The markets in Vientiane and Luang Prabang (about 40 minutes by air from Vientiane) are worth visiting. Silk, silver jewelry and handmade shirts are good buys. Although the majority of shops have fixed prices, bartering is still advisable for antiques and other art objects.

Shopping hours
Mon-Fri 0800-1600; Mon-Sat 0900-2100 (private shops).

Currency Information:

Currency
Lao Kip (LAK) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of LAK5000, 2000, 1000, 500 and 100.

Currency exchange
Thai Baht and US 
Dollars are the easiest currencies to exchange. They are also widely accepted in shops, markets and hotels in Vientiane and Luang Prabang.

Credit & debit cards
Major credit cards are accepted in the more upmarket hotels and restaurants. Check with your credit or debit card company for details of merchant acceptability and other services which may be available.

Travelers cheques
Limited acceptance. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travelers are advised to take travelers cheques in US Dollars or Thai Baht.

Currency restrictions
The import and export of local currency is prohibited. There are no restrictions on the import or export of foreign currency, but amounts greater than US$2000 must be declared.

The markets in Vientiane and Luang Prabang (about 40 minutes by air from Vientiane) are worth visiting. Silk, silver jewelry and handmade shirts are good buys. Although the majority of shops have fixed prices, bartering is still advisable for antiques and other art objects.

Shopping hours
Mon-Fri 0800-1600; Mon-Sat 0900-2100 (private shops).

Currency Information:

Currency
Lao Kip (LAK) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of LAK5000, 2000, 1000, 500 and 100.

Currency exchange
Thai Baht and US 
Dollars are the easiest currencies to exchange. They are also widely accepted in shops, markets and hotels in Vientiane and Luang Prabang.

Credit & debit cards
Major credit cards are accepted in the more upmarket hotels and restaurants. Check with your credit or debit card company for details of merchant acceptability and other services which may be available.

Travelers cheques
Limited acceptance. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travelers are advised to take travelers cheques in US Dollars or Thai Baht.

Currency restrictions
The import and export of local currency is prohibited. There are no restrictions on the import or export of foreign currency, but amounts greater than US$2000 must be declared.

Exchange rate indicators

Date At time of publishing
£1.00= LAK18077.27
$1.00= LAK10415.85

Banking hours
Mon-Fri 0800-1200 and 1330-1730.