Laos Currency
The currency of Laos is
the Kip which have a quite low value and changing currency foreign
currency always ends in being handed over a very large lump of Kip.
(Which also makes the currency a great present for family and
friends.) In most of the tourist areas you can pay with Thai Baht as
well as US-dollar but you get the best price using Kip.
It is illiegal for
unlicencensed person to do any banking service so change your money at
any of the larger banks to be sure. Some of larger Thai banks have
offices in Vientiane. This also includes changing notes into smaller
amounts, some shopekeepers will do this without you buying anything and
they are then breaking the law. This is not often checked but you and
the shopkeeper can get into trouble. If you need to get smaller notes
buy something or if you can't change the money discreatly.
There is only one ATM in
Vientiane so make sure that you bring enough cash with you.
