💰 Quick Context: The Lao Kip
Laos uses the Lao Kip (LAK / ₭), but it is a dual/triple currency economy. Thai baht and US dollars are widely accepted alongside kip, especially for larger purchases. A coffee costs ₭10,000–25,000, a restaurant meal ₭30,000–80,000, and a guesthouse night ₭150,000–500,000. Quick math: roughly 20,000 LAK = $1 USD. Drop four zeros and divide by 2 (so ₭100,000 is about $5). Laos is very affordable and very cash-heavy. Carry plenty of cash outside Vientiane.
🎧 Order Lao Kip Before You Fly
Have cash in hand when you land. Insured delivery, 2–5 day shipping.
Order LAK → CEI Currency ExchangeCash vs. Card: What to Expect in Laos
Laos is one of Southeast Asia's most cash-dependent countries. Card acceptance is growing in tourist hubs, but the vast majority of transactions happen in cash.
Vientiane: hotels, upscale restaurants along the Mekong, and some larger shops accept cards. Most local restaurants, Talat Sao market, and tuk-tuks are cash-only. Luang Prabang: boutique hotels and some restaurants along Sisavangvong Road take cards, but the famous night market and morning alms-giving ceremony area are cash-only.
Everywhere else (Vang Vieng, 4000 Islands/Si Phan Don, Phonsavan's Plain of Jars) is almost entirely cash-based. Plan to pay for nearly everything in cash. Withdraw enough kip between towns with ATMs. Keep some USD as backup.
How to Get Kip for Your Laos Trip
Laos is one of Southeast Asia's most cash-driven countries. The kip is also one of the lowest-value currencies in circulation (roughly 21,000 LAK to $1), so a $50 withdrawal returns a thick wad of bills. Cards work at the Settha Palace and Crowne Plaza in Vientiane, a few upscale Sisavangvong Road restaurants in Luang Prabang, and most boutique hotels in either city. Everything else (the Luang Prabang night market, the Talat Sao market in Vientiane, the alms-giving ceremony area, tuk-tuks, Vang Vieng tubing operators, the 4000 Islands/Si Phan Don bungalows, the Phonsavan Plain of Jars area, sleeper-bus tickets) is cash. USD and Thai baht are also widely accepted in tourist areas as informal backup currencies.
Bring USD to exchange or order kip before you fly
For pre-arrival LAK, two paths. A currency-exchange service like CEI Currency Exchange may stock Lao kip on request, with insured 2–5 day delivery. Most US home banks (Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, Citi) generally do not stock LAK. Backup that works well in Laos: pack USD $200–400 in clean post-2009 small bills. Tourist-area restaurants, tuk-tuks, and tour operators in Vientiane and Luang Prabang accept USD readily, often quoted alongside LAK and THB. Laos does not have a Bank of America Global ATM Alliance partner. The cleanest setup for most Laos trips: pack USD in clean small bills, use a Wise card at the few card-accepting hotels, and pull kip from BCEL or Lao Development Bank ATMs for daily cash. Maximize each withdrawal because per-transaction fees are high relative to the small withdrawal cap.
Withdraw from a Laotian bank ATM
On the ground, the cheapest source of kip is one of Laos's bank ATMs. Banque Pour Le Commerce Exterieur Lao (BCEL) (the largest network), Lao Development Bank, Joint Development Bank, ANZ Lao, and Acleda Bank Lao all give the actual interbank rate with no markup. Most charge a per-transaction operator fee for foreign cards (typically LAK 20,000–40,000, posted on the screen before you confirm). Withdrawal caps are notably low (LAK 2,000,000–3,000,000 per transaction, roughly $100–150 USD). Maximize each pull to spread the fee. ATMs cluster around Vientiane (Mekong-side hotels, Talat Sao area, the airport at VTE), Luang Prabang (along Sisavangvong Road and near the Royal Palace Museum), and Pakse. Coverage thins fast in Vang Vieng, Luang Namtha, and the 4000 Islands, so withdraw enough cash before traveling between hubs. Decline DCC every time the screen offers "charge in USD". See the Best ATMs section below for the bank-by-bank lineup. Want to know what a BCEL withdrawal will actually cost on your card after the fee? Drop it into our ATM fee calculator.
Airport counters & tourist-strip exchange
Three traps to walk past in Laos. The currency-exchange counters in arrivals at VTE (Vientiane Wattay) and LPQ (Luang Prabang) advertise rates that look reasonable but routinely run 5–10% off the interbank rate, plus per-transaction fees. The exchange windows along Sisavangvong Road in Luang Prabang and inside hotel lobbies bake the markup into the rate. Honest exception worth knowing: BCEL bank counters in Vientiane and Luang Prabang exchange clean USD to LAK at competitive rates, often beating both the airport counter and the small exchange booths. Third, the standalone independent ATMs at smaller hotel arcades layer DCC pitches and operator fees on top of the standard high local fee. Stick to bank-branded ATMs at BCEL, Lao Development Bank, JDB, ANZ, or Acleda; decline DCC; and BCEL bank counters are the one acceptable cash-to-cash route. Laos does not yet have a city-specific guide on this site, but the Best ATMs section below covers the bank lineup.
For a side-by-side comparison of every method (bank wire, travel card, pre-order, ATM, exchange counter) including USD-to-LAK timing tips, see our complete Getting Currency guide →.
Best ATMs to Use in Laos
ATM withdrawal limits in Laos are typically ₭2,000,000–3,000,000 per transaction (roughly $100–150 USD). Fees of ₭20,000–40,000 per withdrawal are common at all ATMs in Laos, so withdraw the maximum amount each time to reduce the per-transaction cost. Always choose LAK when prompted.
BCEL (Banque pour le Commerce Extérieur Lao)
Laos's largest bank with the most extensive ATM network. You will find BCEL ATMs in every province, at Wattay International Airport in Vientiane, and throughout Luang Prabang's tourist district. The most reliable option across the country.
RecommendedLao Development Bank
Good ATM coverage across Laos, particularly in provincial capitals. A solid alternative when BCEL ATMs are busy or out of cash.
RecommendedBFL (Banque Franco-Lao)
Found in larger cities including Vientiane and Luang Prabang. Fewer ATMs than BCEL, but a reliable choice when available.
Recommended⚠ Watch Out for Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC)
DCC is rare in Laos but can occur at some ATMs and upscale hotel terminals. If an ATM or card terminal offers to charge you in USD instead of LAK, always decline. Choosing USD means accepting a 3–8% markup hidden in their exchange rate. Always select "LAK" or "local currency" at every prompt.
ATMs to Avoid in Laos
While ATM options in Laos are more limited than in neighboring countries, you should still stick to recognized bank ATMs for the best experience.
Standalone Unbranded ATMs
Occasionally found near tourist areas and guesthouses. These machines may charge higher fees, have lower withdrawal limits, or experience more frequent technical issues. Always look for a bank-branded ATM instead.
AvoidPaying by Card in Laos
Card Networks
Visa and Mastercard are accepted at larger hotels, upscale restaurants along Vientiane's Mekong promenade and Luang Prabang's Sisavangvong Road, and some travel agencies. Limited outside these cities. American Express and Discover have almost no acceptance in Laos.
Contactless & Mobile Payments
Contactless payments are very rare in Laos. Even in Vientiane, most terminals require chip-and-PIN. Apple Pay and Google Pay are virtually nonexistent. Do not count on mobile payments.
Where Cards Will Not Work
Tuk-tuks are always cash. Luang Prabang night market, morning markets, and all local markets are cash-only. Street food and local restaurants require cash throughout the country. Bus and slow boat tickets from local stations require cash. Temple donations are always cash. Most guesthouses and hostels accept only cash.
Tipping in Laos
Tipping Guide
Tipping is not traditionally expected but becoming more common in Luang Prabang and Vientiane. At tourist restaurants, rounding up or ₭10,000–20,000 for exceptional service is generous. Local restaurants: no tip expected. Tour guides at Kuang Si Falls or Pak Ou Caves: ₭50,000–100,000 per day. Tuk-tuk drivers: no tip; agree on fare first. Hotel porters: ₭10,000–20,000 at upscale hotels.
Vientiane, Luang Prabang & Beyond: Practical Money Tips
Things to Know
For city-specific tips, see our Luang Prabang and Vientiane money guides. Each covers neighborhood-level card acceptance, ATM locations, transport payments, and local spending tips.
Triple currency economy: Thai baht and USD are widely accepted alongside kip, especially for hotels, tours, and transport. Change always comes back in kip. Prices above ₭100,000 are often quoted in USD or baht. Exchange kip before leaving: Lao kip is nearly impossible to exchange outside the country.
4000 Islands (Si Phan Don) and Vang Vieng are almost entirely cash-based. Withdraw plenty of kip in Vientiane or Luang Prabang before heading there. Bring clean USD bills: torn or worn bills may be refused. $50 and $100 get better rates. Wattay Airport (VTE) has BCEL ATMs in arrivals. Use these to get kip on arrival.
Money Safety in Laos
Staying Safe
Laos is generally safe. Keep cash secure in a money belt. Use hotel safes for extra cash and backup cards. ATMs can run out of cash in smaller towns like Nong Khiaw and on weekends. Do not wait until you are completely out of kip.
All Lao ATMs charge per-transaction fees (typically ₭20,000–40,000). Withdraw the maximum each time to minimize total fees. Laos is uncommon enough to trigger fraud alerts. Mention "Laos" when calling your bank before travel.
Skip the Foreign Transaction Fees
The Wise card converts your money at the real mid-market exchange rate. No markups, no surprises. Spend Lao kip like a local.
Get the Wise Card →Frequently Asked Questions
Is Laos cash-only?
Mostly. Vientiane and Luang Prabang's tourist areas have some card acceptance at hotels and restaurants. Everything else (markets, tuk-tuks, guesthouses, street food, boats) is cash-only.
Can I use USD and Thai baht in Laos?
Yes. Laos has a triple-currency economy. Hotels, tours, and transport often quote in USD or baht. Change always comes in kip. For daily purchases, kip is best. Exchange kip before leaving since it is nearly impossible to convert outside Laos.
Do ATMs charge fees in Laos?
Yes. All Lao ATMs charge ₭20,000–40,000 per withdrawal on top of your home bank's fees. Withdraw the maximum each time to minimize total fees.
Is tipping expected in Laos?
Not traditionally, but becoming more common at tourist restaurants in Luang Prabang and Vientiane. Tour guides: ₭50,000–100,000 per day. Local restaurants: no tip expected.
Do I need cash for the 4000 Islands?
Yes. Si Phan Don (the 4000 Islands) is almost entirely cash-based. Withdraw enough kip in Pakse or Vientiane before heading south. ATMs on the islands are unreliable.
Is Laos expensive?
Very affordable. A local meal costs ₭20,000–40,000 ($1–2), a beer ₭10,000–15,000 ($0.50–0.75), and a guesthouse ₭100,000–200,000 ($5–10). One of Southeast Asia's cheapest destinations.
Quick Comparison
| Method | Cost | Convenience | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bank ATMs (BCEL, LDB, BFL) | Low (₭20k–40k fee, fair rate) | ★★★★☆ | Primary cash source everywhere |
| USD cash (exchanged locally) | Low (good rates for $50/$100 bills) | ★★★★☆ | Backup cash, larger purchases |
| No-FX-fee card | Best (no fees, mid-market rate) | ★★☆☆☆ | Upscale hotels and restaurants in Vientiane |
| Airport exchange counters | High (5–12% markup) | ★★☆☆☆ | Absolute emergency only |
Laos Quick Facts
| Currency | Lao Kip (LAK / ₭). ~20,000 LAK = $1 USD. Thai baht and USD also accepted |
| Cash vs. Card | Very cash-heavy. Cards accepted only at upscale venues in Vientiane and Luang Prabang |
| Best ATMs | BCEL, Lao Development Bank, BFL (Banque Franco-Lao) |
| ATM Fees | ₭20,000–40,000 per withdrawal at all ATMs |
| Card Acceptance | Limited. Visa/Mastercard at some hotels and restaurants in major cities only |
| Tipping | Not traditionally expected. Rounding up appreciated at tourist restaurants |
| DCC Risk | Rare, but always choose LAK when prompted |
| Best Strategy | ATM cash (withdraw max) + clean USD bills as backup. Exchange kip before leaving Laos |
Laos City Guides
Neighborhood-level money guides for Laos' top destinations. Where to find ATMs, which areas need cash, how to pay for transport, and more.