile data rates are low in Laos – one of the lowest in the region, for that matter.
So, how much do SIM cards cost in Laos?
You can get a Lao SIM card for 10 000 LAK (0.50 USD) from Unitel, Lao Telecom (LaoTel), TPlus (formerly Beeline) & ETL in their stores. Lao Telecom has tourist SIM cards for 15 000 LAK (0.70 USD) and 25 000 LAK (1.20 USD). SIM cards are also sold at Luang Prabang International Airport (LPQ) and Vientiane-Wattay International Airport (VTE).
Those prices are low, indeed – just wait until you find out that the cost of mobile data is low too.
Especially for those coming from Europe and North America.
In this guide, I will go over everything you need to know about buying a SIM card in Laos. Let's go.
Original publication: 21st of November 2019. Last updated: 2nd of March 2024.
Table of Contents
What is the Best SIM Card in Laos?
Laos has four mobile network operators offering prepaid services easily accessible to travelers:
- Unitel Laos
- Lao Telecom (LaoTel)
- TPlus Laos (formerly Beeline Laos)
- ETL Laos
Anyone living in or visiting Laos can buy a Lao SIM card with no real restrictions, but you do have to comply with Laos' SIM card registration regulations.
Regarding the registration requirements, you must show your passport at the point of sale.
- Find out which countries have SIM card registration regulations and what is required from you (lookup tool)
Where Can You Buy a Lao SIM Card (+Prices)?
You can expect to pay the following for Lao SIM cards:
- Unitel Laos: 10 000 LAK
- Lao Telecom (LaoTel): 10 000 LAK
- TPlus Laos (formerly Beeline Laos): 10 000 LAK
- ETL Laos: 10 000 LAK
Be aware that SIM cards sold at airports can be more expensive than the prices mentioned earlier.
Use the Wise Currency Converter tool (free) for up-to-date LAK (Lao Kip) to your currency (let's say THB – Thai Baht) exchange rates.
For reference, below are some exchange rates between LAK and USD (US Dollars):
- 1000 LAK = 0.50 USD
- 10 000 LAK = 0.50 USD
- 100 000 LAK = 4.85 USD
- 1 000 000 LAK = 48.30 USD
For any other currency, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.
(Travel) eSIMs for Laos
The use of (travel) eSIMs has exploded in recent years.
Not only do more phones have eSIM capability (some US-sold iPhones are eSIM-only), but the number of providers adopting technology has proliferated as well.
This includes local mobile operators offering eSIM and platforms selling eSIMs (travel eSIMs).
If you want a local Lao eSIM, you can get one from Unitel or Lao Telecom (LaoTel).
But remember that you have to comply with Laos' SIM card registration regulations, even when you get a Lao eSIM.
If you do not wish to deal with registration for whatever reason, like privacy, consider getting a travel eSIM for Laos.
Many eSIM providers have eSIMs for Laos only, eSIMs for multiple Asian destinations & even global eSIMs, which I discuss in my Laos eSIM buying guide.
Here is a quick introduction to your Laos travel eSIM options:
- Airalo: Pak Ou Mobile (Laos only) & Asialink (14 countries in Asia)
- Alosim: Laos
- Holafly: Laos & Asia – Asia variant include unlimited data
- Nomad: APAC (15 or 20 countries, depending on the variant), SEA-Oceania (eight countries) & Global (109 or 139 countries, depending on the variant)
- SimOptions: Asia (32 countries)
And I know you love discounts, so use one of these codes when getting a travel eSIM:
- Airalo: APR15 for 15% off (if you have never bought an Airalo eSIM before). Otherwise, APR10 for 10% off (for existing users) – only the first 3000 users can redeem either discount code)
- Alosim: PTW for 5% off (as many times as you wish for as many eSIMs as you want)
- Holafly: PHONETRAVELWIZ for 5% off (as many times as you wish for as many eSIMs as you want)
- Nomad: ADU123 for 3 USD off (on your first-ever Nomad order only)
If you want to know about all the prices, data options & covered countries (for the regional and global eSIMs), check out my Laos eSIM buying guide.
Lao Prepaid SIM Cards Explored
Below, I will guide you through Unitel Laos, Lao Telecom (LaoTel), TPlus (formerly Beeline Laos) & ETL Laos, and go through:
- Background information
- Mobile coverage
- SIM card types, prices, and availability
- Recharge/top-up information
- Combo plans, data plans, and special packs (such as social media packs)
Let's see what Laos can offer us in terms of SIM cards.
Unitel Laos
Unitel Laos, just Unitel, and not to be confused with Unitel in Angola, Cape Verde, or Mongolia, is the largest mobile operator in Laos.
It also has the best overall network.
Unitel uses the following frequencies:
- 2G: 900 MHz & 1800 MHz
- 3G: 2100 MHz
- 4G/LTE: 1800 MHz (Band 3)
- 5G NR: N/A – not being rolled out yet
- VoLTE: unknown
- VoWiFi: unknown
This is what you will learn about Unitel:
* Coverage
* How to Get a Unitel SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check
* Plans & Packages
* APN/Internet Settings
Coverage – Unitel Laos
Unitel has the best coverage in Laos.
Below is Unitel's coverage map produced by Speedtest:
SIM Card Price – Unitel Laos
You can get a Unitel SIM card for 10 000 LAK with 5000 LAK credit in Unitel stores. The data-only SIM card, called Net-SIM, also costs 10 000 LAK (without credit). Unitel SIM cards are also sold at Luang Prabang International Airport (LPQ) and Vientiane-Wattay International Airport (VTE).
My friends at Internet in Laos recently launched a service allowing you to purchase a Lao SIM card before arrival – and it will be waiting for you in your accommodation (in Vientiane only) when you arrive!
The SIM cards will be registered (required per Lao telecommunications law as of 2022) and ready to use when you plug it in – truly plug-and-play.
Use this link for 5000 LAK bonus credit with your purchase!
- Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country, including data-only SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, offered by each mobile operator + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)
It is possible to get a Unitel eSIM for the same price as a regular SIM card.
You may want to get a travel eSIM for Laos, which can be cheaper than getting a SIM card from Unitel (in some cases).
Especially when getting an eSIM covering popular Asian destinations if you do not stay in just Laos or a global eSIM valid for up to a year if you want one eSIM to work practically worldwide.
My Laos eSIM buying guide analyzes various eSIM options of eSIM providers I have tested extensively worldwide.
Here is a quick introduction to them:
- Airalo: Pak Ou Mobile (Laos only), Asialink (14 countries in Asia) – use code APR15 (15% off – first-time users only) or APR10 (10% off)
- Alosim: Laos – use code PTW (5% off – no limits)
- Holafly: Laos & Asia (11 countries) – some of these eSIMs have unlimited data – use code PHONETRAVELWIZ (5% off – no limits)
- Nomad: APAC (up to 20 countries) & Global (up to 139 countries) – use code ADU123 (3 USD off – first-time users only)
For more information, such as the prices and data allowances, check out my Laos eSIM buying guide.
But let's continue with Unitel for now.
Be aware that there is no VoLTE or VoWiFi with Unitel.
Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – Unitel Laos
Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – Unitel Laos
Unitel has two data-featured prepaid plans: Mobile-3G/4G (combo) & NET Sim -3G/4G (data).
The NET Sim -3G/4G plans are for the Unitel data SIM cards.
However, you can purchase these plans with a regular Unitel SIM card (for now).
All Unitel plans can be activated by dialing *121.
I will list all the prices in LAK (Laotian Kip).
To convert LAK to your currency (let's say THB – Thai Baht) with up-to-date exchange rates, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.
Mobile-3G/4G – Unitel Laos
The Mobile-3G/4G are combo bundles with data (without 5G NR access) and minutes.
Dial the Activation Code to activate Mobile-3G/4G:
Price | Plan | Data | Social Data | Local Minutes | Validity | Activation Code |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
25 000 LAK | CN25 | 7 GB | Unlimited 3 | N/A | 7 days | *209*21# |
25 000 LAK | 25K | 15 GB | N/A | 300 minutes | 10 days | *209*106# |
35 000 LAK | CN35 | 10 GB | Unlimited 1 | N/A | 10 days | *208*22# |
40 000 LAK | 40K | 30 GB | N/A | 300 minutes | 15 days | *209*107# |
50 000 LAK | 50K | 30 GB | N/A | 300 minutes | 30 days | *209*123# |
63 000 LAK | MI 79 | 35 000 MB | N/A | N/A | 30 days | N/A |
65 000 LAK | 65K | 40 GB | N/A | 300 minutes | 30 days | *209*07# |
80 000 LAK | 80K | 60 GB | N/A | 300 minutes | 30 days | *209*100# |
95 000 LAK | CN95 | 30 GB | Unlimited 2 | N/A | 30 days | *209*23# |
99 000 LAK | 99K | 90 000 MB | N/A | N/A | 30 days | *209*113# |
99 000 LAK | 99K | 80 GB | N/A | 300 minutes | 30 days | *209*113# |
150 000 LAK | 50K3M | 35 GB | N/A | 300 minutes | 90 days | *209*124# |
195 000 LAK | 65K3M | 45 GB | N/A | 300 minutes | 90 days | *209*120# |
240 000 LAK | 80K3M | 70 GB | N/A | 300 minutes | 90 days | *209*117# |
297 000 LAK | 99K3M | 90 GB | N/A | 300 minutes | 90 days | *209*114# |
300 000 LAK | 50K6M | 37.5 GB | N/A | 300 minutes | 6 months | *209*125# |
390 000 LAK | 65K6M | 50 GB | N/A | 300 minutes | 6 months | *209*121# |
480 000 LAK | 80K6M | 75 GB | N/A | 300 minutes | 6 months | *209*118# |
594 000 LAK | 99K6M | 100 GB | N/A | 300 minutes | 6 months | *209*115# |
600 000 LAK | 50K12M | 40 GB | N/A | 300 minutes | 12 months | *209*126# |
780 000 LAK | 65K12M | 55 GB | N/A | 300 minutes | 12 months | *209*122# |
960 000 LAK | 80K12M | 80 GB | N/A | 300 minutes | 12 months | *209*119# |
1 188 000 LAK | 99K12M | 110 GB | N/A | 300 minutes | 12 months | *209*116# |
1 for Facebook & WeChat
2 for WeChat & YouTube
3 for WeChat only
NET Sim -3G/4G – Unitel Laos
The NET Sim -3G/4G are data plans (without 5G NR access).
Officially, the NET Sim -3G/4G are exclusive to the Unitel data SIM cards.
However, regular Unitel SIM cards can enable these plans too (which can be more affordable than the Mobile Plans).
Until Unitel someday decided to enforce this restriction 🗿.
Dial the Activation Code to activate NET Sim -3G/4G:
Price | Plan | Data | Validity | Activation Code |
---|---|---|---|---|
5000 LAK | LTU5 | 1024 MB | 24 hours | *209*21# |
10 000 LAK | CHAIDEE | 1500 MB | 7 days | *209*23# |
10 000 LAK | HOIYIM | 2000 MB | 5 days | *209*22# |
10 000 LAK | LT2 | 6000 MB | 2 days | *209*30# |
50 000 LAK | LT50 | 5120 MB | 30 days | *209*24# |
55 000 LAK | LT55 | 8000 MB | 30 days | *209*58# |
63 000 LAK | MI79 | 35 000 MB | 30 days | N/A |
120 000 LAK | LTU120 | 12 288 MB | 30 days | *209*25# |
150 000 LAK | LTU150 | 25 000 MB | 30 days | *209*59# |
200 000 LAK | LT30 | 30 000 MB | 30 days | *209*32# |
300 000 LAK | 4GU30 | 70 000 MB | 30 days | *209*28# |
APN/Internet Settings – Unitel Laos
- Name: Unitel
- APN: unitel3g
Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.
Jump back to the Table of Contents.
Lao Telecom (LaoTel)
Lao Telecom, also referred to as LaoTel, is the second-largest mobile operator in Laos.
It can sometimes be better than Unitel Laos while being slightly cheaper and offering more data.
Lao Telecom uses the following frequencies:
- 2G: 900 MHz & 1800 MHz
- 3G: 2100 MHz
- 4G/LTE: 1800 MHz (Band 3)
- 5G NR: N/A – not being rolled out yet
- VoLTE: Yes
- VoWiFi: No
This is what you will learn about Lao Telecom:
* Coverage
* How to Get a Lao Telecom SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check
* Plans & Packages
* APN/Internet Settings
Coverage – Lao Telecom (LaoTel)
Lao Telecom has extensive coverage throughout Laos.
Below is Lao Telecom's coverage map produced by Speedtest:
SIM Card Price – Lao Telecom (LaoTel)
You can get a Lao Telecom SIM card for 10 000 LAK in Lao Telecom stores. Lao Telecom SIM cards are also sold at Luang Prabang International Airport (LPQ) and Vientiane-Wattay International Airport (VTE).
Short-term visitors and tourists can also get the Lao Telecom Tourist SIM card.
The following two Lao Telecom Tourist SIM cards are available:
Price | Data | Validity |
---|---|---|
15 000 LAK | 5 GB | 3 days |
25 000 LAK | 7 GB | 7 days |
My friends at Internet in Laos recently launched a service allowing you to purchase a Lao SIM card before arrival – and it will be waiting for you in your accommodation (in Vientiane only) when you arrive!
The SIM cards will be registered (required per Lao telecommunications law as of 2022) and ready to use when you plug it in – truly plug-and-play.
Use this link for 5000 LAK bonus credit with your purchase!
- Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country, including data-only SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, offered by each mobile operator + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)
It is possible to get a Lao Telecom eSIM for the same price as a regular SIM card.
You should consider getting a travel eSIM for Laos because they can sometimes be cheaper than getting a SIM card from Lao Telecom.
Especially if you get an Asia-wide eSIM or a global eSIM.
I discuss various eSIM options of eSIM providers for Laos in my Laos eSIM buying guide, which are:
- Airalo: Pak Ou Mobile (Laos only), Asialink (14 countries in Asia) – use code APR15 (15% off – first-time users only) or APR10 (10% off)
- Alosim: Laos – use code PTW (5% off – no limits)
- Holafly: Laos & Asia (11 countries) – unlimited data for some eSIMs – use code PHONETRAVELWIZ (5% off – no limits)
- Nomad: APAC (up to 20 countries) & Global (up to 139 countries) – use code ADU123 (3 USD off – first-time users only)
As I said, check out my Laos eSIM buying guide for more information, as I have to continue with Lao Telecom for now.
Note that Lao Telecom offers VoLTE (Voice over LTE (4G)) if your phone supports it and you have enabled it in the settings but no VoWiFi (Voice over WiFi).
Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – Lao Telecom (LaoTel)
Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – Lao Telecom (LaoTel)
Lao Telecom has three data-featured prepaid plans:
- ແພັກເກັດ ມາດຕະຖານ/Standard Package (data)
- ແພັກເກັດ ຫລີ້ນແບບຕໍ່ເນື່ອງ/Continuous Play Package (data)
- ແພັກເກັດ/Free Facebook, Youtube, & Tiktok Package (data)
I will list all the prices in LAK (Laotian Kip).
To convert LAK to your currency (let's say THB – Thai Baht) with up-to-date exchange rates, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.
Click on the links above to jump to the plan you are interested in.
ແພັກເກັດ ມາດຕະຖານ (Standard Packages) – Lao Telecom (LaoTel)
The ແພັກເກັດ ມາດຕະຖານ are data bundles (without 5G NR access).
The following ແພັກເກັດ ມາດຕະຖານ are available:
Price | Plan | Data | Validity |
---|---|---|---|
1000 LAK | Package 5 | 25 MB | 24 hours |
5000 LAK | Package 1 | 125 MB | 24 hours |
10 000 LAK | Package 2 | 250 MB | 30 days |
10 000 LAK | Package 10 | 1.5 GB | 5 days |
10 000 LAK | Package 57 | 5 GB | 3 days |
25 000 LAK | Package 58 | 7 GB | 7 days |
50 000 LAK | Package 3 | 1.25 GB | 30 days |
50 000 LAK | Package 6 | 7 GB | 30 days |
100 000 LAK | Package 4 | 2.5 GB | 30 days |
ແພັກເກັດ ຫລີ້ນແບບຕໍ່ເນື່ອງ – Lao Telecom (LaoTel)
The ແພັກເກັດ ຫລີ້ນແບບຕໍ່ເນື່ອງ are data bundles (without 5G NR access).
The following ແພັກເກັດ ຫລີ້ນແບບຕໍ່ເນື່ອງ are available:
Price | Plan | Data | Validity |
---|---|---|---|
35 000 LAK | Package 566 | 15 GB | 30 days |
65 000 LAK | Package 565 | 35 GB | 30 days |
100 000 LAK | Package 567 | 55 GB | 30 days |
150 000 LAK | Package 568 | 90 GB | 30 days |
200 000 LAK | Package 569 | 150 GB | 30 days |
ແພັກເກັດ (Free Facebook, Youtube, & Tiktok Package) – Lao Telecom (LaoTel)
The ແພັກເກັດ (Free Facebook, Youtube, & Tiktok Package) are data bundles (without 5G NR access).
The following ແພັກເກັດ (Free Facebook, Youtube, & Tiktok Package) are available:
Price | Plan | Data | Validity |
---|---|---|---|
15 000 LAK | Package 515 | 3 GB | 5 days |
20 000 LAK | Package 516 | 5 GB | 10 days |
55 000 LAK | Package 517 | 15 GB | 20 days |
100 000 LAK | Package 518 | 30 GB | 30 days |
APN/Internet Settings – Lao Telecom (LaoTel)
- Name: LaoTel
- APN: ltcnet
Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.
Jump back to the Table of Contents.
TPlus Laos (formerly Beeline Laos)
TPlus Laos, just TPlus and formerly Beeline Laos, is the third-largest mobile operator in Laos.
It used to be owned by VEON, which is a company with a portfolio of mobile brands around the globe.
It sold TPlus to the Lao government, which is still the sole shareholder.
Fun fact: The Lao government is the majority owner of almost all Lao mobile operators.
TPlus uses the following frequencies:
- 2G: 900 MHz & 1800 MHz
- 3G: 2100 MHz
- 4G/LTE: 1800 MHz (Band 3)
- 5G NR: N/A – not being rolled out yet
- VoLTE: unknown
- VoWiFi: unknown
This is what you will learn about TPlus:
* Coverage
* How to Get a TPlus SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check
* Plans & Packages
* APN/Internet Settings
Coverage – TPlus Laos (formerly Beeline Laos)
TPlus has decent coverage throughout Laos.
Below is TPlus' coverage map produced by Speedtest:
SIM Card Price – TPlus Laos (formerly Beeline Laos)
You can get a TPlus SIM card for 10 000 LAK (with 5000 LAK credit during promotions) in TPlus stores. TPlus SIM cards are also sold at Luang Prabang International Airport (LPQ) and Vientiane-Wattay International Airport (VTE)
My friends at Internet in Laos recently launched a service allowing you to purchase a Lao SIM card before arrival – and it will be waiting for you in your accommodation (in Vientiane only) when you arrive!
The SIM cards will be registered (required per Lao telecommunications law as of 2022) and ready to use when you plug it in – truly plug-and-play.
Use this link for 5000 LAK bonus credit with your purchase!
- Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country, including data-only SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, offered by each mobile operator + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)
TPlus has no eSIMs.
You can consider getting a travel eSIM for Laos, which can, in specific scenarios, be cheaper than getting a SIM card from TPlus.
Especially if you get an Asia eSIM (for when you visit at least two or more supported Asian countries) or a global eSIM (for frequent travelers visiting multiple continents).
In my Laos eSIM buying guide, I analyze various eSIM options of eSIM providers I have tested extensively worldwide.
But I will introduce them here quickly:
- Airalo: Pak Ou Mobile (Laos only), Asialink (14 countries in Asia) – use code APR15 (15% off – first-time users only) or APR10 (10% off)
- Alosim: Laos – use code PTW (5% off – no limits)
- Holafly: Laos & Asia (11 countries) – some include unlimited data – use code PHONETRAVELWIZ (5% off – no limits)
- Nomad: APAC (15 or 20 countries & Global (109 or 139 countries, depending on the variant) – use code ADU123 (3 USD off – first-time users only)
Once again, check out my Laos eSIM buying guide to learn more about these eSIM options.
For now, I will continue with TPlus.
Be aware that there is no VoLTE or VoWiFi with ETL.
Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – TPlus Laos (formerly Beeline Laos)
Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – TPlus Laos (formerly Beeline Laos)
TPlus has only one data-featured prepaid plan: TPLUS Prepaid Packages. It is a data plan (without 5G NR access).
Packages can be activated on the MY TPLUS app.
I will list all the prices in LAK (Laotian Kip).
To convert LAK to your currency (let's say THB – Thai Baht) with up-to-date exchange rates, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.
Price | Plan | Data | Validity |
---|---|---|---|
1000 LAK | Daily Happy Hour | 2 GB | 1 hour |
2500 LAK | Daily TikTok | 4 GB | 1 day |
3000 LAK | Daily Youtube+Tiktok | 4 GB | 1 day |
5000 LAK | Daily Non-Stop | 2 GB | 1 day |
5000 LAK | Daily Special 2 | 5 GB | 3 days |
10 000 LAK | Monthly Package 1 | 500 MB | 30 days |
10 000 LAK | Weekly Special 3 | 2 GB | 7 days |
10 000 LAK | Daily Hot | 5 GB | 3 days |
10 000 LAK | Weekly Special 2 | 10 GB | 6 days |
15 000 LAK | Weekly TikTok | 15 GB | 7 days |
20 000 LAK | Daily Non-Stop 2 | 5 GB | 4 days |
20 000 LAK | Daily Youtube+Facebook+Tiktok | 7 GB | 5 days |
20 000 LAK | Weekly YouTube + TikTok | 7 GB | 7 days |
25 000 LAK | Weekly Special Day | 25 GB | 7 days |
50 000 LAK | Monthly Package 2 | 5 GB | 30 days |
50 000 LAK | Monthly Non-Stop | 10 GB | 10 days |
50 000 LAK | Monthly TikTok | 30 GB | 30 days |
50 000 LAK | Monthly Super Hot | 40 GB | 30 days |
55 000 LAK | Weekly YouTube + Facebook + TikTok | 20 GB | 15 days |
65 000 LAK | Monthly Youtube+Tiktok | 25 GB | 30 days |
100 000 LAK | Monthly Youtube+Facebook+Tiktok | 45 GB | 30days |
250 000 LAK | Monthly Premium | 60 GB 1 | 30 days |
1 +250 local minutes
APN/Internet Settings – TPlus Laos (formerly Beeline Laos)
- Name: TPlus
- APN: beelinenet
Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.
Jump back to the Table of Contents.
ETL (Enterprise of Telecommunications Lao) Laos
ETL (Enterprise of Telecommunications Lao) Laos, just ELT, is the smallest mobile operator in Laos.
It is one of the cheaper options in the country, but you will sacrifice on performance.
ETL uses the following frequencies:
- 2G: 900 MHz & 1800 MHz
- 3G: 2100 MHz
- 4G/LTE: 1800 MHz (Band 3)
- 5G NR: N/A – not being rolled out yet
- VoLTE: unknown
- VoWiFi: unknown
This is what you will learn about ETL:
* Coverage
* How to Get an ETL SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check
* Plans & Packages
* APN/Internet Settings
Coverage – ETL Laos
ETL has decent coverage throughout Laos.
Below is ETL's coverage map produced by Speedtest:
SIM Card Price – ETL Laos
You can get an ETL SIM card for 10 000 LAK in ETL stores. ETL SIM cards are also sold at Luang Prabang International Airport (LPQ) and Vientiane-Wattay International Airport (VTE).
My friends at Internet in Laos recently launched a service allowing you to purchase a Lao SIM card before arrival – and it will be waiting for you in your accommodation (in Vientiane only) when you arrive!
The SIM cards will be registered (required per Lao telecommunications law as of 2022) and ready to use when you plug it in – truly plug-and-play.
Use this link for 5000 LAK bonus credit with your purchase!
- Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country, including data-only SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, offered by each mobile operator + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)
ETL has no eSIMs.
You may want to get a travel eSIM for Laos, which can be cheaper than getting a SIM card from ETL (in some cases).
Especially when getting an eSIM covering popular Asian destinations if you do not stay in just Laos or a global eSIM valid for up to a year if you want one eSIM to work practically worldwide.
My Laos eSIM buying guide analyzes various eSIM options of eSIM providers I have tested extensively worldwide.
Here is a quick introduction to them:
- Airalo: Pak Ou Mobile (Laos only), Asialink (14 countries in Asia) – use code APR15 (15% off – first-time users only) or APR10 (10% off)
- Alosim: Laos – use code PTW (5% off – no limits)
- Holafly: Laos & Asia (11 countries) – some of these eSIMs have unlimited data – use code PHONETRAVELWIZ (5% off – no limits)
- Nomad: APAC (up to 20 countries) & Global (up to 139 countries) – use code ADU123 (3 USD off – first-time users only)
For more information, such as the prices and data allowances, check out my Laos eSIM buying guide.
But let's continue with ETL for now.
Be aware that there is no VoLTE or VoWiFi with ETL.
Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – ETL Laos
Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – ETL Laos
ETL has eight data-featured prepaid plans:
- Prepaid Enjoy Try 4G (data)
- Pack Brighter Future (data)
- Torch Net SIM (data)
- NET SIM 4.5G (data)
- Net SIM 4.5G Top-Ups (data add-ons)
- Hot Packages (data)
- Play Facebook without Data
- Service for YouTube
ETL plans can be activated by dialing the Activation Code.
I will list all the prices in LAK (Laotian Kip).
To convert LAK to your currency (let's say THB – Thai Baht) with up-to-date exchange rates, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.
Click on the links above to jump to the plan you are interested in.
Prepaid Enjoy Try 4G – ETL Laos
The Prepaid Enjoy Try 4G are data bundles (without 5G NR access).
The following Prepaid Enjoy Try 4G are available, which can be activated by dialing the Activation Code:
Price | Plan | Data | Validity | Activation Code |
---|---|---|---|---|
1000 LAK | ET 7 | 25 MB | 1 day | *228*67# |
5000 LAK | ET 8 | 250 MB | 1 day | *228*68# |
10 000 LAK | ET 9 | 500 MB | 30 days | *228*69# |
50 000 LAK | ET 10 | 2.5 GB | 30 days | *228*70# |
100 000 LAK | ET 11 | 5 GB | 30 days | *228*71# |
150 000 LAK | ET 12 | 8 GB | 30 days | *228*72# |
Pack Brighter Future Plans – ETL Laos
The Pack Brighter Future plans are data bundles (without 5G NR access).
The following Pack Brighter Future plans are available, which can be activated by dialing the Activation Code:
Price | Data | Validity | Activation Code |
---|---|---|---|
3000 LAK | 2 GB | 1 day | *228*59# |
15 000 LAK | 10 GB | 5 days | *228*14# |
Torch Net SIM Plans – ETL Laos
The Torch Net SIM plans are data bundles (without 5G NR access).
The following Torch Net SIM are available, which can be activated by dialing the Activation Code:
Price | Data | Social Data 1 | Validity | Activation Code |
---|---|---|---|---|
5000 LAK | 2 GB | Unlimited | 1 day | *228*23# |
12 000 LAK | 6 GB | Unlimited | 3 days | *228*24# |
100 000 LAK | 70 GB | Unlimited | 30 days | *228*25# |
1 for unlimited Tiktok
Net SIM 4.5G – ETL Laos
The Net SIM 4.5G plans are data bundles (without 5G NR access).
The following Net SIM 4.5G are available, which can be activated by dialing the Activation Code:
Price | Plan | Data | Validity | Activation Code |
---|---|---|---|---|
10 000 LAK | ET 2 | 2 GB | 7 days | *228*62# |
10 000 LAK | ET 1 | 6 GB | 3 days | *228*61# |
20 000 LAK | ET 3 | 7 GB | 7 days | *288*63# |
50 000 LAK | ET 4 | 10 GB | 30 days | *288*64# |
85 000 LAK | ET Play 85 | 75 GB | 30 days | *228*12# |
200 000 LAK | ET 5 | 35 GB | 30 days | *288*65# |
300 000 LAK | ET 6 | 80 GB | 30 days | *288*66# |
Net SIM 4.5G Top-Ups – ETL Laos
The Net SIM 4.5G Top-Ups are data add-ons exclusively for the Net SIM 4.5G plans (without 5G NR access). They cannot be purchased as standalone plans.
The following Net SIM 4.5G Top-Ups are available, which can be activated by dialing the Activation Code:
Price | Data | Validity | Activation Code |
---|---|---|---|
10 000 LAK | 1.5 GB 1 | 30 days | *288*81# |
10 000 LAK | 6 GB | 3 days | *288*83# |
50 000 LAK | 10 GB 2 | 30 days | *288*82# |
1 for Net SIM 4.5G 50 000 LAK plan only
2 for Net SIM 4.5G 300 000 LAK plan only
Hot Packages – ETL Laos
The Hot Packages are data bundles (without 5G NR access).
The following Hot Packages are available, which can be activated by dialing the Activation Code:
Price | Data | Validity | Activation Code |
---|---|---|---|
65 000 LAK | 42 GB | 30 days | *228*10# |
85 000 LAK | 75 GB | 30 days | *228*12# |
100 000 LAK | 100 GB | 30 days | *228*13# |
Play Facebook Without Data Plans – ETL Laos
The Play Facebook Without Data plans are data bundles (without 5G NR access).
The following Play Facebook Without Data are available, which can be activated by dialing the Activation Code:
Price | Facebook Data | Validity | Activation Code |
---|---|---|---|
5000 LAK | Unlimited | 2 days | *228*26# |
10 000 LAK | Unlimited | 5 days | *228*27# |
Service for YouTube Plans – ETL Laos
The Service for YouTube plans are data bundles (without 5G NR access).
The following Service for YouTube are available, which can be activated by dialing the Activation Code:
Price | Plan | YouTube Data | Validity | Activation Code |
---|---|---|---|---|
9000 LAK | Y1 | Unlimited | 1 day | *228*33# |
19 000 LAK | Y2 | Unlimited | 7 days | *228*21# |
29 000 LAK | Y3 | Unlimited | 30 days | *228*22# |
APN/Internet Settings – ETL Laos
- Name: ETL
- APN: ltcnet
Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.
Jump back to the Table of Contents.
The Preferred Way to Stay Connected When Traveling in Laos
Getting a SIM card from Unitel would do you well when considering a Laos SIM card.
Going to other places around the world? Then you should also check out my SIM card buying guides for other destinations around the world.