Laos Money Travel Tips
Laos (Lao) is one of the coolest and more relaxed travel destinations in South East Asia.
More and more tourists visit Laos every year because of its friendliness and slow development. Vacationists can enjoy visiting grand temples, pagodas, and peaceful traditional villages or lying around in the sun near the Mekong river in luxury seaside resorts. However though, to get the best of your travel, you are advised to know at least something about the art of bargaining in Laos.
Other than luxury resorts, grand hotels and big restaurants where fixed prices are listed, you can bargain for just about anything else in Laos. But remember, this isn’t Marrakesh so don’t be too obsessed in your bargaining.
Lao Money
There are no ATMs so the best is to bring us$ or Thai baht, although some Lao kips are necessary for small purchases.
Banks will readily change your us$ or foreign currencies at a small commission.
Before you board your plane for Laos you should have some knowledge and a general idea about the prices you will find in Laos.
The Lao money is called the Lao Kip with $1 = 8,700 LAK.
Surfing the internet, you can easily find out information about prices of going by taxi or several means of transportation. However, if you’re traveling pretty far, you have to bargain for a less expensive price because for some types of long routes, the price does not include what is counted on the taximeter. If you travel by taxi over a distance which is more than 40 km, you should think about calling the taxi company beforehand and ask for their price for a trip as far as that.
Laos Prices
Prices for food and transport in Laos are very cheap, also expect to pay the ‘falang’ price for lodging.
Transport between South Laos and North Cambodia is quite costly. You don’t have to pay an agent in advance.