Although it’s catching up in many respects, the Lao PDR is still considered a ‘backwater’ of Southeast Asia and like other aspects of Lao daily life, the internet is still slow – at least compared to some of its neighbours. This relaxed, laid back attitude has endeared Laos to visitors as an integral part of its charm. Unfortunately, today’s travellers (who still want to visit exotic, unspoiled locations) nevertheless expect to be able to use their mobile phones, laptops and iPads and tablets wherever they go, calling, blogging and tweeting their every experience and movement (even bowel)!

I am from an older generation and feel this is a bit of a pity; it takes away most of the surprise and destroys the ability to discover something new and different – “been there, done that, got the t-shirt” etc. With today’s printed and online travel guides, Google Earth and GPS plus Apple and Android apps. Now there’s really nowhere on earth that remains undiscovered by satellites if not tourists. Everywhere you go, hordes of “fellow travelers” have been there already and reported it in minute detail. How sad is that?

Laos has been a bit of a late starter in technological and industrial terms compared to nearby Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore – not to mention ‘Big Brother’ China. However, digital communications have been seen as something of a priority and much of the country is quite well served by mobile phone operators and to a lesser degree (due to less local demand) internet providers, with both government and private enterprise involved.

Some of the ADSL, GPRS, EDGE, 3G, HSPA, WiFi and 4G Mobile WiMax services are soon to be extended outside the capital Vientiane by Planet Online and Lao Telecom to cover parts of other provinces.

For tourists and short time visitors LaoTel has possibly the best overall coverage in Laos, although Unitel provides higher 3G speeds. Of the other two main operators, ETL has been a late starter, its 3G NET service only beginning on August 31 while Tigo (now Beeline) has made no announcements regarding 3G. All offer 2G GPRS and EDGE as a fallback if UMTS 3G is not available. When travelling around Laos, it’s wise to carry SIMs (phone and/or data) from more than one provider. Refill cards for all companies are available country-wide.

Read more on the  Retire-Asia.com Lao Communications page which is updated regularly. There’s mention of Chinese-made Android WiFi/3G tablets, costing a fraction of the Apple iPad or Samsung Galaxy, and seen everywhere. $100 or so is not a lot to lose if your “ChiPad” fails. Note that WiFi and ADSL/LAN may work, but the 3G USB feature is for Huawei modems. Laotel, Unitel and ETL all sell ZTE MF190 dongles, which won’t.

Note that only unlocked USB 3G modems and quad band phones can be used in any country.

A related topic is electronic banking.  Cashpoints or ATMs have been around Laos for several years and are seen in a growing number of locations, not only in Vientiane and Luang Prabang, but in most provinces as well.  See Retire-Asia’s Lao banking page for more detail of banking facilities available in the Lao PDR. Exchange rates for main currencies are updated regularly.

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