Services
There are three main Lao newspapers to choose from that are published weekly. They are the Passasson, Viengchanmay and the Pathet Lao. A weekly French language newspaper – Le Renovateur – is available as well and can be had for 10,000 kip.
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!
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.
The postal service is reliable but it takes its time. The current rates are 7500 kip for a postcard to Europe or America, 6500 for a postcard to Asian countries.