Tips

Currency:

The local currency is the kip. The US dollar and the Thai baht are very popular alternatives that are widely accepted, especially for bigger purchases. It is not unusual to be quoted a price in kip, pay in US dollars and receive Thai baht as change. US dollars and Thai baht can be changed at hotels, banks or any foreign exchange shop licensed by the Bank of Lao PDR. Credit cards are accepted at more and more shops and restaurants in Vientiane and Luang Prabang. All major banks, even in provincial towns, accept traveler’s cheques and currencies other than US dollars or Thai baht. It is best to carry US dollar bills in small denominations. The exchange rate at the time of writing is 7.900 kip to US$1, but it is advisable to check this rate before traveling, as inflation is high. The denominations are 500, 1,000, 2,000, 5,000 Kip.

Travellers Cheque:

All major banks throughout Laos, as well as the bigger hotels in Vientiane, will change traveler’s cheques for US dollars or kip.

Credit Cards:

Visa, Master Card and American Express payment facilities are increasingly being set up throughout the country. A surcharge is usually added. It is possible to get cash US dollars at the bank, for which a surcharge applies.

Health:

We strongly recommend having good health insurance and carrying a good first aid kit. In general there is a lack of international standard medical help and hospitals. For minor ailments, the Vientiane International Clinic offers good service. For any major health problems we recommend going to Thailand.

Vaccinations:

The government of Laos does not require you to have any vaccinations except for cholera if you are coming from an infected area. Please consult your doctor for reccommended vaccinations.

Malaria:

The best protection against malaria is to avoid being bitten in the first place: make sure to bring along mosquito repellent. Check with your physician about taking a course of anti-malarials. If it is considered necessary given your itinerary, you might need to begin before your trip and continue for a time after you return. The greatest risk of contracting malaria is between May and October at altitudes below 3,000 ft./ 1,000 m. There is no malaria in Vientiane or Luang Prabang.

Dengue fever, which is also transmitted by mosquitoes, is often mistaken for malaria. Its symptoms are severe pain in the joints, high fever, and extreme headache. Aside from avoiding being bitten altogether (this mosquito is active in daytime and is often a striped variety), there is no prevention available. Hospital treatment is urgently required.

Food & Water:

Although towns have access to safe water, less than a third of the countryside can claim the same. Avoid all water that hasn't been thoroughly boiled or sterilized and drink only sterilized water or soft drinks. All water and ice-cubes that are served to you in restaurants in the cities are safe for consumption. You should not eat any uncooked vegetables and do not eat any fruit that you haven't peeled yourself. Make sure that fish and meat is well cooked. Do not swim in stagnant water as you run the risk of contracting bilharzias.

Security:

Mines & Munitions
Xieng Khouang province (the Plain of Jars), the Bolaven Plateau and areas along the Ho Chi Minh Trail are strewn with anti-personnel mines and bomblets discharged from cluster bombs. Many large unexploded bombs have been left lying around all over Laos, mainly in the countryside. They are very dangerous so always keep to existing tracks and if you see any unknown objects, do not touch.

Telephone:

International direct dialing is available, though limited.
Country code: +856, the city code for Vientiane is (0) 21, for Luang Prabang dial (0) 71 and for Pakse is (0) 631. When making international calls from Laos, dial 00 before dialing the desired country code and phone number.

Mobile Telephone:

The network operators in this area are Laos Shinawatra (www.laotel.com). Coverage is still not widespread, although the Thai mobile telephone system may be accessed in Vientiane and border regions.

Internet:

Most major towns have Internet cafes.

Post:

Postal services can be slow, but outgoing mail is fairly reliable and inexpensive.

Time Zone:

Standard time in Laos is 6 hours ahead of Central European Time (CET), 7 hours ahead of GMT, 12 hours ahead of time in New York, 3 hours behind time in Sydney, two hours behind of Tokyo and in the same time zone as Bangkok.

Electricity:

Electricity: 220V
However, electricity supply can be unreliable in smaller towns.