Hi,

I'm about to do my 2nd ever run to Vientienne for a double entry tourist visa. Last time it went fairly well. A couple things I want to improve this time, one is to make sure I have $US to pay for the Laos visa.I tried last time to change in Khorat before I left, but they said they didn't sell US dollars (at Bangkok Bank of all places!!). Is there somewhere I can change quickly at the border, either side is fine as long as its fairly easy to get to. The fee is $30 for Aussies correct?

Also I have to say I'm looking forward to dealing with the pleasant Lao visa staff, after doing a crossing over into Cambodia not too long ago.

Thanks

Bangkok Bank @ KK didn't have even $30 to sell you? Tried another bank? How about other expats in KK??

Absent all those, I've not noticed an official currency exchange place there at the bus/van boarding place on the Nong Khai side of the bridge. However, there's a "visa assistance" shop or three around there who might do the deed for you, for a price. You should check the exchange rate beforehand just to be sure you're getting a good rate.

I usually use SCB's daily rate at this url, look under the T/Chqs & Chqs column: http://www.scb.co.th/scb_api/index.jsp

Ozzie $$ at 29.02; U.S. $$ at 30.25, booo!

On the Lao side, just on the left there where you get your Visa On Arrival is a bank facility. I've not compared their rate to what's available at the banks downtown for a couple of years but last time I did I seem to remember that they were OK.

You can check the Lao Kip rates here: http://www.bol.gov.la/english/index1.php

And here: http://www.bol.gov.la/english/showrate.php

Mac

On the second floor of the Mall in Korat there are two banks who will sell you U.S, dollars providing that they have them. As another poster mentioned there is a currency exchange at the border, but they may keep bank hours.

Thanks for the tips guys, will definitely try that out.

I'm wondering with the declining $US how long it will be before they revise their visa costs

It is the Thai Bhat that is high right now so foreign currency exchange rates are low. They should not have to revise costs.

It is the Thai Bhat that is high right now so foreign currency exchange rates are low. They should not have to revise costs.

I guess either way they'd be really happy to be getting the extra value in Thai baht instead of $US correct?

It is the Thai Bhat that is high right now so foreign currency exchange rates are low. They should not have to revise costs.

I guess either way they'd be really happy to be getting the extra value in Thai baht instead of $US correct?

Last month I paid 1,100 baht for 35 USD at the exchange booth behind the Lao Immigration.

There is a SCB in Nong Khai at Tesco's, the sell USD.

You can also pay your Lao visa in baht: 1,500 baht...

Joe

As stated there is a money change next to the lao visa place at the crossing not a great rate but better than paying in baht.

I normally drive to the shopping center in nong khai before i head for my crossing there are 3 or 4 banks there and buy my $30 us there.