The DriftAsia eSIM plans for Laos shown on this page use Lao Telecom, Unitel Laos and offer 3G/5G depending on the plan. Check each plan for its exact network, data allowance, validity and price before choosing. Available plans are fully refundable within 30 days as long as the eSIM has not been used on a network at the destination.
Mountainous terrain limits coverage; download offline maps.
Plan share by operator
Share of the eSIM plans we sell for Laos, by underlying operator.
- Lao Telecom63%
- Unitel Laos38%
Network at a glance
Lao Telecom is the network most travellers lean on in Laos. 5G is live on at least one operator we carry, so newer phones can reach top speeds in covered areas. On our Mobile Speed Index it scores 50, placing it mid-tier for regional speed. Median data price has risen from $0.91 per GB in April 2026 to $2.29 in August 2026.
The operators behind our plans
Each network we carry in Laos, with who runs it and what generation it reaches.
Common questions
Which operator is best in Laos?
Lao Telecom offers the widest reach for most travellers. Mountainous terrain limits coverage; download offline maps. Our eSIM plans run on the strongest available network, so you do not have to choose a SIM at the counter.
Does Laos have 5G?
Yes. At least one operator we carry runs 5G, available mainly in larger cities and along major corridors. Older devices fall back to 4G automatically.
How much is a local SIM in Laos?
A tourist SIM bought on arrival typically runs $5-11. An eSIM skips the queue and the passport scan, and activates by QR code before you land.
How many operators power Laos eSIM plans?
We carry plans across 2 operators in Laos. The donut above shows how our catalogue splits between them.
How we read this
Plan share counts how many of the eSIM plans we sell for Laos run on each operator. It reflects catalogue depth, not subscriber market share. The top operator is the network we would hand a traveller who can pick only one.