Unitel SIM Cards and eSIM for Tourists: How to Get and Activate 2024

Clover Garcia

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Latest update: September 2024

Learn about Unitel network and information about Unitel’s SIM card and eSIM including how to activate, speed, coverage and cost to make the right choice for your trip in Laos.

Have you heard about Unitel SIM cards in Laos? They’re a fantastic choice for your mobile communication needs when you visit this beautiful country!

I. Overview about Unitel – What you need to know

• Founded year: Unitel was officially established in October 2009.
• Full company name: Unitel consisting of Uni in “United” and Tel in “Telecommunication”. So, its name means a telecom network to connect the Laotians and bring them a better life.
• Service launched: in November 2009, 4G service in 2015.
• Types of services provided: Unitel provides telecommunication services, including mobile telephony, internet access, data services, mobile banking, and digital entertainment.
• Number of subscribers: 3.5 million, comprising 58% of market share in the telecommunications sector (Updated in 2022).
• Coverage:  Both urban and rural areas.
• Estimated number of the network of stores, and agents: 143 shops, 174 agents and sales points, 400 salespeople.
• Awards received: Laos’ speed test award ™ Winner for mobile network speed in 2020 and Innovation in Public Administration Services and Innovation in Consumer Products and Services at 2020 Asia Pacific Stevie Awards.

II. Unitel Coverage in Laos

Here is an analysis of Unitel’s coverage based on Unitel Mobile cellular data network:

• Coverage Experience: Unitel offers widespread coverage across various regions in Laos. Whether you are in urban areas or rural regions, Unitel strives to provide a consistent network experience. Users can expect a reliable mobile network connection in many areas of the country.
• 5G Coverage Experience: The deployment of 5G technology demonstrates Unitel’s commitment to staying at the forefront of mobile network advancements. Unitel has also expanded its network to include 5G coverage in certain areas. With 5G, you can enjoy even faster speeds and enhanced connectivity for mobile devices.
• Availability: As mentioned above, Unitel has 38,000 km of fiber optic cable, reaching 95% coverage throughout Laos. Whether in the capital city of Vientiane or exploring other parts of the country, you can enjoy seamless connectivity for your calls, texts, and data usage in most areas covered by Unitel.
• 5G Availability: Major urban centers and high-traffic areas are likely to have better access to 5G services. As 5G technology continues to expand, Unitel is working towards increasing its coverage footprint to offer 5G connectivity to more users.

Overall, users often report satisfactory browsing speeds and reliable connectivity for everyday tasks such as social media browsing, online gaming, or watching videos.

III. Unitel Speed in Laos

According to Speedtest.net, the Laos Median Country Speeds January 2024 is as follows:

• Download Speed Experience: Unitel shares the Download Speed Experience award with download speeds at 35.43 Mbps. With Unitel’s 4G/LTE network, you can expect fast download speeds, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable internet experience while on the go.
• Regional Download Speeds: Unitel’s network coverage extends to both urban and rural areas, including popular destinations like Vientiane, Luang Prabang, and Pakse. Users report satisfactory browsing speeds in these regions, ensuring you can stay connected and access online services without any hassle.
• 5G Download Speed: Unitel has officially conducted a 5G test with a maximum speed of 1.7 Gbps, and is capable of reaching the highest speed of 2.5 Gbps when combined with 4G in Vientiane.
• Upload Speed Experience: For overall upload speeds, Unitel comes first, with a score of 17.30 Mbps. 

In summary, Unitel Laos offers large coverage and impressive download speeds across the country, allowing you to stay connected and enjoy a seamless online experience during your travel. 

IV. Does Unitel Laos Have eSIM?

Yes, Unitel just came out with this cool new eSIM service. Unitel was the first mobile operator in Laos to launch eSIM support. They begin rolling out eSIM capabilities in late 2021 on a limited basis and full commercial availability profiles were announced in early 2022.

So if your phone can only use eSIM like the iPhone 15 USA version or you don’t want to waste time inserting a SIM into your phone, you will also have convenient options like Unitel eSIM. 

Comparing to the physical SIM, the eSIM carries various advantages as follows:

eSIMs are more handy because you don’t need to bring a physical SIM card with you when going to Laos or going to a store to swap cards. You can buy and activate an eSIM from Unitel’s website completely online before your trip. You can check the Unitel Laos eSIM plans below:

There are a lot of online stores that provide prepaid Unitel Laos eSIM for tourists by GIGAGO. You can also check some highly-rated eSIM plan options of Gigago.

Gigago’s eSIM makes getting online seamless for travelers. The low-cost plans, reliable network, and buyer-friendly website minimize issues with international connect access. It’s the top choice for hassle-free connectivity in Laos.

V. Top Unitel SIM Cards for Tourists and Cost

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, so you can easily choose a suitable plan throughout your trip. Here are a few options to consider:

These prepaid Unitel SIMs offer short-term 4G LTE connectivity in Laos at reasonable prices. Costs may vary slightly by retailer. You can check details on the Unitel website and choose packages that suit your needs such as map viewing, calling, and social media surfing. 

VI. Where Can You Buy a Unitel SIM Card?

If you travel to Laos and need a SIM card to get mobile data, there are some options for where you can buy a Unitel SIM card or eSIM.

Hey there! If you want to get a SIM card when you are in Laos, no worries! Here are some places where you can easily buy one:

• Airports: When you go to international airports like Wattay International Airport in Vientiane or Luang Prabang International Airport, you will find little shops or kiosks where you can buy SIM cards. Just look for the booths or stores of telecom providers inside the airport to be safe and reliable for you. 
• Unitel Stores: Unitel has stores and kiosks in major cities, towns, and touristy areas. You can go to one of their stores to buy a SIM card and ask any questions you want. Just check Google Maps Unitel store nearby, and you will get the list to go.
• Local Mobile Shops: Besides the official stores of Unitel, you can find their SIM cards at local mobile shops that sell them. These shops might have SIM cards from different providers, so you can choose the one that is suitable for you best.

Don’t forget to bring your passport when you want to buy a SIM card in Laos. They might ask for your ID during the registration process. 

VII. Where to Buy Laos Unitel eSIM?

The best place to buy a Unitel eSIM for Laos is getting it online, and the best time to get it is before your departure for Laos. 

To get a Laos Unitel eSIM, you have quite easy as follows::

• Step 1: Access to website/app of a Unitel eSIM provider, such as Laosesim.
• Step 2: Select the eSIM plan that fits your trip,
• Step 3: Make payment online.
• Step 4: Install the eSIM and enjoy your tour.

For convenience, I recommend using an eSIM from eSIM provider like GIGAGO. Connect allows you to quickly buy and activate the eSIM online just before your trip to Laos without registering a phone number. This ensures you have phone data set up right when you land.

Here are popular prepaid Unitel eSIMs for Laos preferred by Gigago’s customers that you can refer to:

For Laos, Gigago offers multiple data plan options, starting from 15 GB for 10 days with $5.50 . What is great about Gigago’s Laos eSIM is that its plans’ costs are diversifying, varying between $5.50 – $12.90 . Thus, it does not matter how Internet users you are and how long your trip is in Laos, there is always an option for you with Gigago.

VIII. How to top up Unitel Laos SIM/eSIM

To top up your SIM card or sSIM in Laos, you can follow these general steps:

1.  Find a Unitel store or authorized retailer

Go to a Unitel store or an authorized retailer in Laos. Look for the Unitel logo or signage to ensure you are in the right place. You might inform the staff about your top-up: Let the staff know that you want to top up your Unitel SIM/eSIM. They will guide you through the process and assist if needed.

2. Dial the special code

Scratch off the covering on the voucher to see the 16-digit code. Then, you can use your Unitel phone to dial a special code that starts with *123* and ends with the 16-digit code. For example, if your code is 1234567890123456, you just dial *123*1234567890123456#.

3. Check how much credit you have

To see how much credit you have now, you can dial *122# and press the call button. A message will show up on your screen telling you how much prepaid credit you have left. With Unitel, you can buy Unitel top-up almost everywhere. Just keep an eye out for the Unitel sign in front of stores.

Check your carrier’s website or contact support for the exact top-up process, as steps may vary. Top up only the estimated amount needed to avoid waste.

IX. Alternatives to Laos Unitel

While Unitel provides flexible short-term options, you may still want a traditional long-term package if visiting Laos for a long time. Once activated, your Unitel SIM Card lets you make calls and send texts in Laos at the following rates:

Are you planning a trip to Laos and want to avoid the hassle of swapping SIM cards or paying expensive roaming fees? Look no further than Gigago.

X. FAQs about Unitel in Laos

XI. Conclusion

So, if you are preparing to visit Laos and want to stay connected with your phone, there’s a very easy way to do it. You can get a prepaid SIM card or an eSIM card. With Unitel Laos SIM/eSIM, you won’t have to worry about online communication on the go.

Enjoy your trip and make beautiful memories throughout travel with Unitel!