Laos Travel Guide

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Shopping

The markets in Vientiane and Luang Prabang are worth visiting. Silk, cotton fabrics, wood carvings, pottery, silver jewelry and handmade shirts are good buys. Lao sarongs (pha sin) and hill tribe bags are a popular souvenir. Although the majority of shops have fixed prices, bartering is still advisable for many items.

Shopping hours: Times vary but generally Mon-Sat 0800/0900-1600/1700 with private shops open longer hours. Some also open on Sunday.

Currency

Lao Kip (LAK; symbol ₭) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of ₭50,000, 20,000, 10,000, 5,000, 2,000, 1,000, 500, 100, 50, 10, 5 and 1.

Currency Exchange

Thai Baht and US Dollars are the easiest currencies to exchange. They are also widely accepted in shops, markets and hotels in Vientiane and Luang Prabang.

Credit Cards, Debit Cards, and ATMs

Major credit cards are accepted in the more upmarket hotels and restaurants only in Vientiane and Luang Prabang. ATMs are slowly being introduced, particularly in Vientiane, but do not rely on them.

Travelers Checks

Limited acceptance and often with a hefty commission charge. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travelers are advised to take traveler's checks in US Dollars or Thai Baht.

Currency Restrictions

The import and export of local currency is prohibited. The import and export of foreign currency is unrestricted, subject to declaration of amounts more than US$2000 on arrival.

Banking Hours

Mon-Fri 0830-1600. Some banks remain open during lunch.

Exchange Rate