Need an ETL Laos SIM card for your trip to Laos? ETL is one of the four major mobile operators in the country, offering prepaid plans starting from just $0.12. This guide covers everything you need to know: ETL’s current plans and pricing, 4G coverage across Laos, where to buy, and whether an ETL SIM Card is the right choice for your itinerary.
⚡ Get your Laos eSIM and activate it before you fly!
Table of Contents
I. Quick facts about ETL
ETL (Enterprise of Telecommunications Lao) is the third-largest mobile operator in Laos, behind Unitel and Lao Telecom. As a government-owned company established in 1996, ETL has steadily expanded its mobile network across the country’s major cities and tourist corridors.
Here are some interesting facts about this brand
- Established: 1996
- Ownership: Joint venture between Comba Telecom (51% shares) and the Laos Government (49% shares)
- Roaming: Partnership with other operators enable international incoming calls and limited data roaming in select country
- Subcribers: Over 3 millions mobile users
- Service: Beyond mobile, ETL provides fixed line telephony, FTTH broadband internet, business solutions and education programs nationwide
- Competition: ETL competes with Lao Telecom and Unitel as the third national operator expanding mobile infrastructure
ETL has grown rapidly since 2010 to become one of the top 4 mobile operators providing affordable mobile services in Laos. Its coverage is stronger in major urban areas, particularly Vientiane, Luang Prabang, Savannakhet, and Pakse.
II. ETL Coverage & Network Speed in Laos
Before choosing ETL for your trip, it helps to know where you’ll actually get a signal.
ETL Coverage in Laos
ETL’s 4G/LTE network reaches an estimated 80% of Laos’ population, concentrated along the major cities and the highways connecting them.
Where ETL works well:
- Vientiane — Full 4G coverage throughout the capital
- Luang Prabang — Reliable coverage in town and surrounding tourist areas
- Savannakhet & Pakse — Good coverage in the city centers and along Route 13
- Main highways — Route 13 (north-south) and Route 8/12 (east-west) corridors
Where ETL signal is weaker:
- Remote provinces like Phongsali, Xaisomboun, and Sekong
- Rural villages off the main highways
- Mountainous terrain in the far north and east
ETL Network Speed in Laos
ETL ranks 3rd out of 8 internet providers in Laos, with the following average speeds:
These speeds comfortably support Google Maps navigation, social media, video calls, and standard-definition streaming. However, 4K video or large downloads may buffer in areas with weaker signal. Speeds drop noticeably outside major cities.
👉In short: ETL's 4G delivers reliable speeds across the full itinerary of most tourists visiting Laos. If your trip goes off the beaten track, consider buying a physical SIM locally for backup.
ETL vs Unitel & Lao Telecom: Which SIM Card for Your Trip?
The honest answer depends on your itinerary, not just which network has the biggest name.
ETL’s 4G works well across all major tourist destinations: Vientiane, Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng, Savannakhet, Pakse, and the highways between them. For the classic tourist route, ETL’s coverage is everything you need.
However, Unitel still has the widest overall coverage in Laos, and Lao Telecom offers strong urban performance. If your trip goes deep into rural areas such as Phongsali, Xaisomboun, those SIM Card may reach further.
III. ETL SIM Card Plans & Price for Tourists
Best prepaid ETL SIM cards for tourists
ETL (Enterprise of Telecommunications Lao) offers prepaid SIM cards with various data, voice, and social media packages catering to tourists and locals in Laos. Base SIM cards start at 10,000 Kip (about $0.45 USD).
Popular short-term and monthly data packages include options for general data, specific apps, and unlimited browsing.
| Package Name | Price | Data | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weekend Plan | 5000 LAK (~0.23 USD) | 2 GB (Usable on Saturday + Sunday only) | 2 day |
| Eco 2 | 7000 LAK (~0.32 USD) | 2 GB | 2 days |
| Night Package | 12000 LAK (~0.55 USD) | 5GB (Usable from 23:00 – 07:00 on weekdays) | 5 days |
| ET 1 Day | 15000 LAK (~0.68 USD) | 1GB | 1 day |
| ET 15 Day | 35000 LAK (~1.59 USD) | 15 GB | 15 days |
| Enjoy play 55 | 55000 LAK (~2.50 USD) | 20 GB | 30 days |
| Enjoy play 90 | 90000 LAK (~4.09 USD) | 42GB | 30 days |
Best value for tourists:
- Short trip (1–3 days): The Weekend package ($0.2 for 2 GB / 2 days) offers excellent value for weekend visitors or quick stopovers.
- Week-long trip: Start with ET 15 ($1.6 for 15 GB / 15 days) and top up for more data if needed.
ETL also offers postpaid plans (Happy Plus series with 1 GB, 3 GB, or 5 GB monthly), but prepaid is almost always better value for tourists. No contract, no commitments, and more reliable coverage for prepaid users.
IV. Where to buy an ETL Laos SIM card?
At the airport: Wattay International Airport in Vientiane has a reliable ETL counter. Luang Prabang and Pakse airports may have limited availability. You might need to visit a town shop after landing.
ETL official stores: Available in all major cities. Search “ETL store” on Google Maps at your destination for the nearest location. Stores carry the full range of plans and current promotions.
Mobile shops & convenience stores: Small phone shops near tourist areas and markets often stock basic ETL starter packs. Prices there are the same as official stores.
⚠️ Be careful of pre-activated SIM Card:
Lao telecommunication laws strictly mandate that all mobile SIM cards must be registered with a valid physical passport. Do not purchase pre-activated ETL SIM cards from unauthorized street vendors or independent souvenir shops. These unofficial numbers are regularly swept, flagged, and terminated by the ETL network without notice, leaving you with an immediate loss of connectivity mid-trip.
Always ensure your physical passport is officially scanned at authorized airport counters or official ETL flagship storefronts.
V. How to Activate ETL Laos SIM card
Once you have purchased your SIM card, you will need to set up and activate it before using it.
To use your ETL SIM card, follow these steps:
- Insert your ETL SIM card into your mobile device
- Turn on your mobile device and wait for the network to connect
- Your ETL SIM card should now be activated and ready to use
Note:
If your phone is locked to a specific carrier, it won't accept the ETL SIM. Make sure your device is unlocked before travel.
Troubleshooting: ETL Laos APN Settings
If your mobile data does not work instantly after activation, your phone’s Access Point Name (APN) may need a manual override.
- Default APN configuration: Name:
ETL| APN:etldata(Leave username/password blank). - Community-Verified Fix: If you see “No Internet Connection” on iPhone or Pixel devices, change the APN string from
etldatatointernetoretlnet, save the profile, toggle Airplane Mode on/off, and restart your device.
VI. ETL SIM Card Call & SMS Rates
ETL offers affordable call and SMS rates for both domestic and international call. Here’s a quick summary of ETL’s call and SMS rates:
| Rate (LAK) | Rate (USD) | |
|---|---|---|
| Domestic Calls (to any local network) | 800/min | ~$0.04 / min |
| International Calls | Varies by country Starts from ~5,000 LAK ($0.23) / min | Varies by country |
| On-net SMS (To ETL numbers) | 100 LAK / SMS | ~$0.005 / SMS |
| Off-Net SMS (To other local networks) | 200 LAK / SMS | ~$0.01 / SMS |
| International SMS | 860 LAK / SMS | ~$0.04 / SMS |
With international call and SMS, rates vary depending on the country. Here are samples call on ETL’s network when calling popular international destinations from Laos
| Country | Rate/Minute (LAK) | Rate/Minute (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Thailand | 2500 | ~$0.11 |
| Vietnam | 3000 | ~$0.14 |
| Singapore | 2000 | ~$0.09 |
| USA | 2000 | ~$0.09 |
| UK | 46500 | ~$2.11 |
| Australia | 4000 | ~$0.18 |
International calls on ETL Laos SIM Cards are relatively cheap, but if you’re using a data-only ETL SIM Card, WhatsApp, Messenger, or Line are the way to go for staying connected in Laos.
VII. How to Top-up your ETL SIM card
You can top up your ETL prepaid balance in several ways:
- Scratch cards: Available at convenience stores and mobile shops across Laos
- ETL mobile app: Download from the App Store or Google Play
- USSD code: Dial *102# and follow the on-screen prompts
- ETL stores: Staff can help you process top-ups directly
How to Check ETL Balance
The quickest way to check your ETL balance and usage is via USSD codes. Just dial these from your ETL number:
- *121# : Check Balance
- 1234# : Data usage status
- 1231# : Call usage status
- 1232# : Call settings
- 1233# : SMS usage status
- *101# : Call customer service
- *100# : Network information
- 1321# : Change bundle
You can also check your balance by sending an SMS with the text “BAL” to 1250, through the ETL mobile app, or by visiting any ETL store.
💡 Tip: Check your balance regularly to avoid running out of credit mid-trip, especially if you're navigating with Google Maps or streaming videos.
VII. Does ETL offer eSIM?
ETL also offers eSIMs for tourists who prefer a online setup instead of inserting physical one. ETL’s eSIM plans offer more flexibility in terms of data capacity and duration compared to traditional SIM cards, but they require an eSIM-compatible device.
Here are some of the most popular options chosen by Laosesim’s customers:
Why buy from laosesim.com?
- QR code delivered instantly by email — activate in under 2 minutes
- No KYC, no passport registration, no airport counter needed
- 24/7 WhatsApp support if you hit any issues
- Plans work from the moment you land
Traveling beyond Laos? We also offer multi-country plans covering Laos + Thailand, Vietnam + Laos + Cambodia, and across 14 Asian countries.
VIII. FAQs about ETL Laos
Can I convert my physical ETL tourist SIM into an eSIM at the Vientiane airport kiosk?
Yes, but it is not recommended. The official ETL counters at Wattay Airport frequently run out of digital eSIM activation profiles and the manual passport registration process takes significantly longer. For an instant setup, it is highly advised to purchase a pre-configured Laos eSIM online through platforms like laosesim.com before your flight.
How do I dial an international number using an ETL SIM card?
To make an international call on the ETL network, you must use the prefix 00 or + followed by the country code and the phone number. For example, to call a US number, dial 001 or +1 followed by the area code and subscriber number.
Does ETL have 5G in Laos?
No. Currently, ETL does not offer 5G service. The network operates on 2G, 3G, and 4G/LTE.
What happens if I run out of data on my ETL SIM Card?
You can top up anytime by dialing *102#, using the ETL mobile app, or buying a scratch card at any convenience store. If you’re on an eSIM from laosesim.com, you can purchase an additional data top-up through our website or contact WhatsApp support.
Is ETL coverage strong enough for remote trekking in Northern Laos?
ETL’s coverage is not strong enough for remote trekking in Northern Laos. While it works perfectly in urban hubs like Luang Prabang and provincial towns, signals may drop out quickly in the mountainous terrain, deep jungles, and remote ethnic villages.
IX. Final words
ETL provides reliable and affordable 4G connectivity across Laos’ most-visited cities, tourist routes, and transport corridors. By choosing ETL as your mobile network, you can easily share awesome moments with your friends, find your way around new places without any trouble, and keep in touch with your family and friends who are far away.
Get ready to have an awesome time and create super cool memories in this pretty country with ETL
