Planning a trip to Laos and wondering how to stay connected? Laos Unitel SIM cards are the most popular choice for tourists. Unitel is Laos’ #1 network, with the widest 4G coverage and the fastest data speeds in the country.
But here’s what most “Laos SIM card” guides don’t tell you: the experience of buying a physical Unitel SIM card is often frustrating. Tourists regularly end up overpaying at unofficial roadside sellers, struggling to top up at shops where no one speaks English, or buying a SIM card that turns out to be inactive.
This guide covers everything about Laos Unitel SIM cards: plans, pricing, coverage, activation, and how to choose the right connectivity option for your trip.
⚡ Skip the airport lines! Get your Laos eSIM and activate it before you fly!
Table of Contents
I. Laos Unitel: Quick Facts & Brand Overview
Unitel (officially Star Telecom Co., Ltd.) is a joint venture between Viettel Global (Vietnam) and Lao Asia Telecom. The name combines “Uni” from “United” and “Tel” from “Telecommunication”. So, its name means a telecom network to connect the Laotian and bring them a better life.
- Official name: Star Telecom. Co, Ltd.
- Brand name: Unitel consisting of Uni in “United” and Tel in “Telecommunication”. So, its name means a telecom network to connect the Laotian and bring them a better life.
- Established: 2007
- Service launch: November 2009, 4G service nationwide since 2015
- Services: Mobile, Internet, fixed broadband
- Distribution: 143 shops, 174 agents and sales points, 400+ sales staff.
- Subscribers: 3.5 million, comprising 58% of market share in the telecommunications sector (Updated in 2025).
- Awards and Recognitions: Ookla Speedtest Award – Best Network Infrastructure in Laos (2025); Asia Pacific Stevie Awards 2020 (Innovation in Consumer Products)
Among the best mobile operators in Laos, Unitel stands out for its extensive physical network and competitive pricing, making it a strong choice for tourists.
II. Unitel SIM Card Coverage & Speed in Laos
Unitel boasts an impressive network coverage that spans across cities, towns, and even remote areas in Laos, achieving coverage of over 95% of Laos’ population. Whether you’re exploring Vientiane, Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng or Pakse, Unitel provides reliable 4G/LTE signal.
Here comes a quick glance at the Laos Unitel Coverage and speed below:
1. Unitel Coverage Map
As mentioned above, Unitel services cover up to 95% of Laos’ population. You can check its coverage map:
Key coverage highlights:
- Vientiane, Luang Prabang, Pakse, Savannakhet: Strong 4G throughout
- Vang Vieng, 4000 Islands, Bolaven Plateau: 4G available in town centers, 3G in surrounding areas
- Remote mountainous areas: 3G/2G; signal may drop in very isolated spots
2. Unitel Speeds in Laos
Based on Ookla Speedtest data, users can expect:
According to this result, with Unitel’s 4G/LTE network you can browse the web, watch videos, and use apps smoothly. But the actual speed you get can depend on things like how many people are using the network, how strong the signal is, and the device you’re using. In crowded places or when lots of people are using the network, the speed might be slower because there’s more traffic.
If you want hassle-free connectivity, get a Laos eSIM online before your departure. Laosesim.com offers the best near-local price eSIM starting at just $2.90
III. Laos Unitel SIM Card Plans & Prices for Tourists
Unitel’s prepaid SIM cards use a USSD-activated package system. You buy the SIM, load credit via scratch cards, then activate a data package by dialing a code.
Starter SIM cost
- Physical SIM card: 10,000 kip (~$0.55 USD) at Unitel stores
- Comes with 5,000 kip credit + 200 MB preloaded data
- After successful ID registration: bonus 1 GB valid for 7 days + 10,000 kip additional credit
Data-Only Unitel SIM Card:
If your primary need is mobile data for browsing the internet, using social media, or accessing maps, Unitel offers data-only SIM cards. These SIM cards typically come with generous data allowances and can be a cost-effective option for travelers who primarily require internet connectivity.
| Duration | Data | Price Kip – USD | Activation code |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 days | 6 GB | 10,000 (~$0.55 USD) | 20930# |
| 7 days | 1.5 GB | 10,000 (~$0.55 USD) | 20923# |
| 30 days | 5 GB | 50,000 (~$2.75 USD) | 20924# |
| 30 days | 30 GB | 200,000 (~$11 USD) | 20932# |
Overuse rate: 300 kip/MB after package data is exhausted. You can deactivate packages with 2090# to avoid surprise charges.
Voice + Data Unitel SIM Card:
If you require calls and data services, Unitel’s voice and data SIM cards are suitable. These SIM cards provide a balance of voice minutes and data allowance, allowing you to make local calls and access the internet during your stay in Laos.
| Duration | Data | Price Kip – USD | Activation code |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24 hours | 60 MB | 2,000 (~$0.10 USD) | 2092# |
| 24 hours | 125 MB | 5,000 (~$0.27 USD) | 2093# |
| 30 days | 1.5 GB | 50,000 (~$2.75 USD) | 2097# |
| 30 days | 3 GB | 100,000 (~$5.50 USD) | 2098# |
| 30 days | 4 GB | 120,000 (~$6.60 USD) | 2099# |
IV. Where to buy Laos Unitel SIM card?
If you’re visiting Laos and want to get a SIM card, no worries! Here are some places where you can buy one:
- Airports: Kiosks at Wattay International Airport (Vientiane), Luang Prabang International Airport, and Pakse International Airport. Just look for the Unitel booth right after customs.
- Unitel stores: 143 stores across Laos. In Vientiane, there are multiple locations along the main roads.
- Authorized retailers: Small phone shops, convenience stores, and guesthouses in tourist areas often sell Unitel SIM cards.
And don’t forget to bring your passport when you buy a SIM card in Laos. They might ask for your ID during the registration process.
Stay Alert: Pre-Activated SIM Card Scams
Every active mobile SIM card must be legally registered to an individual passport. Do not buy pre-activated SIM cards from random street vendors or unauthorized shops. These lines might be linked to fraudulent profiles; local authorities routinely terminate these numbers without warning, causing data loss mid-trip.
V. How to Activate & Top Up a Laos Unitel SIM Card
Activating Laos Unitel SIM Cards:
It’s not difficult to use a Unitel SIM Card in Laos. In case this is your first time using it, please check for instruction below.
- Insert the SIM Card into your phone’s SIM slot
- Power on your device. the device should automatically find and lock onto the Unitel signal.
- Wait for signal. Most SIM cards come pre-activated. If cellular bars display but web apps fail to load, you must manually confirm your internal Access Point Name (APN) options within network settings:
- APN Name:
unitel - APN:
internet
- APN Name:
- Dial
*122#to check your account balance and confirm activation.
Please refer to our step-by-step eSIM Installation Guide with screen capture for an easy setup.
Topping up Laos Unitel SIM Cards:
If you run out of data or call minutes, follow these general steps:
- Buy a recharge voucher from any Unitel store, convenience shop, or street vendor (look for the Unitel sign)
- Scratch off the silver strip to reveal the 16-digit code
- Dial
*123*[16-digit code]#and press call - You’ll receive a confirmation SMS with your new balance
You can also download the Unitel mobile app to top up online. It also helps you check balance, and manage your data packages.
VI. Laos Unitel Call & SMS rates
Unitel offer some pretty reasonable rates for both calls and texts. The mobile operator also have various packages and promotions available that can save you even more money on your phone bills. If you’re using a data-only SIM Card, you can make free calls via WhatsApp, Line, or Messenger instead.
- Domestic call: 800 Kip ($0.04)/min
- Internal SMS: 100 Kip ($0.005)/SMS
- SMS to other mobile networks: 200 Kip ($0.01)/SMS
- International SMS: 500 Kip ($0.025)/SMS
- International calls: Depends on that country’s call rates
Note: International calls and text rates tend to be higher than local ones, so keep an eye on that.
VII. Useful USSD codes for Laos Unitel SIM Card
Some useful USSD codes for Unitel SIM:
| *122# | Check Balance |
| *127# | Check Phone Number |
| *126# | Data Balance |
| *101# | Check Data Package |
| 1220 | Customer Care |
VIII. Unitel SIM Card vs. Unitel eSIM: Which One Is Right for You?
| Unitel physical SIM card | Unitel eSIM (via LaoseSIM) | |
|---|---|---|
| Where to buy | Compatible with nearly all phones | Online, before you fly |
| Setup | 15–30 min (airport queue + registration) | Under 5 minutes |
| Unauthorized / Overpriced SIM | Unoffical sellers | Official source |
| SIM card slot required | Requires physical card inserted | Profile downloaded into your devices |
| Keep your main SIM active | Must switch SIM Card | Dual SIM |
| Top-up required | Yes, at local shops | Cannot be topped up |
| Coverage | Same Unitel network | Same Unitel network |
| Authorization | Unitel official | Direct distribution agreement with Unitel |
While SIM cards are affordable and universal solution, a tourist eSIM provides benefits of digital management if your device supports this technology.
IX. About LaoseSIM’s Official Unitel eSIM
LaoseSIM holds a direct distribution agreement with Unitel for tourist eSIM products. This means the eSIM plans available on this site are not resold through intermediaries — they come directly from Unitel’s network provisioning system.
What this means for you as a tourist:
- The plan activates reliably, no risk of getting an inactive or pre-used profile
- Pricing matches Unitel’s official tourist tariffs, no markup from middlemen
- Support is available 24/7 via WhatsApp if activation has any issue
Due to overwhelming demand, Unitel eSIM products are currently being restocked at lightning speed. To ensure your trip is uninterrupted, please check out highly stable alternatives from ETL, with a variety of options to suit your travel dates:
X. FAQs about Unitel SIM Card
What are the correct APN settings if my Unitel mobile data isn’t working?
While Unitel’s network profile typically defaults to internet, travelers on older Android or iOS models occasionally encounter connectivity glitches with this setting. If you see cellular bars but apps won’t load, head to your device’s network settings and manually change the configuration to the verified community-reported setting: Set the APN name to Unitel and the APN string to unitel3g. Leave the username and password fields completely blank, save your changes, and restart your phone.
Is it safe to buy a Laos Unitel tourist SIM card from airport counters?
Yes, the dedicated Unitel counters located right outside the baggage claim zones at Vientiane, Luang Prabang, and Pakse airports are official, authorized operations. They sell genuine tourist products and will scan your passport legally.
Can I watch Netflix or stream YouTube videos smoothly over Unitel data?
Yes. Unitel’s 4G LTE network delivers stable, reliable download speeds that easily handle high-definition video streaming on Netflix, YouTube, and TikTok without buffering, especially around major tourist hubs like Vientiane, Vang Vieng, and Luang Prabang.
Does Unitel eSIM work with older iPhone?
It is exclusively supported on newer smartphone generations, such as the iPhone XR, iPhone 11, or newer models. Older devices like the iPhone X or iPhone 8 cannot run an eSIM profile and require a physical plastic tourist SIM card instead.
Is Unitel SIM Card better than ETL’s or Lao Telecom’s?
Unitel has the largest market share and won the speed test. However, for tourists, the differences are minimal in major cities. ETL and Lao Telecom both offer solid 4G coverage in tourist zones.
Do I need to register my Unitel SIM card?
Yes, this is a strict legal requirement mandated by the Laotian government. Airport kiosks and Unitel stores handle this for you at the time of purchase. It takes less than 5 minutes to scan your passport.
XI. Final words
Unitel is the largest and most reliable mobile network in Laos, with the widest coverage, fastest speeds, and affordable prepaid plans. For tourists who plan to buy a physical SIM card upon arrival, Unitel is the top recommendation. However, if you want more convenience, Unitel’s eSIM is available for online purchase.
Either way, staying connected in Laos is easy and affordable and with Unitel Laos, you have everything you need for your trip.
