Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Most
mobilephonesandsmartphones
bought in recent years can be used in Laos, though
call, text and data charges are high, so if you're planning on using your phone it's worth buy-
ing a local SIM card. These are readily available from shops and markets, and for around
35,000K you'll be able to buy a package with enough data to last you several weeks of mod-
erate use. Local network Unitel has excellent 3G coverage in even mid-sized towns. Top-up
cards can be purchased in villages across Laos that have even the most basic shop - just look
for the flag displaying the network's name.
Regional codes are given throughout the Guide: the “0” must be dialled before all long-
distance calls. Some hotels have consecutively numbered phone lines - thus 021 221200-5
means that the last digit can be any number between 0 and 5.
DIALLING CODES
To call Laos from abroad, dial your international access code, then 856 + area code minus
first 0 + number. To call abroad from Laos, dial 00, then the relevant country code and the
number. Useful country codes include:
Australia 61
Ireland 353
New Zealand 64
South Africa 27
UK 44
US and Canada 1
Showers
Most hotels and guesthouses in Laos now claim to have hot-water showers - though in reality
the water is often disappointingly cold. Traditional Lao showers, sometimes found in accom-
modation in rural areas, consist of a large, ceramic jar or a cement tub resembling an over-
sized bathtub without a drain. Standing next to the tub, you use the plastic scoop provided to
sluice water over your body. While it may look tempting on a hot day, don't get into these
tubs or try to use them for doing your laundry, as the water has to be used by others. In many
towns villagers opt for an even more traditional technique - the river. Men usually bathe in
their underwear, women in sarongs.
Tampons
Hard to find outside Vientiane and Luang Prabang's minimarkets, which have a very limited
selection. Bring supplies.
