Frequently Asked Questions
Airport Tax
Is there any airport departure tax in Laos?Yes, an international departure tax of USD 10 is payable by all travellers leaving Laos. It is not included in the price of your flight ticket and must be purchased at the airport before departure. There is also a domestic airport tax of 5,000 Lao kips per flight ticket.
NOTE: You can purchase your international departure tax in USD but domestic airport tax must be paid in Lao kips. Tax is subject to change without prior notice. Check with your Exotissimo guide for updates.
Getting There
How can I get to Laos by air?
There are still few direct flights from Europe or other countries to Laos. The most frequent connections are from Bangkok (Thailand). Exotissimo Travel will generally not be able to offer you attractive intercontinental fares - you will be better off consulting your local travel agent or searching the internet. However, we do offer attractive regional flight arrangements once you are already in Asia.
Major airlines flying to Vientiane, Luang Prabang and Pakse are:
Laos shares borders with China in the North, Vietnam in the East and Cambodia in the South.
What are the entry and exit points for Laos?
There are still few direct flights from Europe or other countries to Laos. The most frequent connections are from Bangkok (Thailand). Exotissimo Travel will generally not be able to offer you attractive intercontinental fares - you will be better off consulting your local travel agent or searching the internet. However, we do offer attractive regional flight arrangements once you are already in Asia.
Major airlines flying to Vientiane, Luang Prabang and Pakse are:
- Bangkok Airways (PG)
- Thai Airways International (TG)
- Lao Airlines (QV)
- Vietnam Airlines (VN)
Laos shares borders with China in the North, Vietnam in the East and Cambodia in the South.
What are the entry and exit points for Laos?
- Vientiane's Wattay international airport
- Luang Prabang's International airport
- Pakse's International Airport
- Friendship Bridge between Vientiane and Nong Khai in Thailand
- Houey Xai '“ Chiang Khong in Thailand
- Thakek - Nakorn Phanom in Thailand
- Savannakhet - Mukdaharn in Thailand
- Vangtau - Chong Mek in Thailand
- Ban Savan - Lao Bao in Vietnam
- Veung Kham in Cambodia
- Ban Thao or Keo Nua - Kao Theo in Vietnam
- Boten - Bohan in China
Health
Do I need to have any vaccinations to enter Laos?
No vaccinations are required except for yellow fever if you are coming from an area where the disease is present. However visitors should be inoculated against typhoid, cholera, hepatitis A & B, tetanus and polio. Malaria is present in most of the region and it is advisable to take precautions. Medical facilities are rather limited and it is essential to take out a good medical insurance policy before travelling in case evacuation is needed. NOTES: Consult your doctor for up-to-date information on vaccinations and on any reasonably foreseeable illnesses whilst travelling in Laos. Some vaccinations courses may need time to be completed. Anti-malarial tablets, for instance, are often started one week before arrival. We recommend you carry a First Aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements (including a spare pair of glasses).
No vaccinations are required except for yellow fever if you are coming from an area where the disease is present. However visitors should be inoculated against typhoid, cholera, hepatitis A & B, tetanus and polio. Malaria is present in most of the region and it is advisable to take precautions. Medical facilities are rather limited and it is essential to take out a good medical insurance policy before travelling in case evacuation is needed. NOTES: Consult your doctor for up-to-date information on vaccinations and on any reasonably foreseeable illnesses whilst travelling in Laos. Some vaccinations courses may need time to be completed. Anti-malarial tablets, for instance, are often started one week before arrival. We recommend you carry a First Aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements (including a spare pair of glasses).
Money - Currency
What is the local currency in Laos?
The currency in Laos is the Lao Kips (LK) although US Dollars and Euros are accepted in many hotels, restaurants and shops. Banks are open Monday to Friday and some on Saturday morning. In the major cities there are change desks and most hotels will change US Dollars and Euros.
Lao Kip comes in the following forms:
Bank notes: 500; 1,000; 2,000; 5,000; 10,000; 20,000
For real-time official exchange rates and currencies converter,
click here.
NOTE:
For everyday expenses, we recommend carrying a mix of US Dollars and Kips. For larger items or when the exchange rate works in your favour, use US Dollars. For tuk tuks, local food stalls and small purchases, it's best to use Kips. Make sure you always have a stock of small notes so that you don't have to worry about change. Are Travellers' Cheques accepted in Laos?
The BCEL Bank can change American Express Travellers' Cheques for Lao Kips or US Dollars in cash. Note that a 3 % or 5% commission is charged. Very few shops, hotels or restaurants accept Travellers' Cheques.
NOTE: Travellers' Cheques can be difficult to change outside of the major cities.
Can I use credit cards in Laos?
Most credit cards are accepted in Laos. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted - JCB and American Express less so. Not all hotels, commercial centres, shops and restaurants accept credit cards. Check with the cashier before you buy and bear in mind that a credit card surcharge of around 3% usually applies.
Where can I withdraw cash?
There are very few ATMs in Laos (except one or two in Vientiane).
The currency in Laos is the Lao Kips (LK) although US Dollars and Euros are accepted in many hotels, restaurants and shops. Banks are open Monday to Friday and some on Saturday morning. In the major cities there are change desks and most hotels will change US Dollars and Euros.
Lao Kip comes in the following forms:
Bank notes: 500; 1,000; 2,000; 5,000; 10,000; 20,000
For real-time official exchange rates and currencies converter,
click here.
NOTE:
- Most hotels will change USD and Euros at a reasonable exchange rate.
- Shall you want to pay a bill expressed in Lao Kips with USD, ask for the exchange rate or ask your Exotissimo Travel guide for assistance.
For everyday expenses, we recommend carrying a mix of US Dollars and Kips. For larger items or when the exchange rate works in your favour, use US Dollars. For tuk tuks, local food stalls and small purchases, it's best to use Kips. Make sure you always have a stock of small notes so that you don't have to worry about change. Are Travellers' Cheques accepted in Laos?
The BCEL Bank can change American Express Travellers' Cheques for Lao Kips or US Dollars in cash. Note that a 3 % or 5% commission is charged. Very few shops, hotels or restaurants accept Travellers' Cheques.
NOTE: Travellers' Cheques can be difficult to change outside of the major cities.
Can I use credit cards in Laos?
Most credit cards are accepted in Laos. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted - JCB and American Express less so. Not all hotels, commercial centres, shops and restaurants accept credit cards. Check with the cashier before you buy and bear in mind that a credit card surcharge of around 3% usually applies.
Where can I withdraw cash?
There are very few ATMs in Laos (except one or two in Vientiane).
Safety
How safe is Laos?
Laos is a very safe country to visit. Nevertheless and as a global rule, never leave your belongings unattended and always maintain eye contact or a firm grip on cameras and shoulder bags. In some tourist sites you may encounter some insistent souvenir sellers. A polite but firm 'No, thank you' usually will suffice.
Laos is a very safe country to visit. Nevertheless and as a global rule, never leave your belongings unattended and always maintain eye contact or a firm grip on cameras and shoulder bags. In some tourist sites you may encounter some insistent souvenir sellers. A polite but firm 'No, thank you' usually will suffice.
Telecommunication
How can I get in touch with my family, workplace and friends?
Telephone: Most hotels have IDD phones in rooms. Faxes can be sent from hotels and post offices although these services are expensive. It may not always be possible to make international calls in remote areas.If you have worldwide coverage, you can bring your mobile phone and use it to make domestic or international calls. Check with your mobile phone provider for the fares before using it abroad though as it may cost you an arm and a leg.
Internet: Major hotels throughout Laos have Business Centres with PCs connected to the Internet. Some have wireless broadband access. Check with reception for fares and facilities. Cyber cafes are easily found in major towns and cities and prices are reasonable. In many Internet cafes, you can buy pre-paid international phone cards to dial from a computer to landlines or mobile phones worldwide. Most Internet cafes are equipped with webcams, headsets and microphones.
Mail: Postcards are sold at all main tourist sites. Stamps are available from post offices and sometimes from hotel reception desks. A postcard to Europe costs about 6,500 kips and takes 10 days to two weeks to reach its destination.
Telephone: Most hotels have IDD phones in rooms. Faxes can be sent from hotels and post offices although these services are expensive. It may not always be possible to make international calls in remote areas.If you have worldwide coverage, you can bring your mobile phone and use it to make domestic or international calls. Check with your mobile phone provider for the fares before using it abroad though as it may cost you an arm and a leg.
Internet: Major hotels throughout Laos have Business Centres with PCs connected to the Internet. Some have wireless broadband access. Check with reception for fares and facilities. Cyber cafes are easily found in major towns and cities and prices are reasonable. In many Internet cafes, you can buy pre-paid international phone cards to dial from a computer to landlines or mobile phones worldwide. Most Internet cafes are equipped with webcams, headsets and microphones.
Mail: Postcards are sold at all main tourist sites. Stamps are available from post offices and sometimes from hotel reception desks. A postcard to Europe costs about 6,500 kips and takes 10 days to two weeks to reach its destination.
Time
What is the time difference in Laos?
Laos is GMT + 7 and does not operate daylight-saving system.
Laos is GMT + 7 and does not operate daylight-saving system.
Transportation
Can I rent a car and drive myself?
Lao laws do not allow foreigners to rent and drive a car themselves. It is highly advisable to rent a car with an experienced driver who knows the area and can speak Lao in case of any problems. Traffic conditions may vary dramatically from what you are used to.
Can the driver speak English and act as a guide?
No, he cannot. In Laos, drivers are only drivers. Tour guides must be licensed by the National Tourism Authority. Exotissimo Travel Laos employ arguably the best tour guides in Laos and we specialise in arranging tours with private driver and tour guide.
Lao laws do not allow foreigners to rent and drive a car themselves. It is highly advisable to rent a car with an experienced driver who knows the area and can speak Lao in case of any problems. Traffic conditions may vary dramatically from what you are used to.
Can the driver speak English and act as a guide?
No, he cannot. In Laos, drivers are only drivers. Tour guides must be licensed by the National Tourism Authority. Exotissimo Travel Laos employ arguably the best tour guides in Laos and we specialise in arranging tours with private driver and tour guide.
Visas
Do I need to get a tourist visa for Laos?
All visitors to Laos require a visa to enter the country with a few exceptions:
A tourist visa is valid for 15 days for a single entry and can be extended once for an additional 14 days. Overstaying visitors must pay US$3 per day.
How do I apply for a Laos visa?
There are two ways to obtain a Lao visa:
Case 1: Collect your visa before arrival from your nearest Lao embassy or consulate. For a complete list of Lao embassies and consulates worldwide, click here
Case 2: Receiving visa on arrival is possible from Vientiane's Wattay International Airport, Luang Prabang International Airport, at the Friendship Bridge in Vientiane, at Pakse International Airport at the Chong Mek Border and at Houey Xay.
You will need one photo and US$ 30 for the visa fees (US$ 1 supplement may be requested for overtime if you arrive on Saturday or Sunday). Please check your visa stamp before leaving the immigration. NOTE: Exotissimo Travel Laos can arrange procedures for you prior to arrival. Contact one of our travel consultants.
What are the immigration procedures on entering Laos?
To enter Laos, all visitors must complete an entry/exit form including a customs declaration. All this is easily done during the plane journey during which these papers are distributed. Your guide will be waiting at the arrival gate after you clear customs holding a signboard with your name on it.
All visitors to Laos require a visa to enter the country with a few exceptions:
- Nationals from Colombia, Iraq, Kuwait, Jordan, Palestine and Iran are not allowed to enter Laos.
- Tourists holding Thai, Indonesian, Cambodian, Brunei, Malaysian and Singaporean passports do not need visa for a visit up to 15 days. If staying for 15 days or less (passport must be valid three months after arrival and they need a return ticket). Those who wish to stay longer than 15 days will need to apply for a visa.
- A tourist visa is a single entry visa which means that if you exit Laos, you will require a new tourist visa to enter again.
- All travellers must have a passport valid to 6 months after their planned exit of Laos.
- The above information may change without prior notice. It is your responsibility to check whether you are subject to a tourist visa for Laos.
- Contact your closest Lao embassy or consulate for up to date information. Alternatively, please
contact an Exotissimo travel consultant.
A tourist visa is valid for 15 days for a single entry and can be extended once for an additional 14 days. Overstaying visitors must pay US$3 per day.
How do I apply for a Laos visa?
There are two ways to obtain a Lao visa:
Case 1: Collect your visa before arrival from your nearest Lao embassy or consulate. For a complete list of Lao embassies and consulates worldwide, click here
Case 2: Receiving visa on arrival is possible from Vientiane's Wattay International Airport, Luang Prabang International Airport, at the Friendship Bridge in Vientiane, at Pakse International Airport at the Chong Mek Border and at Houey Xay.
You will need one photo and US$ 30 for the visa fees (US$ 1 supplement may be requested for overtime if you arrive on Saturday or Sunday). Please check your visa stamp before leaving the immigration. NOTE: Exotissimo Travel Laos can arrange procedures for you prior to arrival. Contact one of our travel consultants.
What are the immigration procedures on entering Laos?
To enter Laos, all visitors must complete an entry/exit form including a customs declaration. All this is easily done during the plane journey during which these papers are distributed. Your guide will be waiting at the arrival gate after you clear customs holding a signboard with your name on it.
Weather
What is the weather like in Laos?
Laos has a monsoon climate featuring a dry and a wet season. The dry season lasts from November to May with the cooler period in December and January. At its coldest, temperatures fall to as low as 15 degrees C. It is coldest at night, in the early mornings and at higher altitudes. During the hot period of the dry season, between March and May, temperatures can reach the high 30's C. Rainfall in the wet season varies according to altitude. Generally speaking, the monsoon season produces severe rain that lasts for short periods of time. The wet months vary according to location. In Vientiane, they are from May to September, in Luang Prabang, August is far wetter than any other month.
For live weather forecasts, click here.
When is the best season to travel to Laos?
All year round is a good time to travel to Laos. October to March is the high season due to the dry weather and cooler temperatures, but it is perfectly possible to travel outside these months. The monsoon rains are active from May/June to September but the sun will still be out in force for parts of the day.
Hotel and airlines tariffs are lower from May to September.
The Lao New Year is celebrated around mid-April and it will affect your trip as land transport rates double and many restaurants and shops will be closed. You will also most probably be splashed with water, the traditional way to wash away the old year, and although colourful and fun can be quite annoying for your photo and video equipment.
NOTE: As a reminder, to avoid disappointment, reserve your travel arrangements early Contact us to discuss your travel plans.
Laos has a monsoon climate featuring a dry and a wet season. The dry season lasts from November to May with the cooler period in December and January. At its coldest, temperatures fall to as low as 15 degrees C. It is coldest at night, in the early mornings and at higher altitudes. During the hot period of the dry season, between March and May, temperatures can reach the high 30's C. Rainfall in the wet season varies according to altitude. Generally speaking, the monsoon season produces severe rain that lasts for short periods of time. The wet months vary according to location. In Vientiane, they are from May to September, in Luang Prabang, August is far wetter than any other month.
For live weather forecasts, click here.
When is the best season to travel to Laos?
All year round is a good time to travel to Laos. October to March is the high season due to the dry weather and cooler temperatures, but it is perfectly possible to travel outside these months. The monsoon rains are active from May/June to September but the sun will still be out in force for parts of the day.
Hotel and airlines tariffs are lower from May to September.
The Lao New Year is celebrated around mid-April and it will affect your trip as land transport rates double and many restaurants and shops will be closed. You will also most probably be splashed with water, the traditional way to wash away the old year, and although colourful and fun can be quite annoying for your photo and video equipment.
NOTE: As a reminder, to avoid disappointment, reserve your travel arrangements early Contact us to discuss your travel plans.
