e-Commerce and Payments in Laos
An economy that is undergoing a digital revolution.
Laos has already started on the path to a digital future: more than 98% of the population has access to telecom infrastructures; about one million Lao people use mobile banking; and digital startups, such as food delivery, e-commerce, ride-hailing, and other services, are emerging in the capital.
Market Overview
-
Population
7.58 million
-
Online Population
3.7 million
-
Currency
LAK
-
e-Commerce Market Value
$679.8 million
-
GDP
$16.51 billion
-
GDP per Capita
$1,858.44
Available Local Payment Method
Bank Transfer
Type
Bank Transfer
Regions
Asia Pacific
OnePay QR
Type
QR Code
Regions
Asia Pacific
Key Takeaways
- The digital economy in Laos is estimated at around 3% of the GDP, with the expectation that it will grow to 10% by 2040.
- Facebook has the largest user base in Laos among social media platforms with 3.5 million users.
- The majority of enterprises in Laos, 94.2%, are microbusinesses with low levels of digitization.
- Laos has the most expensive internet in the region where 1GB of data cost $3.19 which is way above average in low-middle-income countries yet, the internet is slower.
