Planning a trip from Vietnam to Laos? While your Vietnam SIM card (Viettel, Vinaphone, Mobifone) will work in Laos through international roaming, the costs can be prohibitive. This guide compares your three main options for staying connected: using your existing Vietnam SIM on roaming, purchasing a local Laos SIM card, or activating an eSIM specifically for Laos.
I. Will My Vietnam SIM Card Work in Laos?
Yes. All three major Vietnamese carriers (Viettel, Vinaphone, and Mobifone) support international roaming throughout Laos, allowing you to stay connected without changing your number.
When you cross the border, your phone will automatically connect to partner networks in Laos. Viettel users will connect to Unitel (Viettel’s own subsidiary in Laos), while Vinaphone and Mobifone users will typically connect to Lao Telecom or sometimes Unitel.
To ensure seamless connectivity, you’ll need to:
- Enable data roaming in your phone settings
- Activate a roaming package through your carrier’s app or USSD code
Once activated, you can make calls, send texts, and use data just like at home. However, be warned that using roaming without activating a package can lead to extremely high charges, sometimes reaching hundreds of thousands of VND for minimal usage.
II. Coverage & Network Partners in Laos
Coverage quality varies depending on your Vietnamese carrier and its roaming partners in Laos. According to nPerf’s coverage maps, Laos has four main mobile networks: Unitel Mobile, LaoTel Mobile, ETL Mobile, and Tplus Mobile.
Viettel users enjoy the best experience since Unitel (Viettel’s subsidiary in Laos) provides excellent nationwide coverage. The nPerf data shows Unitel has the most comprehensive network reach, covering major cities like Vientiane, Luang Prabang, Savannakhét, and Pakxé, as well as many rural areas.
Vinaphone and Mobifone customers typically connect to LaoTel, which offers good coverage in urban centers but may have gaps in more remote regions. According to the coverage map, LaoTel’s signal is strong in population centers but less consistent in mountainous areas, particularly in the northern provinces.
While 4G is widely available in Laotian cities and tourist destinations, coverage transitions to 3G or occasionally 2G in some rural areas. If you plan to travel to remote locations, be prepared for potential connectivity limitations regardless of which Vietnamese carrier you use.
III. Roaming Cost & Data Packages
To avoid excessive charges, it’s essential to activate a roaming package before or immediately upon arrival in Laos. Each carrier offers different options:
| Carrier | Package Name | Price (VND) | Data Allowance | Validity | How to Activate | Partner Networks |
| Viettel | R50 | 50,000 | 50MB | 1 day | Text “CVQT” to 138 or dial *1381# | Unitel, Lao Telecom |
| R300 | 300,000 | 2GB | 7 days | Text “CVQT” to 138 or dial *1381# | Unitel, Lao Telecom | |
| R500 | 500,000 | 5GB | 10 days | Text “CVQT” to 138 or dial *1381# | Unitel, Lao Telecom | |
| Vinaphone | Data Roam Saver | 100,000 | 200MB | 1 day | Text “DK CVQT” to 9123 or My VNPT app | Lao Telecom |
| R10 | 10,000/min | Calls to Vietnam or within Laos | – | Text “DK CVQT” to 9123 or My VNPT app | Lao Telecom | |
| Data Roam Plus | 250,000 | 500MB | 7 days | Text “DK CVQT” to 9123 or My VNPT app | Lao Telecom | |
| Mobifone | RC1 | 100,000 | 1GB | 1 day | Text “DK CVQT” to 999 or dial 0931# | Unitel, ETL Mobile |
| RAS | 250,000 | 3.5GB | 7 days | Text “DK CVQT” to 999 or dial 0931# | Unitel, ETL Mobile | |
| RC10 | 500,000 | 5GB | 10 days | Text “DK CVQT” to 999 or dial 0931# | Unitel, ETL Mobile |
It’s recommended to register for a package before your trip. This not only helps you save money but also ensures continuous connectivity throughout your journey in Laos.
IV. Should You Roam or Use a Local SIM/eSIM Instead?
When traveling to Laos from Vietnam, you have three main options for staying connected online. Here’s what you need to know about each:
Vietnam SIM Roaming: Convenient for keeping your Vietnamese number, but expensive (50,000-500,000 VND) for limited data (50MB-5GB). Suitable only for very brief 1-2 day trips.
Laos Physical SIM: Cheapest option but requires visiting a store with your passport for registration and using a different phone number during your trip.
Laos eSIM: Perfect balance of convenience and value. LaoseSIM offers generous packages (10GB/$5.50, 15GB/$6.90, 30GB/$12.90) with instant activation via QR code. No need to swap physical SIMs – keep your Vietnamese SIM for calls/texts while using eSIM for data. Works nationwide on the Unitel network.
For most smartphones from 2020 onwards, an eSIM from LaoseSIM is the optimal choice for Vietnamese travelers visiting Laos.
V. FAQs
Can I use 4G data with my Vietnam SIM in Laos?
Yes, 4G data services are available when roaming in Laos with your Vietnamese SIM card. However, connection speeds may fluctuate depending on your location, with faster speeds typically available in cities and tourist areas, while more remote regions might experience slower connections.
Is roaming expensive?
Roaming without an activated package can be extremely expensive, with charges potentially reaching hundreds of thousands of VND per day for minimal usage. However, if you activate a specific roaming package before traveling, the costs become much more reasonable and predictable, making it affordable for trips lasting a few days.
What’s the best option for a one-week trip?
For a one-week stay in Laos, you have two practical options: either activate a weekly international roaming package from your Vietnamese carrier (Viettel, Vinaphone, or Mobifone) through their app or USSD code, or purchase a travel eSIM online which often provides more data at competitive rates without requiring a physical SIM swap.