A Currency Exchange At Nongkhai Crossing?

[AlbinoAsian]

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

Edited September 28, 2010 by AlbinoAsian

[Thanyaburi Mac]

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

[Colabamumbai]

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.

[AlbinoAsian]

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

[Colabamumbai]

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

[AlbinoAsian]

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?

[SanukJoeII]

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

[nev]

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.