Travel Tips to Laos

VISA

Most travelers to Laos need a visa to enter the country. Tourist visas are usually valid for 30 days and can sometimes be extended inside Laos. Requirements often include a valid passport with at least six months’ validity, a passport photo, and the visa fee. Travelers are advised to check the latest visa rules before their trip, as regulations may change.

HEALTH & SAFETY

Medical and dental facilities are mostly operated by the government. Private clinics and pharmacies are available in the major cities.. Medicines from France, USA, Russia, Thailand, and China are widely sold in almost pharmacies.

ELECTRICITY

Electricity in Laos runs on 230V supply voltage and 50Hz frequency. The most common plug types are Type C (two round pins, like in Europe) and Type F (Schuko). Travelers from regions that use different plug types, such as the UK, USA, or Australia, should bring a universal adapter. Power banks are useful, as electricity cuts can occasionally happen in smaller towns and rural areas, though cities usually have a stable supply. Most hotels and guesthouses provide sufficient outlets, but carrying a multi-plug adapter can be convenient if you have multiple devices.

CURRENCY, EXCHANGE & ATM

The official currency of Laos is the Lao Kip (LAK). US dollars and Thai baht are widely accepted in larger towns, hotels, and tourist businesses but in smaller shops, restaurants and rural areas, only kip is used.

Money exchange services are available at banks, licensed exchange offices and major airports. ATMs are common in cities like Vientiane, Luang Prabang, and Pakse. International credit and debit cards are increasingly accepted at hotels, upscale restaurants, and travel agencies, but cash is still preferred in most places. Travelers are advised to carry enough cash, especially when visiting remote areas where ATMs may not be available. 1 USD is worth approximately 21.613,70 LAK (2025)

TIME ZONE & WORKING HOURS

Laos is in the Indochina Time Zone (ICT), which is UTC +7 hours. Typical working hours in Laos are from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday to Friday, with a lunch break around noon. Government offices, banks, and many businesses follow this schedule. Shops, markets, and restaurants often open earlier and close later, especially in tourist areas, with some night markets running until around 10:00 PM. Tourist attractions such as temples and museums usually open from 8:00 AM to 4:00 or 5:00 PM.

During national holidays, many offices and banks may close, but markets and restaurants usually remain open.

TRANSPORT

Major cities and tourist hubs like Vientiane, Luang Prabang, and Pakse are connected by domestic flights, which save time on long journeys. Buses and minibuses are the most common way to travel between towns.

Within towns and cities, tuk-tuks, songthaews (shared pickup trucks), and motorbike taxis are widely available for short trips. Many travelers also rent motorbikes or bicycles to explore at their own pace, especially in smaller towns and rural areas. On the Mekong River and its tributaries, boat travel remains an important and enjoyable way to get around, particularly in the 4,000 Islands region.

INTERNET

You can access the internet at hotels, cyber cafés & Internet/Computer Service Centers. ADSL technology is widely used in major cities. Also, WIFI internet is available at some cyber cafés, restaurants, and most hotels in major tourist destinations. Free WIFI is also available in some international airports.

POST & COMMUNICATION

Telephone, fax, telegraph, and telex services are provided at post offices, hotels and business centers. Mobile phones are widely used and it is possible and cheap to buy a prepaid SIM for your unlocked phone or a cheap phone and a SIM card.