Tourist visa run to Laos. Currency exchange needed?

[coppywriter]

Many many years ago before I got my visa based on retirement I did a visa run to Laos. At the border I was required to change $200 into Lao currency, has this been phased out now?

[ubonjoe]

That is longer a requirement. I didn't have to do it 12 years ago when I entered Laos for the first time.

[coppywriter]

That is longer a requirement. I didn't have to do it 12 years ago when I entered Laos for the first time.

Thanks for that.

it was about 14 years ago when I did it and as I have never seen it mentioned here I gathered it no longer existed, but just wanted to be sure so I don't pass on incorrect information.

[Thanyaburi Mac]

Strange, I started going back to Laos in 1990, was not required to change any specific amount at the old Thaduea Lao Immigration point. Then went up 2-4 times a year starting in 1992, same deal, no requirement, this at Thannaleng after the new bridge was finished.

Mac

[coppywriter]

Strange, I started going back to Laos in 1990, was not required to change any specific amount at the old Thaduea Lao Immigration point. Then went up 2-4 times a year starting in 1992, same deal, no requirement, this at Thannaleng after the new bridge was finished.

Mac

Strange yes as it was at the same border point and the amount was $200 which got me a great big bundle of their currency which nobody wants when you come back over the border.

[Colabamumbai]

Many many years ago 37 36 35 1976-77-78 there was no money exchange necessary and now in my past 5 years of regulary entries I have never experienced it.

I use That Bhat in Laos 25 Kip to one Baht, business people are honest and give you Baht if they have it or Kip change.

[coppywriter]

Many many years ago 37 36 35 1976-77-78 there was no money exchange necessary and now in my past 5 years of regulary entries I have never experienced it.

I use That Bhat in Laos 25 Kip to one Baht, business people are honest and give you Baht if they have it or Kip change.

Thank you for that.

[kimamey]

Many many years ago 37 36 35 1976-77-78 there was no money exchange necessary and now in my past 5 years of regulary entries I have never experienced it.

I use That Bhat in Laos 25 Kip to one Baht, business people are honest and give you Baht if they have it or Kip change.

It's worth having US$ for the entry fee as for me it's $35 but if I remember correctly it's 1,500 THB.

[kimbathewhitelion]

Many many years ago 37 36 35 1976-77-78 there was no money exchange necessary and now in my past 5 years of regulary entries I have never experienced it.

I use That Bhat in Laos 25 Kip to one Baht, business people are honest and give you Baht if they have it or Kip change.

It's worth having US$ for the entry fee as for me it's $35 but if I remember correctly it's 1,500 THB.

USD is phased out unless that's all you have. You can use Thai Baht for not only all border crossing fees but also at stores, hotels, restaurants, with Taxis, etc. Just sometimes your change will come back in Kip.

Sent from my iPad using Thaivisa Connect Thailand

[coppywriter]

Thanks everyone.

[kimamey]

Many many years ago 37 36 35 1976-77-78 there was no money exchange necessary and now in my past 5 years of regulary entries I have never experienced it.

I use That Bhat in Laos 25 Kip to one Baht, business people are honest and give you Baht if they have it or Kip change.

It's worth having US$ for the entry fee as for me it's $35 but if I remember correctly it's 1,500 THB.

USD is phased out unless that's all you have. You can use Thai Baht for not only all border crossing fees but also at stores, hotels, restaurants, with Taxis, etc. Just sometimes your change will come back in Kip.

Sent from my iPad using Thaivisa Connect Thailand

Yes we always use Thai baht except at the border because difference in cost. I suppose they use 1,500 THB so they don't have to keep changing the amount due to exchange rate fluctuations. Elsewhere the rate seems OK. I have considered taking kip next time as it seems a bit impolite to me not to use their currency.

[bunnydrops]

Yes paying at the border with the dollar is cheaper even if they sometimes charge the 1 dollar exchange fee (wink, wink). Exact amount best as in the past you would lose the 5 if you gave them two 20s but that hasn't happen to me in a long while.