Laos is usually travelled from north to south or the other way round: Luang Prabang with its temples and dawn alms round, Vang Vieng among the limestone peaks, the capital Vientiane, and further south the Bolaven Plateau and the 4,000 Islands on the Mekong. Many visitors arrive on the two-day slow boat from the Thai border, others by train from China. Laos is outside the EU's Roam Like at Home area, so European plans charge their own roaming rates there.
Key facts for Laos
- EU roaming: not covered by Roam Like at Home
- Local networks: Lao Telecom, Unitel, ETL (depending on the plan)
- Emergency numbers: police 1191; ambulance 1195; fire 1190
- Embassies: in Vientiane
Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng and Vientiane
Coverage is good in all three towns. The Laos–China Railway links Vientiane, Vang Vieng and Luang Prabang in a few hours, and tickets sell out, so book ahead with your passport. If you watch the alms round in Luang Prabang, keep your distance, dress modestly and do not use flash.
The Mekong and the north
On the slow boat between Huay Xai and Luang Prabang, the signal drops for long stretches, so download entertainment and maps before boarding. Around Nong Khiaw and in the far north, coverage is patchy in the valleys, and during the monsoon, journeys can take far longer than planned.
Tubing, rivers and motorbikes
Tourists have drowned or been seriously injured while tubing, kayaking and swimming, and operators do not always give proper safety advice: wear a life jacket and avoid alcohol on the water. If you rent a motorbike, ask for a helmet, check that your insurance covers it, and never leave your passport as a deposit, as some renters have kept passports and demanded large sums for damage. Avoid riding after dark, when unlit vehicles and water buffalo share the road.
Unexploded ordnance
Landmines and other unexploded weapons still kill people every year, especially in the east and south-east of the country. Stay on main routes and marked paths, including at the Plain of Jars, and never pick up metal objects.
Drugs, spiking and methanol
Laos has zero tolerance for drug offences, including cannabis, and police may test travellers. Never leave food or drinks unattended. Methanol poisoning has killed travellers, and the authorities have banned the Tiger Vodka and Tiger Whisky brands, so avoid cheap spirits and cocktails of unknown origin.
Areas to avoid
The UK advises against all but essential travel to Xaisomboun Province, north of Vientiane. The main tourist routes do not pass through it.
Paying
The currency is the kip. Cash machines are found in the towns, but keep your cards and cash in separate bags, and do not rely on hotel safes. US dollars and Thai baht are accepted in some tourist businesses.
Getting connected
A travel eSIM set up before your trip connects on arrival in Vientiane or Luang Prabang, or as you cross from Thailand, and your usual number keeps receiving texts and bank codes. An Asia plan covers Laos together with Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia.
Lao prepaid SIMs from Unitel, Lao Telecom or ETL are sold at the airports and in phone shops, and must be registered with your passport.
Consular protection: who to call in Laos
- Call 1191 for the police, 1195 for an ambulance and 1190 for the fire brigade; Vientiane also has a tourist police office.
- Embassies are in Vientiane. The Telcomia app shows yours, with address and phone.
- If you are an EU citizen and your country has no embassy or consulate in Laos, the embassy of any other EU country must help you on the same terms as its own nationals (Article 23 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU).
- Police help can be slow, and officers sometimes ask visitors to cover costs, so keep your insurer's emergency line at hand.
Questions travellers ask about Laos
Does my EU plan work in Laos?
No. Laos is outside Roam Like at Home, so your operator's roaming rates apply.
Is there signal on the slow boat?
Only near the villages along the river. Download what you need before boarding.
Which networks does a Telcomia eSIM use in Laos?
Lao Telecom on most plans, and Unitel or ETL on some, with 4G and 5G where available.
What are the emergency numbers?
1191 for the police, 1195 for an ambulance and 1190 for the fire brigade.
The short version
Install the eSIM before you go, book the train early, keep your passport out of motorbike deals, stay on marked paths, steer clear of cheap spirits and drugs, and save 1191 and 1195.
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