Laos travel info

General information for the traveller new to Laos.

Visas
Visitors to Laos require a tourist visa to enter the country and should also ensure that their passport or travel documents are valid for 6 months or more - 2 passport photographs are also required.

A travel visa can be arranged through a travel agent prior to travelling or on arrival if arriving at Wattay International Airport (Vientiane) or Nong Khai Friendship Bridge border crossing from Laos. A visa extension can be applied for from within the country but only in Vientiane.

It is recommended that you check current regulations and restrictions with your nearest Laotian Consulate.

Customs
There are no limits on the amount of Laotian or foreign currency that can be taken into or out of the country.

Visitors may take the following into Laos duty free:

Alcohol -1 litre of spirits
Tobacco - 500 cigarettes, 100 cigars or 500g of tobacco

Time
Laotian Time: GMT + 7 hours

Currency
Kip (K) - Check current exchange rates
Notes issued: K5,000, K2,000, K1,000, K500, K100, K50
Thai Baht are also widely accepted.

Language
Lao is the official language, however a number of dialects are spoken in different parts of the country. French, Thai, Vietnamese and English are also used to limited degrees.

Tipping
Tipping is not customary in Laos, although it is becoming more widely acceptable - especially in the more upmarket restaurants of Vientiane and Luang Prabang.

Banking Hours
Monday to Friday 9.00 am to 4.30 pm

Telephone
The international dialling code for Laos is 856
International dialling from within the country is fairly limited. When making international calls from Laos, first dial 14 + country code + area code + telephone number

Local Telephone Codes

Ban Huay Xai 053

Luang Prabang 071

Pakse 031

Savannakhet 041

Vientiane 021

Electricity
220 V, 50 cycles
2 prong plugs with both flat and round pins are widely used, therefore an adapter is a good idea.
Power cuts are not uncommon so take a torch.

Water
Do not drink tap water and avoid using ice. Bottled water is widely available.

Health
There are a number of embassies with their own medical clinics in Vientiane but generally medical care is poor in Laos. Make sure that you have adequate health insurance that includes evacuation. Consider inoculations against typhoid, polio, hepatitis A, Japanese encephalitis and take advice regarding anti-malarials. Cholera can be a problem in the south, especially during the rainy season and dengue fever has been experienced in areas of the north. It is always best to check the current situation and any vaccination requirements with your doctor when planning your trip.

International Airports

Vientiane - Wattay
Luang Prabang

International Airport Departure Tax
US$5

Domestic Airports

Ban Huay Xai
Luang Nam Tha
Muang Sai
Pakse
Phonsovan
Savannakhet
Saravan
Thakhek

Domestic Airport Departure Tax
None

Etiquette/Dress code
Dress should be modest for both men and women; avoid short/tight skirts and vests/singlets. Laotians consider it disrespectful to bare shoulders, thighs and the chest.

As with many Asian countries, the head is thought to be very special and the feet are considered to be the lowest part of the body in every sense; therefore people do not appreciate being touched on the head. Feet should remain tucked under or behind you when seated and should not be used to point with. Shoes should be removed before entering a home or religious building. It is also considered rude to point using the index finger or to stand over someone. Political topics should be avoided at all times.

Diplomatic Missions
Many countries have representative offices and consulates in Laos.

Useful Sources of Information
Further information on Laos culture and tourist attractions: