Taking cash & cards to Laos. Unlike credit cards the application process is straightforward, but you need to allow 7 days for delivery of the card. The Lao development bank, which is the only bank in smaller towns, can change cash and TQs only. The bank is currently run 11 service units in different areas of Vientiane.

ATMs are now found all over Laos. You can find only a few, which mostly choose to settle down near commercial areas like the Morning Market.Although they are not popular, their rates are quite good. As the use of credit cards will be limited outside of the main urban areas, if you are travelling in remote parts of the country make sure you have a supply of cash with you. We look forward to hearing from you shortly.

Before you even think about motorbiking around Laos, know that it is illegal to ride a motorbike without a license – regardless of whether or not the rental shop-keeper asks you for proof. Vientiane was the only place in Laos where I got anything close to the real FX rate. For more information please visit caxtonfx.com. The US Dollar exchange rates on offer in the UK vary considerably, so it pays to shop around. While changing currency at a kiosk in Laos' major cities, carefully count your money to make sure you haven't been short-changed.

I hear the changers at the Chinese border give a somewhat palatable rate. Banks are usually open Monday through Friday from 8:00 to 17:00, exchange offices work any day of the week. When you are in Laos, Kip (Lao currency) are your best friends. It is worth requesting some small denomination notes.Credit cards are normally not accepted outside the better hotels and a select group of shops in Vientiane and Luang Prabang. Experts in the art of tailor-made holidays, we delight in putting together the very finest bespoke arrangements for our clients. ATMs can also be found in Luang Prabang and some other large towns such as Oudomxai, Pakse, Savannakhet and Vang Vieng, but bear in mind that, due to local conditions such as power cuts, these will be less reliable than cash machines back home.We recommend the Caxton FX Global Traveller card which offers a fixed exchange rate at 2.75% below the prevailing interbank rate when spending overseas and withdrawing local currency from ATMs. Although Laos's official currency is the Kip, the US Dollar is widely … 5. Some of them occasionally offer rates slightly better than the bank service units’ so it is best to make a comparison before exchanging any large amount.1) BCEL Head Office & Service Unit @ Pangkham Street Generally, the exchange rates at banks and moneychangers are close to the same, and both will offer you a higher rate for changing larger bills such as $50 and $100 than for tens and twenties. One of the most convenient ways to get the best exchange rate is to order in advance and either collect the currency at the providers' outlet or arrange delivery. As a general rule always avoid exchanging money at the airport unless you have pre-ordered to secure a favourable rate. Laos … Most reliable exchangers with good rates are … 1) Change money before you come into the country, or in Vientiane. Also included are the most favorable rate money changers in easily reached locations of Vientiane.Banque Pour Le Commerce Exterieur Lao Public (BCEL) is one of the biggest state-owned banks in Laos. Best Places to Exchange Money in Vientiane. © 2020 Bamboo Travel - All rights reserved worldwide Where to change money in Laos? This famous market has a number of bank branches with competitive rates in its vicinity to serve visitor shoppers.You can find the headquarters of banks like ANZ, Joint Development Bank, and Lao-Viet Bank on the same road, Lane Xang, which is within walking distance from Talat Sao Morning Market.Bear in mind that the general operating hours of Vientiane’s banks are from 09:00 to 15:30 from Monday to Friday.Unlike the way it is in busy cities across Southeast Asia, there are not many independent currency exchange shops in Vientiane. The Post Office's pre-ordering service is also usually competitive and convenient for collection. Please get in touch with your travel plans either by phone, email or by completing our simple enquiry form. Answer 1 of 6: Hi, I saw that we should be OK with US$ especially in small bills but for changing money to Kip, where do we go?

You can check the best rates available on price comparison websites such as moneysavingexpert.com or travelsupermarket.com.

Is there one rate or do we need to check around? But before you get too excited, ATMs dispense a maximum of 700,000K to... Credit Cards. Mindful Motorcycling. This bank brings convenience to visitors through the currency exchange service offering at its BCEL service units across Vientiane.What to love about BCEL service units is that their opening hours are very customer-friendly, which last until 19:00 on weekdays and 15:00 on weekends.

Money ATMs. The currency in Laos is changing at banks, exchange offices and hotels. Money changing in Laos is relatively easy, and you have a choice of moneychangers, your hotel, or the local banks. Although US Dollar and Thai Baht are widely accepted in Vientiane, Kip are still the most preferred, especially at small retail stores and eating houses. Among those, the units at Sihom and Nam Phu are open every day from 08:30 to 20:30.Good news is that BFL service units accept a wide variety of currencies including non-major ones.The opportunities Talat Sao Morning Market offers are more than just things to see and buy like fruits, vegetables, textile, woodcraft, jewelry and houseware.