Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Tater]

Heading to Laos in the middle of January. I'm looking for information about ATMs in the country. Are they available? What should I take with me? Travelers checks? US bills? Can I take Laos currency out of ATMs, or is it like Cambodia where all of the ATMs spit out US bills?

[hogwonguy1979]

there are now a few int atm's in laos. i know of one in vientiane across from Liang Xiang (or something like that) hotel along the road along the mekong just go up the side street. I've heard that Luang also may have one or two in the old historical district. they give out Lao Kip and its like 9000-10000 Kip/Dollar

I think US T/C's are ok this aint Burma where you need US $ cash, you should be able to exchange those in Vientiane, VV and Luang though they may charge you 3% commission. Some places will take credit cards though they charge 3% transaction fee

90% of places also take Thai Baht, i've seen cash registers give the price in 3 currencies, kip, baht and dollars

[Jeff's Cigarettes]

You'd do much better changing Dollars (or Thai Baht) to kip w/ the local proprietors...much better. I don't recommend u use the ATM.

[Tater]

Word. I think now I'll buy some TCs at the bank and take them Any better advice, please tell me.

[Jeff's Cigarettes]

No, you'd have to change TC's a bank and they give the worst rate. Bring dollars (100$bills) and you can get better rates tradings them w/ the local merchants. Just ask around to see who changes and also bargain for the best rate. Bargaining is important in this part of the globe.

[martinpil]

None of the ATMs worked in Laos when I was there. I had to return to Thailand to get money. Other brits coudnt get money out either and were unrelated to me. dunno bout Yanks though.

[definitely maybe]