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Language: Lao is the official language, but some English and French is spoken.
Currency: The Lao Kip (LAK) is the legal currency, divided into 100 cents. There are no international ATM facilities in Laos. Major credit cards are accepted at some international hotels and tourist orientated establishments. Travelers cheques can be cashed at most banks in Vientiane and major towns, though have limited acceptance. Most transactions are conducted in cash: American Dollars, Thai Baht or Lao Kip.
Time: Local time is GMT +7.
Electricity: 220 volts, 50Hz.
A variety of plugs are used, including the European-style two-pin, the UK-style three-pin and the flat two-pin type.
Communications: The international access code for Laos is +856. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 001 for the United States). City/area codes are in use, e.g. (0)21 for Vientiane and (0)71 for Luang Prabang. International Direct Dial is available in the major towns, but the service is expensive and inefficient. Hotels sometimes add a hefty surcharge to their telephone bills: check before making long-distance calls. Mobile phones will only work in the major cities; it is advisable to check the coverage with your service provider before leaving as the local mobile phone companies have few active roaming agreements with other network operators. Internet cafes are widely available in tourist areas.
Duty Free: Travelers to Laos do not have to pay duty on 500 cigarettes or 100 cigars or 500g of tobacco; 2 bottles wine; 1 bottle of other alcohol; and jewelry up to 500g, provided they are from countries not bordering Laos.
Tourist OfficeNational Tourism Authority of Laos, Vientiane: +856 (0)21 222 971 or www.visit-laos.com
Embassies
Laos Embassy, Washington DC, United States (also responsible for Canada): +1 202 332 6416.
Laos Embassy, Paris, France (also responsible for United Kingdom): +33 (0)1 4553 0298.
Laos Embassy, Canberra, Australia (also responsible for Laos): +61 (0)2 6286 4595.
American Embassy, Vientiane: +856 (0)21 267 000.
British Embassy, Bangkok, Thailand (also responsible for Laos): +66 (0)2 305 8333.
Canadian Embassy, Bangkok, Thailand (also responsible for Laos): +66 (0)2 636 0540.
Australian Embassy, Vientiane: +856 (0)21 413 600.
South African Embassy, Bangkok, Thailand (also responsible for Laos): +66 02 250 9012 - 14.
Irish Embassy, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (also responsible for Laos): +60 (0)3 2161 2963.
New Zealand Embassy, Bangkok, Thailand (also responsible for Laos): +66 (0)2 254 2530.
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