Free Call to Laos from US — $0.45/min (2026)
Call Laos for just $0.21/min with BubblyPhone. Facebook Messenger most popular. Country code +856, Vientiane 21. Unitel, ETL, Lao Telecom. ICT (UTC+7).
Free calls to Laos work app-to-app: Facebook Messenger is the most-used calling app there, and WhatsApp works too, both free over Wi-Fi or data. To call a real Lao number from the US, dial 011 856 and the number without its leading 0 (Vientiane landlines start with 21, most mobiles with 20). BubblyPhone does that from $0.22/min. Carriers are Unitel, ETL, and Lao Telecom.
Whether you're calling contacts in Vientiane, friends traveling through Luang Prabang, or tourism businesses along the Mekong, here's every option for calling Laos.
Affordable Rate
At $0.22/min, BubblyPhone is reasonably priced for Laos. A 30-minute call costs $6.60. While not the absolute cheapest, it's competitive for Southeast Asian destinations.
Free: App-to-App Calls
Both people need the app and internet. Laos has improving but still limited internet infrastructure.
1. Facebook Messenger — Most Popular
Facebook Messenger is the dominant app in Laos. Facebook has deep penetration, and Messenger is the go-to for messaging and calls. Works in Vientiane and major towns.
2. WhatsApp — Growing
WhatsApp is growing in Laos, especially among internationally-connected users and tourists. Works well in urban areas with data coverage.
3. LINE — Used by Some
LINE has some adoption in Laos due to influence from neighboring Thailand. Less common than Messenger but worth knowing about.
Calling Lao Phone Numbers
| Service | Rate | 60-min Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Google Voice | $0.04/min | $2.40 | Best value |
| BubblyPhone | $0.22/min | $13.20 | Browser, iOS, Android |
| AT&T / Verizon | $3.00-5.00/min | $180-300 | Extremely expensive |
How to Dial Laos from the US
# From a US phone:
011 + 856 + area code + number
# From a mobile (or VoIP app):
+856 + area code + number
# Example — calling a Vientiane landline:
+856 21 123 456
# Example — calling a Lao mobile:
+856 20 5512 3456
Number Format
- Vientiane: +856 21 + 6 digits
- Mobiles: +856 20 + 8 digits
- Drop the leading 0
- Country code: +856
Carriers & Info
- Unitel: Largest carrier
- ETL: State carrier
- Lao Telecom: Third carrier
- Coverage: Cities good, rural limited
- Language: Lao
Tips for Calling Laos
- Laos is 12 hours ahead of EST (ICT, UTC+7). When it's 8 AM in New York, it's 8 PM in Vientiane. Best window: 7-9 AM EST (7-9 PM Laos)
- Facebook Messenger first — more popular than WhatsApp in Laos. Install it before calling
- Internet is improving — Vientiane and Luang Prabang have decent connectivity. Rural areas may have limited coverage
- Growing tourism — many calls to Laos are from tourists checking in or making arrangements. Tourism businesses often have WhatsApp
- Lao is the primary language — English is limited outside tourist areas. French has historical presence
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I call Laos for free from the US?
What is the country code for Laos?
What's the best time to call Laos from the US?
Call Laos from $0.22/min
Open BubblyPhone and dial +856. A 30-minute call costs about $6.60.
Try Free — Call Laos Now