Thai network in Vientiane, Laos

[Projectionist]

As I'm (currently) on PAYG, I understand that my SIM will not register on a Lao network (contract SIMs do...)

Since I'll only be there for a few days, as part of a trip to Thailand (where PAYG does work), and I will be staying in the capital, Vientiane, which is very close to Thailand (the Mekong river is the border, and the hostel is close to that), my question is whether anyone here has experience of using a Thai network in Vientiane.

I did get away with this with Virgin some years back, when they didn't serve Laos at all.

If not, this may well be the time to change to contract ? 

I have no need for data

[Bambino]

The expert here on all things Thai is @jonsie. Hopefully he can answer your query.

[Projectionist]

Have changed to contract, so phone should now register on networks in both countries, however.....the O2 Travel Bolt-on (£4.99/day) is only available in Thailand, so the original question remains 🇹🇭🇱🇦😬, I guess

[jonsie · Accepted solution]

Make sure your phone is unlocked before you go then if necessay, you can get a local sim. The original question can't be answered by members because this hasn't been tried and tested by any of us.

It's a matter of trying it yourself and please update the thread  after.

Have a great trip

[Projectionist]

Good advice - I usually use a dtac sim in another (small, old) phone as a data hotspot - it works out at 99 Baht a week 

On this trip, as I'm keen not to accidentally use Lao data on O2 (about £7 a Meg), I'll probably stick with that..

I will however check the cross-border roaming situation as a matter of interest

[Projectionist]

Research trip commences in 2 days....

At least none of the  (six) flights are on a 737 Max 

Now all I need is a pub to "Stumble Inn" to.. 

[EmilieT]

How exciting @Projectionist! 

I hope it all goes well, and drop back in when you can to let us know how you are! I'm always partial to some travelling photos as well, so if you have any good ones our off-topic section is always open - we even have a thread dedicated to members' best photos!

[Projectionist]

Thai roaming does work (near river, which is border) - but since a Lao sim is around £1-ish it's pointless.

[jonsie]

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@Projectionist wrote:
Thai roaming does work (near river, which is border) - but since a Lao sim is around £1-ish it's pointless.

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Thanks for the update and it's handy to know. But as you say, cost wise for a local sim is amazingly low which is why I would always go for a local sim.

[Projectionist]

Final post on this !

As research goes, I guess that not much was learnt, but I did witness a bank robbery in Laos, (opposite hotel - guy was chased and caught), and a fist fight at Bangkok's main railway station on election day...all very entertaining 

Note to self : Elections in Thailand are preceded by 24 hr periods of no alchohol sales ( 7-Elevens seems very busy just before  )