Business Hours

Government offices are open from 08:30am-12:00pm, 01:00pm-04:00pm on Monday through Friday. Banks open from 08:30am-03:30pm on Monday-Friday, shops around 09:00am-06:00pm (holiday depends on each shop).

Embassies & Consulates

For a list of embassies and consulates in Vientiane and other cities, see EmbassyPages

Healthcare

Laos has basic healthcare. Precautionary measures like eating only well cooked food, drinking bottled water, staying hydrated, avoiding being bitten by mosquitoes and wearing protective clothing will help prevent most common ailments.

To find a hospital, see Google Maps Hospitals in Laos.

Payment

Refer to EzyKip Application to make payment during traveling in Laos.

Phone

International direct dial is widely available. You can also purchase a local pre-paid SIM card for your mobile phone.

Post

There are post offices in all provincial capitals. Both DHL and FedEx have offices in Vientiane.

Visa

Refer to www.laoevisa.gov.la to obtain your e-visa online.

Currency

The Kip is the official currency of the Lao PDR and the following banknotes are currently in circulation: 500; 1,000; 2,000; 5,000; 10,000; 20,000, 50,000 and 100,000 Kip.

The best currencies to use when exchanging money are: US Dollars, Euros and Thai Baht. You can exchange your currency at the bank, airport, or at a foreign currency exchange office.

Credit Cards

Visa, Master Card and American Express are accepted only in larger hotels, restaurants and souvenir shops in the large cities (such as Vientiane, Luang Prabang, Savannakhet and Champasack).

Internet

Internet access is available in many hotels, guesthouses, and restaurants in big cities. Although internet cafes are often available in provincial capitals, it may be difficult to connect to the internet in some rural areas.

Language

The national language is Lao, but English is commonly used in major tourist centers. Chinese, Vietnamese and Thai are also widely understood. French, German, Russian and  a number of other European languages are also spoken by many educated Lao, as many students received higher education in Europe during 1970’s-1990’s.

Time

The time in Laos is 7 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT +7).

Online Taxi

LOCA, the leading ride-hailing app and the largest online taxi service provider in Laos is another one of the great choices that you couldn’t resist.

It provides convenient, sustainable, environmentally-friendly transportation options including electric taxi services, electric motorcycles, to deliver goods and passengers to create an environment-friendly journey and reduce air pollution.

Moreover, it’s got transparent pricing, strict driver selection process, and 24/7 customer service to ensure safety, fair income for drivers, and a seamless experience for customers, all while reducing carbon emissions for a greener future.

Try the electric taxi service today on the LOCA app. Download the app at:

https://www.loca.la/download

Online Payment

LOCA Pay, payment service that helps you connect your credit/debit card for making the payment transaction with all Lao standard QR code continuously and seamlessly while traveling in Laos.

Download the app at: https://loca.la/how-to-pay-in-laos/

Travel with Children

Laos is a safe, quiet country with a lot to explore for both adults and children. Lao people love kids. Children provide good opportunities for opening communication with Lao people.

Weather

Laos generally enjoys a mild tropical climate, but it can get quite chilly in the cool season. Temperatures range from 10-40 degrees celsius in the Mekong Valley.

Points of Entry

International Checkpoints

• Wattay International Airport in Vientiane Capital
• Luang Prabang International Airport in Luang Prabang Province
• Pakse International Airport in Champasak Province
• Savannakhet International Airport in Savannakhet Province
• Attapeu Province International Airport

Border Checkpoints

Check before you go that your intended border is open to international tourists. Also note that not all borders provide visas on demand.

LAOS-CHINA

• Phongsaly Province (Lan Tuy, Yod Ou) – China (Meuang Kham).
• Luang Namtha Province (Boten) – China (Mohan)
• Xiangkok riverport on Mekong River in Luang Namtha Province

LAOS-MYANMAR

• Bokeo Province (Ban Meuang Mom) – Myanmar (Vang Pong)

LAOS-THAILAND

• Bokeo Province (Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge IV) – Thaniland (Chiang Khong)
• Bokeo Province (Golden Triangles) – Thailand (Golden Triangles)
• Sayabouly Province (Kaenthao) – Thailand (Nakaxeng – Loei)
• Sayabouly Province (Phakeo) – Thailand (Phoudou)
• Sayabouly Province (Nam Ngeun) – Thailand (Houay Konl, Nan)
• Vientiane Capital (Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge I ) – Thailand (Nong Khai)
• Vientiane Capital (Thanaleng, Hadxayfong ) – Thailand (Nong Khai)
• Bolikhomxay Province (Paksan) – Thailand (Beungkarn)
• Khammouane Province (Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge III) – Thailand (Nakhon Phanom)
• Savannakhet Province (Lao-Thai Friendship bridge II) – Thailand (Mukdahan
• Champasak Province (Vang Tao) – Thailand (Songmek)

LAOS-VIETNAM

• Phongsaly Province (Pang Hok) – Vietnam (Taichang Laichau)
• Houaphanh Province (Nam Souy) – Vietnam (Nameo)
• Xieng Khouang (Nonghaet) – Vietnam (Namkanh)
• Bolikhomxay Province (Nam Phao) – Vietnam (Cau Treo)
• Khammouane Province (Na Phao) – Vietnam (Cha Lo)
• Savannakhet Province (Daene Savanh) – Vietnam (Lao Bao)
• Salavan Province (Lalai) – Vietnam (Lalai)
• Attapeu Province (Phou Keua) – Vietnam (Kontoum)

LAOS-CAMBODIA

• Champasak Province (Veunkham) – Cambodia (Dong kralor/Nong Nok Khian)