Travel In Laos

[Soju]

I'm planning on taking a 4-day trip to Laos, with two days in Vientiane and/or Luang Prabang and the remainder in less touristy places. Which currency will be easiest to use / get the most value for my money? I have US Dollars and Thai Baht, and if necessary can convert either of them to Lao Kip. Thanks for any advice on this matter.

[AsiaWolfie]

a mix of all three currencies would be the best solution. but at places where they charge in US-Dollars (bigger hotels or upscale-guesthouses, Lao airlines) u can pay by credit card as well. The only place where I was charged in Dollars was the upscale guesthouse in Vientiane, where I made my payment by credit card anyway.... make sure to bring SMALL denominations, as sometimes at off-peak hours (and they tend to only have off-peak-hours) the VISA costs an extra 1 Dollar (30 + 1). before I went to Laos, I was told that the KIP is useless as nobody is happy to get it, but thats nonsense. almost everything could be paid in KIP. the only problem is where to change. if u arrive at Vientiane first, go to the central market area (their idea of a shopping mall, 50 years back in time, but charming), in the main building u find some xchange-boots who offer a fair and competitive rate. The only reliable way to find out about the latest xchange rate is to buy the daily "Vientiane Post", an english language newspaper (under control of the communist party of course, but a helpful thing anyway). BAHT are accepted as well, and as u are in Thailand right now obviously, its not a bad idea to have some Baht Handy in small denominations (u will get ur change in KIP always). but actually the KIP is accepted everywhere and using KIP makes sure nobody can charge u more than the regular price by giving u a bad xchange rate....

LAOS is nice and relaxed, the people friendly, though shy, 4 days is way too short period.... but I did make the same mistake..... was just a VISA-run for me...... but will come back for a longer trip soon for sure....

oh, I forgot: there are even a few ATM now in Viantiane (and who knows, maybe in Louang Prabang as well), where u will find urself pampered with big packs of KIP which u cant use or xchange anywhere else in the world, though ;-)

Edited May 26, 2006 by AsiaWolfie

[lanny]

I go to Laos about once a year and always make sure I have small denomination Thai currency. Having a supply of dollars is also helpful.

However, I have never gone to anyplace but Vientiane. Outside the major tourist centers, I suspect that it would be much harder to deal in anything but Lao Kip. In the city, however, everyong is used to dealing in both Baht and Dollars.

The problem is that the Kip is worth so little that you have to have a large roll of bills in your pocket. Also, I have heard that you can have difficulty converting any excess Kip back when you leave Laos.

[micaw60]

I go to Laos about once a year and always make sure I have small denomination Thai currency. Having a supply of dollars is also helpful.

However, I have never gone to anyplace but Vientiane. Outside the major tourist centers, I suspect that it would be much harder to deal in anything but Lao Kip. In the city, however, everyong is used to dealing in both Baht and Dollars.

The problem is that the Kip is worth so little that you have to have a large roll of bills in your pocket. Also, I have heard that you can have difficulty converting any excess Kip back when you leave Laos.

I worked in a remote area of south eastern Laos for two years and you will find that Thai Baht is welcome especially in places like Vientiane and Savannakhet. You will find that even in some of the off the beaten track vilagges will also accept Thai Baht. USD is commonly used in Vientiane especially in the hotels and restaurants. My advice would be to obtain some Kip (can obtain on arrival) but keep some small denominations of Thai Baht for local shopping.

ATM's were only available in Vientiane when I was last in Laos and I am told only for the banks customers so carry enough cash for your trip. Take care and enjoy your visit.

[dantilley]

I was there earlier this month for 4 days and agree with most of that extensive post that Asiawolfie wrote.

I would add that, yes, ATMs are commonplace in Vientianne now and Thai bank cards can be used. The rolls and rolls of Kip problem that was evident when I was there 2 and a half years ago, when the largest denomiation note was 5,000 Kip (about 20 Baht), isn't such an issue now as 20,000 Kip notes (80 Baht) are widespread.

If you go to Vang Vieng, as I did, then the exchange booths will not give you less than $50 worth of Kip, which could be a problem if you run out on your last day and are then lumbered with a load of useless Kip. The only ATM in Vang Vieng accepts Lao cards only.

I only spent Kip and Baht when I was there, it appears that the kind of place which is too posh to accept Kip will gladly take Baht, i.e. no-where seems to be Dollar-only. Also, not strictly true about the exchange rate on Kip always being good, as the place I stayed in in Vientianne gave a very poor rate for Kip, and preferred Baht or Dollars.