hi, ive ended up with a shed loads of kip and i need a 1000 bhat for my visa in the morning, i assumed banks ans exchanged would change my kip into thai bhat however i tried 4 different places today and all said no, even my hotel cant help, someone said the market but given im tight on time its not much use, anyone know where i can pick up 1000 bhat from kip? i need it asap so any replies appreciated, cheers

Edited June 29, 20188 yr by blackcab
Clarified post title

Some Thai banks have branches in Vientiane, i think i saw at least Bangkok Bank and SCB, probably they also have THB, but no personal experience.

Or just ask some other travellers, somebody might have 1000THB.

Ask the staff at your hotel again. Explain you will pay them to help you.

 

It will cost you, but lesson learned.

You need to change the heading to "Baht for Kip". You have it the wrong way around so most will ignore. Just ask some, hotel, that you will pay a premium. Only way at this late stage. Good luck.

Hi Guys,

 

Thanks for the replies, I was in such a rush I hardly had time to whip my phone out and read the tips... it all worked out great in the end, bassicly... there is a little tiny shop just to the right of the consular main gates... (the first shop there is) it sells coke, snacks and what not, it is like a little hut. If you just say 'I buy Thai Bhat' a lady who is serving will whip her calculator out and sell you 1000 bhat notes for Kip. Shes obviously caught onto a good business idea as she seems to have done it alot and I even bought 2k as I have so many kip left. She was very honest as I originally gave her enough kip for over 2000 Bhat being a silly falang but she alerted me hence why I opted to get 2k bhat. So anyone stuck in Laos with a handfull of kip but no thai money for your visa, the shop next to the consula is far easier than trapsing around banks.... I tried even the bank accross from the consula the klassikorn ansd they said no, also tried various other branches of banks and was told to go to the 'fruit market' several times however I assume thats just the same setup as next to the consular if you can find it in the blazing heat/chaos.

 

Summary: Small shop next to the consular gates the lady will sell you Thai Bhat,

Note* dodge the guys offering they will lead you off into a taxi etc.

Tip* Dont wait for your visa collection in the heat for hours, nip over to pizza company and grab some food, run over to check the number everynow and again and youll time it so your only in the heat for 5 mins max.

 

Cheers all