More flight and travel news stories
More useful links for Laos
The official language is Lao but French and English are also spoken.
Back to top
Laos’ official currency is the Lao kip, which is divided into 100 cents. There are no ATMs, but some international hotels and tourist establishments accept major credit cards. You can cash traveler’s checks at most banks in the major towns, but they have limited acceptance elsewhere. Cash is the most common form of payment, whether it is US dollars, Thai baht or Lao kip.
Laos’ international country code is 856. To call another country from Laos, dial 00 followed by the appropriate country code. Check with your hotel before making a call, sometimes they add a large surcharge to the bill. Tourist areas have many Internet cafes.
Ten percent tips are now expected in tourist hotels and restaurants, but nowhere else.
Most tourists have no trouble in Laos. Use common sense, don’t carry large sums of money and keep passports and valuables in a safe place. Travel in rural Laos is more dangerous. Bandits target tourists and unexploded landmines can make travel scary. Always carry your passport or ID with you. You will be charged a heavy fine if you’re found without it.
Consult your doctor at least three weeks before traveling to Laos for protection against malaria, typhoid, cholera, hepatitis A, B and E, dengue fever and HIV/AIDS. Many travelers get diarrhea, so avoid dairy products, uncooked fish and meat, salads and unpeeled fruit and vegetables. Stick to bottled water.
Laos’ electrical current is 220 volts, 50Hz and uses a variety of different plugs.
* Required
Would you like to receive weekly travel deals? (optional)
The best bargains and up-to-the-minute deals
More travel tips
© 2003 - 2012 Cheapflights Media (USA) Inc all rights reserved
