Looking for a Laos Unitel SIM card for your trip? Unitel is Laos’ largest mobile carrier holding 58% market share, 4G coverage across 95% of the population, and the 2025 Ookla Best Network award winner.
This guide covers everything about the Laos Unitel SIM card: plans, pricing, coverage, activation, and how to choose the right connectivity option for your trip.
⚡ 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 Network Coverage & 4G 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.
III. Connectivity Options: Laos Unitel SIM Card, eSIM & Pocket WiFi
Laos Unitel is known for its high-speed 4G network in major cities and towns. They has got you covered with some awesome ways to stay connected like SIM card, Pocket Wifi and Data Roaming, their options are similarly priced and provide excellent value.
You can check out these options:
| Option | Description | Price | Unitel Advantage | Potential Limitation |
| SIM Card | Pay-as-you-go data packages | From $3 for 1GB | Fastest 4G speeds for streaming/downloads | Cellular connection limits speeds |
| Pocket WiFi | Rental WiFi hotspot | Plans from $25/month | Sharable internet for all devices | Dependent on cellular signal quality |
| Roaming | Travelers can stay in touch easily abroad | Can exceed $5–15 USD per MB with some carriers | No need to insert/add any new SIM, but your primary SIM only | Crazy expensive & Unable to control your usage if your primary SIM is post-paid |
The affordability, flexibility and portability make a SIM card a good simple choice for many casual tourists. Once you’ve got that, just pop the SIM card into your device. And voila! You’re good to go! The SIM card will automatically connect, and you can start using your phone, tablet, or laptop right away.
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
IV. Best Laos Unitel SIM Card & Prices for Tourists
As a tourist, the best Unitel SIM Card should be a prepaid SIM Card. Fortunately, Unitel in Laos offers various prepaid SIM card options for tourists, of which the one should be chosen depends on your specific needs and usage requirements. Here are a few options to consider:
1. 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.
| Feature | Details |
| Plan Options | 500MB (30 days), 1GB, 3GB, 5GB |
| Prices | 30,000 kip for 500MB, prices vary up to 150,000 kip for 5GB |
| Validity | Plans range from 30 days to no expiration |
| Data Speeds | LTE/3G depending on coverage, no throttling |
| Additional Data | Can top-up before expiration online or via app |
| International Use | SIM locked to Unitel Laos network only |
| Registration | No registration needed, quick activation |
2. 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.
| Plan | Allowances | Validity | Price (USD) |
| 1 Day | 1GB Data / Unl Calls/SMS | 1 Day | $1.02 |
| 3 Days | 1GB Data/Day, Unl Calls/SMS | 3 Days | $2.04 |
| 7 Days | 2GB Data/Day, Unl Calls/SMS | 7 Days | $3.57 |
| 15 Days | 2GB Data/Day, Unl Calls/SMS | 15 Days | $6.12 |
| 30 Days | 3GB Data/Day, Unl Calls/SMS | 30 Days | $10.21 |
V. Unitel eSIM – A Modern Alternative
Unitel was the first mobile operators in Laos to launch eSIM support. They begin rolling out eSIM capabilities in late 2021 on a limites basis and full commercial availability profiles was announced in early 2022.
Comparing to the physicial SIM, the eSIM carries various advantages as follows:
| Feature | SIM card | eSIM |
| Pros | Compatible with nearly all phones | No physical card needed |
| Can be purchased easily locally | Can load multiple profiles on one device | |
| No activation fees | Manage profiles remotely online | |
| Cons | Requires insertion in device | Limited to newer flagship devices |
| Can be lost and damaged | Requires cloud connection for set up | |
| Only one or two SIM per device | Not universally adopted yet |
While SIM cards are affordable and universal solution, a tourist eSIM provides benefits of digital management if your device supports this technology.
VI. Where to buy Laos Unitel SIM card and eSIM?
1. 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.
2. Where to buy Laos Unitel eSIM
The best place to buy a Unitel eSIM for Laos is to get it online, and the best time to get it is before your departure for Laos.
The process to get the Laos Unitel eSIM online is quite easy as follows:
- Step 1: Access to website/app of a Unitel eSIM provider, such as Laosesim.com
- Step 2: Select the esim plan that fits your trip length.
- Step 3: Make payment online (credit card, PayPal, etc.).
- Step 4: Check your inbox for an instant email containing a QR code.
- Step 5: Install it before or after landing and enjoy your trip.
VII. How to Activate Your Laos Unitel SIM Card/eSIM
It’s not difficult to use a Unitel SIM/eSIM for Laos. In case this is your first time using it, please check for instruction below.
1. Activate a Laos Unitel SIM card
- 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.
2. Activate a Laos Unitel eSIM
- Check our eSIM Compatibility List to see if your device supports eSIM.
- Scan the QR code from your email to install the eSIM
- Label your eSIM (e.g., “Laos eSIM”)
- Enable data roaming on the eSIM line
- Turn on the eSIM when you arrive in Laos. It activates automatically the moment you land.
Please refer to our step-by-step eSIM Installation Guide with screen capture for an easy setup.
VIII. Laos Unitel Call & SMS rates
Call & SMS Rates
| Domestic call | 800 Kip ($0.04)/min |
| Internal SMS | 100 Kip ($0.005)/SMS |
| Off-network SMS | 200 Kip ($0.01)/SMS |
| International SMS | 500 Kip ($0.025)/SMS |
| International calls | based on that country's call 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 plan, you can make free calls via WhatsApp, Line, or Messenger instead.
Note: International calls and text rates tend to be higher than local ones, so keep an eye on that.
IX. Useful USSD codes for Laos Unitel SIM Card/eSIM
Here are some useful USSD codes for Unitel SIM
USSD Codes
| *122# | Check Balance |
| *127# | Check Phone Number |
| *126# | Data Balance |
| *101# | Check Data Package |
| 1220 | Customer Care |
X. How To Top up Your Unitel SIM Card
To top up your SIM card in Laos, you can follow these general methods:
Method 1: Scratch Card (Most Common)
- 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
Method 2: Unitel App
Download the Unitel mobile app to top up digitally. It also helps you check balance, and manage your data packages.
Method 3: Ask Your Hotel
Many hotels and guesthouses in tourist areas can help you top up for a small fee.
Check your balance anytime by dialing *122#.
XI. Tips to Save Money with Unitel
Here’s the exciting part: Unitel has lots of promotions and they’re known for having the best prices. So, it’s always a good idea to tell about how to reduce your mobile bills
There are some ways travelers can save money when using Unitel’s network in Laos:
- Purchase multi-day or monthly data plans – These work out cheaper per day than one-time daily data bundles. Check Laos eSIM for good value weekly/monthly options.
- Refer a friend – Unitel offers rewards for existing customers who refer others via their mobile app.
- Check for promotions – Unitel runs occasional bonus data campaigns via social media. Always good to stay up-to-date on deals.
Being mindful of data usage and taking advantage of Unitel add-ons can significantly save some money when traveling in Laos.
XII. FAQs about Unitel in Laos
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 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 better than ETL or Lao Telecom?
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.
XIII. 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.
