Some time ago I saw news that there is a new e-wallet in Laos specially designed for foreigners to use local QR code payments. It got interesting because I know how big the problem is to use local QR code payments for foreigners in Thailand and Cambodia. At that time I downloaded the app, but I had some problems and wasn’t able to register. A few days ago I decided to recheck it. The first interesting thing is that now 2 apps offer this functionality, and the second one finally managed to register to the app.
Both wallets look pretty similar, you need to connect your banking card (Visa/Mastercard etc.) and then you can top up an account in e-wallet or directly pay and charge your card. Both apps have some fees (around 1.5 – 2%) and it sounds quite reasonable because AFAIR most banks charge around 3% in SE Asia for using foreign credit cards.
Loca
Grab is not available in Laos (writing this in 2024), so makes sense that a local alternative happened. Probably app started as a ridesharing app, and then more functionality was added. From my perspective sounds like a must-have in Laos, both ridesharing apps and apps allowing for paying local QR codes. The app is asking for KYC when the user wants to use payment functionality.
The Loca app is available for Android and Ios – loca.la
EzyKip
EzyKip is the app for tourists from BCEL Bank (based on my research one of the biggest banks in Laos). Functionality is really easy, top up it and allow to pay by Laos QR codes. You can also use EzyKip for withdrawing money from BCEL ATMs, when connecting a good international card to the app, that could be the cheapest way of getting money from local ATMs without having a local bank account. Also no KYC is required (2024).
The EzyKip app is available for Android and Ios – ezykip.la
Can I use tourist e-wallets with Thai Promtpay QR codes?
I checked also if I could pay with Laos e-wallets with Thai QR codes, unfortunately, it is not possible, it is possible to only pay with those wallets in Laos.
