Why an eSIM is Recommended for Laos
No Free EU Roaming
Unlike European countries, Laos does not benefit from free EU roaming. Your home plan will be expensive: between $2 and $5 per MB depending on your carrier. For a one-week trip with moderate usage (browsing, social media), you can easily spend $50 to $100 on roaming.
Free WiFi vs eSIM
Free WiFi is indeed widespread in Laos (hotels, cafes, shopping malls), but it has risks:
- Security: unsecured public networks, hacking risks
- Reliability: unstable connections, frequent dropouts
- Mobility: impossible to use while traveling (transport, excursions)
An eSIM offers secure and reliable connectivity everywhere, even in remote areas.
Network Coverage in Laos
Laos has 4G coverage in major cities thanks to three major carriers:
| Carrier |
Coverage |
4G |
Market Share |
Used by |
| Unitel |
Major cities |
Yes |
Leader |
GoMoWorld, Airalo |
| Lao Telecom |
Major cities |
Yes |
Important |
LinkeSIM, Saily |
| ETL |
Major cities |
Yes |
Minor |
Holafly |
Note: Coverage is limited in rural areas. Expect variable connectivity in mountainous and remote regions.
Coverage by destination
- Vientiane: excellent 4G throughout the capital
- Luang Prabang: good coverage in the city and tourist areas
- Vang Vieng: good coverage in the city, variable in nature areas
- 4000 Islands (Si Phan Don): variable coverage depending on the island, generally good in tourist areas
- Paksé: good coverage in the city
- Rural and mountainous areas: limited coverage, variable or no connection
How to Install Your Laos eSIM
- Purchase your plan (QR code received by email in 2 min)
- Install 24-48 hours before departure from your WiFi
- Activate upon arrival in Laos (timer starts)
- Keep your home SIM for calls and texts
Compatibility: iPhone XS+, Samsung S20+, Pixel 3+, Xiaomi 12+, OnePlus 8+
Best Laos eSIM 2026
<BlogSummaryTable
title="Top 5 Laos eSIM 2026"
countryCode="LA"
countrySlug="laos"
plans={[
{
rank: 1,
providerId: "airalo",
data: "5 GB",
duration: "30 days",
price: "$8.50",
highlight: "Global leader",
promoCode: "ESIMP15",
},
{
rank: 2,
providerId: "gomoworld",
data: "10 GB",
duration: "30 days",
price: "$6.80",
highlight: "Best value for money",
promoCode: "ESIMP",
},
{
rank: 3,
providerId: "holafly",
data: "Unlimited",
duration: "15 days",
price: "$47",
highlight: "Unlimited data + hotspot",
},
{
rank: 4,
providerId: "linkesim",
data: "10 GB",
duration: "30 days",
price: "$4.50",
highlight: "Lowest price",
},
{
rank: 5,
providerId: "saily",
data: "3 GB",
duration: "30 days",
price: "$6.20",
highlight: "NordVPN included",
promoCode: "ESIMP",
},
]}
/>
Why these providers?
- Airalo: global leader (8M+ users), Unitel network, code ESIMP15 (-15%)
- GoMoWorld: Unitel network (leader), code ESIMP (-10%), best value for money
- Holafly: unlimited + hotspot, ideal for heavy users and families
- LinkeSIM: cheapest, perfect for budget travelers
- Saily: built-in NordVPN to secure public WiFi connections
Conclusion
For all travelers to Laos, an eSIM is highly recommended as home roaming is very expensive ($2 to $5 per MB).
Best choice: GoMoWorld 10 GB at $6.80 with code ESIMP offers the best value for a classic stay.
For heavy users: Holafly unlimited eliminates any stress, even for streaming and hotspot.
Budget option: LinkeSIM 10 GB at $4.50 remains very economical.
Important: Coverage is limited in rural areas. Expect variable connectivity in mountainous and remote regions.
Laos eSIM FAQ