New Procedures In Laos

[stockmktgenius]

I went to Vientiane Laos last week for an extension of my tourist visa. Since just going in and out would get me just 15 days, I went to the Thai consulate, which got me 60 days and I'm told another 30 days after that were I to check in in Nong Khai with Thai Immigration. First thing different from past is, looks like you don't have to show up so early. I came to the consulate at 8 a.m., but they're open till noon. I met a fellow who came at 11 a.m. who told me he's gone at that time 4 times and never been turned away. He got his visa same time as I did, with no problem. So I think next time I'll skip staying overnite in Nong Khai and just show up at 11 myself. The second thing was that they have gotten quite efficient at handing out completed passports with visas. They have 4 windows open, you come to one of them, give them your receipt, and in a minute you're done. I came at 8:30 and got in at 9 with a large crowd, so it wasn't so quick. But I was told by a fellow who came at 10 that it only took him 5 minutes. One last note for Udonthani travelers: The 2 pm bus to Udon was full, so you might want to buy a ticket before going to pick up your visa rather than after. The risk here of course is that you won't get to the bus on time. As for me, I got to the bus station at 1:30 was told the bus was full, but a wonderful old man offered me and 2 friends a ride for 50 baht each to the border. There, we me a driver who offered us rides to Udon for 200 baht each. So things worked out better for me than if I had taken the bus. Suggestion: Bring lots of small money: 100 baht bills, $1 bills etc. Nobody in Laos seems to be able to change 1000 baht bills or $10 bills. Thanks for the help on of you regulars gave me on entry. I'm posting this to return the favor. Alan