Telecommunication networks in Laos
Internet cafés can be found in larger towns, however access speeds are usually painfully slow and cafe staffs have less knowledge. The most reliable connections are in Vientiane, and usually cost around 100 kip/minute, with the cheapest offering 4000 kip/hour. However the internet security is not guaranteed and computer virus issues are abandoned.
In most cases, Wi-Fi with Mac/Linux laptop or iPad are highly recommended. Some of cafés offer free WiFi-access for customers (check first if it's really free). GPRS via mobile phone is also an option, especially if you have a local or Thai SIM.
Mobile phone usage in Laos has mushroomed, with four competing GSM operators. Two of these offer roaming services. Calling people on the same network is always cheaper than calling another network, but there is no clear market leader. Tourist and expats tend to prefer Tigo or M-phone (Laotel), while locals could have any of the four networks.
Lao Telecom has agreements with some 30 international networks - see roaming with Lao Telecom .
Tigo has agreements with over 100 International phone networks - see roaming with Tigo . Another popular choice, they also have low-cost international rate of 2000 kip/minute to many countries, if you buy their SIM card and dial "177" instead of "+". However, as of February 2009, Tigo's coverage is still said to be poor away from larger towns.
ETL Mobile is known to have better coverage in rural and remote parts of Laos. However, in Laos "better" certainly does not mean "everywhere". They seem to have low-cost international call service too.
Unitel or starphone (the old name of this network) is available too.
Local prepaid SIM cards can be purchased in various shops and stores without any paperwork (at least for M-Phone and Tigo). But pay attention with almost of network also including phone or fax traffics are tapped as government order. Lao Telecom displays any comment about customers on their cell phone screen. (Ex:"A Bad Person")
As another options, there is Thai GSM coverage close to Thai border (including a significant part of Vientiane), and Thai SIM cards and top-up cards can be bought in Laos; in addition, DeeDial International Call Cards are available. Thus, if you already have Thai number, you can use (generally cheaper) Thai network and/or avoid buying one more SIM. However, beware - if you have a Thai SIM which has International Roaming activated it will connect to a Lao network when the Thai network is not available, and the roaming charges will be significantly higher.
Postal service in Laos is slow but is reliable.
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The Most Frequently Asked Travel Questions about Laos
