Telecommunications are up to international standards in Laos, but cheaper! Tigo, Lao Telecom, and M Phone all provide good coverage of the mobile phone network in all cities and cover most of the countryside. Phone cards are available everywhere and in amounts varying from 10,000 to 25,000 kip. Also, texting is an inexpensive option and receiving calls doesn’t burn up your time, only the caller’s.

Shops are everywhere, no matter which direction you walk. They are also cheap, 100 kip/minute, and most offer headsets and cameras for video calls. It’s easy to keep in contact regularly with friends and family while you travel. That’s nice!