You may use your Thai SIM card in Laos. You must, however, acquire a roaming plan from your Thai carrier. Roaming packages normally cost roughly 100 baht (about US$3) per day and include internet, phone, and SMS access.
Some Thai carriers, such as AIS, offer a special roaming package for Laos that is cheaper than the standard roaming package. This package costs around 50 baht (about US$1.50) per day and gives you access to data, voice, and SMS.
If you are unsure whether your Thai carrier provides a Laos roaming plan, you may contact your carrier’s customer service department.
Here are some things to keep in mind when using your Thai SIM in Laos:
- Roaming fees can be expensive, so check with your carrier before you leave.
- The signal strength may be less than in Thailand.
- In Laos, you may not be able to utilize all of the capabilities on your Thai SIM card.
If you want a more economical alternative, you may buy a local SIM card in Laos. Local SIM cards are usually relatively cheap and provide access to internet, phone, and SMS.
Here are some tips for purchasing a local SIM card in Laos:
- Most convenience stores and mobile phone businesses sell local SIM cards.
- A local SIM card normally costs between 10,000 kips (about US$1) and 20,000 kips (about US$2).
- When purchasing a local SIM card, you must present your passport and visa.