Will My Vietnam SIM Card Work in Laos?

If you are planning to travel from Vietnam to Laos, you may be wondering if you can use your Vietnam SIM card in Laos. After all, both countries are part of Southeast Asia and share a border. However, the answer is not so simple. Depending on your mobile operator and your SIM card type, you may or may not be able to use your Vietnam SIM card in Laos. In this article, we will explain the different scenarios and why you may want to consider buying a local Laos SIM card instead.

Scenario 1: You have a Vietnam SIM card from Viettel

Viettel is the largest mobile operator in Vietnam and the only one that offers roaming services in Laos. If you have a Viettel SIM card, you can use it in Laos without any extra charges. You will be able to access the same data, voice, and SMS plans as you do in Vietnam. This is because Viettel has a partnership with Unitel, the largest mobile operator in Laos, and allows its customers to use Unitel’s network as if it were their own.

However, there are some drawbacks to using a Viettel SIM card in Laos. First, you will need to manually select Unitel as your network provider when you arrive in Laos. Otherwise, your phone may connect to another network and incur roaming charges. Second, you will need to dial *177 before any phone number when making calls or sending SMS messages. This is to ensure that your call or message goes through Unitel’s network and not another one. Third, you will not be able to use some of Viettel’s value-added services, such as call forwarding, call waiting, or voicemail. Fourth, you will not be able to use the LCR App to book train tickets in Laos. Finally, you will not be able to top up your Viettel SIM card in Laos. You will need to do it before you leave Vietnam or online.

Scenario 2: You have a Vietnam SIM card from Vinaphone or Mobifone

Vinaphone and Mobifone are the second and third-largest mobile operators in Vietnam, respectively. Unlike Viettel, they do not have any roaming agreements with any mobile operators in Laos. This means that if you have a Vinaphone or Mobifone SIM card, you will not be able to use it in Laos at all. Your phone will show no service or emergency calls only when you enter Laos. You will not be able to make or receive any calls, send or receive any SMS messages, or access any data.

Scenario 3: You have an eSIM from Airalo

An eSIM is a digital SIM card that is embedded in your phone and can be downloaded from an online platform. Airalo is one of the leading eSIM providers that offers data plans for over 190 countries and regions, including Laos. If you have an eSIM from Airalo, you can use it in Laos without any hassle. You just need to download the Laos eSIM from Airalo’s website or app before you travel and activate it when you arrive in Laos. You will be able to access high-speed 4G data on Unitel’s network for as low as $5 for 1 GB for 7 days.

The benefits of using an eSIM from Airalo are that you don’t need to swap out your physical SIM card, you don’t need to worry about roaming charges or network compatibility, and you don’t need to look for a local SIM card shop or kiosk. You can also keep your original phone number and use it alongside your eSIM with a dual-SIM phone. The drawbacks is that you do not have a local phone number. This can be an issue to register local apps on your phone such as LOCA (ride-hailing) or LCR (train ticket booking). Plus, having a local phone number may be convenient to communicate with your tour guide, your driver or your hotel.

Why You Should Buy a Local Laos SIM Card

As you can see from the scenarios above, using a Vietnam SIM card in Laos is either impossible or inconvenient. That’s why we recommend buying a local Laos SIM card instead. A local Laos SIM card will give you access to the best coverage, speed, and prices for data, voice, and SMS in Laos. You will also be able to enjoy some of the local features and services that are not available with foreign SIM cards. You can also download all the local apps and experience Laos like a local!

There are four main mobile operators in Laos: Unitel, Lao Telecom (LaoTel), TPlus (formerly Beeline), and ETL. They all offer prepaid SIM cards for tourists with various data plans and validity periods. You can buy a Laos SIM card for as low as 10 000 LAK (0.50 USD) from any of their stores or kiosks. You can also buy them at Luang Prabang International Airport (LPQ) and Vientiane-Wattay International Airport (VTE).

However, if you want to save time and hassle, you can also buy a Laos SIM card online from our online store. This is an online platform that allows you to order a Laos SIM card online and have it delivered to your hotel or address in Laos. You can choose from different data plans and validity periods from Unitel, LaoTel, TPlus, and ETL. You can also pay securely online with PayPal or credit card.

The advantages of buying a Laos SIM card online from shop.internetlaos.com are that you don’t need to look for a SIM card shop or kiosk when you arrive in Laos, you don’t need to deal with language barriers or registration procedures, and you don’t need to worry about running out of credit or data. You can also enjoy free delivery and customer support.

Conclusion

In conclusion, using a Vietnam SIM card in Laos is not a good idea. Unless you have a Viettel SIM card, you will not be able to use your Vietnam SIM card in Laos at all. Even if you have a Viettel SIM card, you will face some limitations and inconveniences. That’s why we suggest buying a local Laos SIM card instead. A local Laos SIM card will give you the best experience and value for your money when using your phone in Laos.

You can buy a local Laos SIM card from any of the four mobile operators in Laos: Unitel, LaoTel, TPlus, and ETL. You can buy them in person from their stores or kiosks, or at the airports. However, if you want to avoid the hassle and save time, you can also buy a Laos SIM card online from Internet in Laos. Our online platform allows you to order a Laos SIM card online and have it delivered to your hotel or address in Laos.