The Rise of Travel eSIMs
In recent years, travel eSIMs have become a convenient solution for international travelers. Instead of buying a physical SIM card at every destination, you can activate mobile data instantly through apps like Airalo, Holafly, and other global providers.
The promise is simple: one app, many destinations, instant connectivity. For people hopping between multiple countries, this is very appealing.
But a new study has revealed an unexpected problem—one that travelers in Laos should know about before they rely on global travel eSIMs.
The Problem: Traffic Routed Through Other Countries
Researchers found that several travel eSIM providers don’t always connect you to the local network where you are. Instead, your internet traffic might be routed through Chinese networks or other undisclosed locations.
This means that even if you’re in Vientiane, Luang Prabang, or Pakse, your data requests could be traveling halfway across the region before reaching their destination.
Why This Matters
- Privacy risks: Your browsing activity could be visible to foreign networks you didn’t consent to use.
- Performance issues: Longer routes mean slower speeds and higher latency, which is especially noticeable when using video calls, maps, or streaming.
- Unpredictable behavior: Some apps and websites detect your traffic as coming from another country, which may cause access restrictions or verification issues.
The Safer Option in Laos: Local eSIMs
If your trip is focused on Laos, you don’t need a global travel eSIM. Local providers offer eSIMs that connect you directly to Lao networks, without detours through overseas infrastructure.
Two trusted names are:
- Unitel – strong nationwide coverage and fast 4G/5G.
- Lao Telecom (Laotel) – the oldest provider, with reliable service even in remote areas.
With a local eSIM, you avoid unnecessary routing, get better speeds, and stay compliant with local telecom regulations.
Practical Considerations for Tourists
- Availability: eSIM activation codes from Unitel and Laotel are easy at official outlets in Laos. You can even buy a Lao eSIM prior to your trip through our website.
- Coverage: Both providers cover major cities, tourist destinations, and most regional towns.
- Ease of use: Setup is straightforward—scan the QR code, and you’re connected.
For visitors who want simple and reliable connectivity in Laos, a local eSIM is the smarter choice.
Conclusion: Stay Connected the Right Way
Travel eSIMs may sound universal, but as the recent findings show, they don’t always deliver what travelers expect. Routing your traffic through unknown networks is not only inefficient, it raises real privacy concerns.
If you’re visiting Laos, the most secure and dependable way to stay online is to use a local SIM or eSIM from reputable providers like Unitel and Laotel.
At InternetLaos, we help travelers get connected quickly with ready-to-use SIM and eSIM options for Laos—so you can spend less time worrying about networks and more time exploring the country.