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Money & duty free for Laos

Currency information: 

Lao Kip (LAK; symbol ₭­) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of ₭50,000, 20,000, 10,000, 5,000, 2,000, 1,000, 500, 100, 50, 10, 5 and 1.

Credit cards: 

Major credit cards are accepted in the more upmarket hotels and restaurants only in Vientiane and Luang Prabang. ATMs are slowly being introduced, particularly in Vientiane, but do not rely on them.

ATM: 

ATMs are slowly being introduced, particularly in Vientiane, but do not rely on them.

Travellers cheques: 

Limited acceptance and often with a hefty commission charge. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take traveller's cheques in US Dollars or Thai Baht.

Banking hours: 

Mon-Fri 0830-1600. Some banks remain open during lunch.

Currency restriction: 

The import and export of local currency is prohibited. The import and export of foreign currency is unrestricted, subject to declaration of amounts more than US$2000 on arrival.

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.

Laos duty free

The following goods may be imported into Laos, from countries not bordering Laos, without incurring customs duty:

• 500 cigarettes or 100 cigars or 500g of tobacco.
• One bottle of alcoholic beverage and two bottles of wine.
• Personal jewellery up to 500g.

Note: The export of antiques such as Buddha images and other artefacts is prohibited. Any antique items purchased in other countries must be declared to customs on arrival in Laos.

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