Entering Laos can feel a bit like stepping back in time. Taxis and tuk tuks crowd the border, bus terminals, train stations and airports clamouring for your attention, ready to sweep you off your feet and to your destination for an overinflated price.
As always, to save the hassle of relying on their services, I like to check whether ride-share apps like Uber are available when I head into a new country.
So, is there Uber in Laos?
No, Uber does not work in Laos. However, there are ride-share apps that do. Using them will save you time and money and prevent you being messed around by unscrupulous taxi drivers! The most popular taxi app in Laos is Loca but the cheapest is Kokkok Move.
Related (opens in new tab):
- Laos Backpacking Guide
- Lao Sim Cards for Travellers
- How Much Does it Cost to Travel In Laos?
- Uber Alternatives in Southeast Asia
Uber Alternatives in Laos π±
Loca
Loca is as close to a SuperApp as youβll get in Laos. Using it, you can book taxis, tuk tuks and motorcycle taxis, as well as, place food orders, get an eSIM or even set up Loca Pay β which allows you to use the QR payment system seen all over Laos!
Loca is the most popular ride-share app in Laos, with both drivers and users. This means youβre more likely to get a ride quickly when compared to the other apps. However, as with all the taxi apps in Laos, Loca doesnβt work everywhere. The app only operates in Luang Prabang and Vientiane.
To pay for your ride using Loca, you have a few options. You can load money into the app, from which the cost of your ride is deducted, or you can pay upon arrival at your destination, using either cash or the QR payment system.
Is Loca in Laos Safe?
Yes, Loca is safe to use. All drivers are background checked and given appropriate training. Thereβs an option to report poor behaviour in the app which helps prevent issues occurring in the first place. Drivers are also required to have proper insurance, allowing them to carry paying passengers.
Is Loca in Laos Reliable?
Loca is the most reliable taxi app in Laos. It has the most drivers and you donβt usually have to wait too long for a ride.
Kokkok Move
Kokkok is one of the cheapest ride hailing apps in Laos but it only works in Vientiane. When booking through Kokkok, you have the option of choosing a car or electric tuk tuk. The wait time for cars can be a while, especially during busy periods when traffic in the city is intense. However, there are plenty of distinctive orange tuk tuks buzzing around and some can accommodate up to six passengers!
Payment is made either in cash, using a QR code or paying through the app via the Kokkok Move wallet.
Is Kokkok in Laos Safe?
Kokkok has a fleet of new, well-maintained and regularly inspected vehicles. The electric tuk tuks all look brand new and are kept spotlessly clean. Much like Uber, the app features driver ratings, meaning poorly rated drivers are removed and only reputable drivers remain on the system.
Is Kokkok in Laos Reliable?
Kokkok is a reliable taxi app in Laos. Waiting times for cars can be a little long, especially during peak hours but there are plenty of electric tuk tuks available all day. When a driver accepts the ride, they turn up and if they canβt find you, they tend to call to let you know where they are β although few drivers speak good English, so this isnβt always the most useful service for international travellers!
InDrive
InDrive is the cheapest ride hailing app in Laos but tends to have the fewest drivers, meaning you might need to wait a little while for your ride. In my experience, the vehicles arenβt always as good as with the other taxi apps but they do the job.
InDrive differs from other ride hailing apps because you can offer the price you want to pay. If no drivers accept the fare, you can up your offer or wait for a counteroffer to come in. Payments can be made directly through the app, in cash or via a QR code after the ride.
Is InDrive in Laos Safe?
InDrive is an internationally used ride hailing app featuring the same driver rating and safety features common in apps like Uber and Grab.
Is InDrive in Laos Reliable?
InDrive only works reliably in Vientiane and sometimes in Luang Prabang if there are drivers on the road. However, there are far fewer drivers than with Loca or Kokkok, so donβt rely solely on InDrive.
Traditional Taxis π
I know the whole point of using ride hailing apps in Laos is to negate the need for regular taxis but there may still be times when youβre going to have to hail a cab on the street. Be prepared to barter as not all taxis have meters and even those that do tend to try and charge a set fee rather than use them!
Tuk-tuks πΊ
Tuk tuks are plentiful in Laos, especially in areas with high tourist traffic. Itβs best to try and avoid hailing one on the street as the prices are almost always higher than using a taxi booking app but sometimes you wonβt have a choice.
As with traditional taxis, youβll need to get your haggling head on to deal with tuk tuk drivers on the street β and donβt be surprised if they just flat-out refuse to take you for lower than their opening price! If this occurs, just walk away and find someone willing to bargain with you.
Rent a Scooter π΅
Renting a scooter in Laos is a solid way to save money while travelling. Getting your own wheels is much cheaper than taking multiple taxis or tuk tuks but make sure youβre confident riding a bike before hiring one. The roads in Laos can be terrible and driving standards are likely to be much worse than youβre used to at home!
If you opt for riding yourself, make sure your travel insurance covers motorcycle use and get an International Driving Permit if you need one!
Uber in Laos FAQs πββοΈ
Does Grab Work in Laos?
No, Grab does not work in Laos. The best alternatives are Loca, Kokkok Move and InDrive.Β
Should I Tip A Driver in Laos?
Tipping drivers in Laos is not common practice but if youβve had a good experience it is a nice gesture. A small tip can make a big difference to someoneβs day β a dollar goes a long way in Laos!Β
Is Uber available in Luang Prabang?
No, Uber is not available in Luang Prabang. The best Uber alternatives in Luang Prabang are Loca, Kokkok Move and InDrive.Β
Is Uber available in Vientiane?
No, Uber is not available in Vientiane. The best Uber alternatives in Vientiane are Loca, Kokkok Move and InDrive.
A Round-Up of Uber Alternatives in Laos
Uber doesnβt operate in Laos and neither does the giant of ride hailing apps in Southeast Asia β Grab. But there are reliable taxi apps in Laos. The most popular are Loca, Kokkok and InDrive. Loca has the most drivers and the app also allows you to use the QR payment system that is popular throughout the country. InDrive is the cheapest ride hailing app but has the fewest drivers and Kokkok has a fleet of electric tuk tuks that really stand out and make for a pleasant ride!
