Laos offers a peaceful, off-the-beaten-path experience-but money in Laos is still a cash-first system. Currency in Laos is the Lao Kip (LAK), and although Thai Baht and USD are accepted in some border and tourist areas, most daily transactions require local currency. ATMs are available in cities but can be unreliable or charge high fees. This guide helps you prepare: what currency to bring, how to exchange money safely, when to use cards (if ever), and how to manage cash securely throughout your journey in Laos.
How to pay in Laos – cash or card?
Even in small towns, cash is what you’ll need most of the time. Keep it handy for around 90% of what you’ll want to pay for.
You can use cash for:
- Budget hotels
- Hostels
- Local tour operators (e.g., Mekong river tours)
- Tips and gratuities
- Street food
- Small eateries / restaurants
- Sit-down restaurants (outside Luang Prabang/Vientiane)
- Small purchases
- Local expenses at grocery stores, street vendors
- Local buses (mini-buses, tuk-tuk style buses)
- Local taxis / tuk-tuks (almost always cash)
- Laundry services
- Mobile SIM and phone top-up (sold at street stalls)
- Nightlife / bars (casual places)
You can use card for:
- 4 and 5 star hotels (Luang Prabang, Vientiane)
- Large tour operators (with online presence or hotel-affiliated)
- Shopping at malls (limited to big cities)
- Entry fees to major temples, caves, UNESCO sites
- Airport transport (some private shuttles)
- Sit-down restaurants (high-end or expat-oriented)
- Upscale restaurants
- Online bookings for upscale hotels, flights, tours
- Spas (in resorts or hotels)
- Vehicle renting (motorbike shops in bigger cities)
- Emergency medical clinics / pharmacies (in urban areas)
Laos is still largely cash-based. US dollars and Thai baht are often accepted, especially near border areas, but kip is essential in rural areas.
What’s the best currency to take to Laos?
Laos mainly accepts its local currency Lao Kip (LAK or ₭). Don’t be shocked with notes like ₭ 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000, 50,000, and 100,000! These are denominations but their value is insignificantly low compared to the US Dollar, Euro or Pound.
US Dollar: US Dollars and Thai Baht is also accepted in touristic areas but exchange rate in these payments will be poor. So pay in Kip unless you like losing a lot of money!
So, Lao Kip is the best currency to take to Laos.
Where to get the local currency in Laos?
In Laos, you can get the local currency in 3 ways. These are:
ATMs, or
Currency exchange
Money transfer and local pick-up
Types of cards to swipe in Laos
Visa and Mastercard transactions are commonly accepted for swiping. You might also find some places that accept Amex and other cards, albeit less frequently.
Types of cards at ATMs in Laos
When withdrawing money in Laos, majority of the ATMs will accept Visa, Mastercard, Cirrus, Plus and Maestro cards. Some of them accept Unionpay, JCB, Amex cards. Cards such as Diners, Discover, Rupay are not usually accepted by many ATMs.
Should I exchange money before travelling to Laos?
Bringing a small amount of Lao Kip (LAK) or USD before your trip to Laos is recommended for immediate expenses, especially if arriving late or heading straight to rural areas. However, LAK is usually not available outside of Laos, and foreign exchange rates tend to be less favorable abroad.
Withdrawing LAK from ATMs in Laos is a convenient option. ATMs are available in Vientiane, Luang Prabang, and some tourist towns. Most accept Visa and Mastercard, but Cirrus, Plus, or Maestro cards may have limited support. Note that ATM withdrawal fees can be high, and machines may have low withdrawal limits.
Currency exchange is best done at banks or authorized exchange offices in towns and cities, which typically offer better rates than airport kiosks or hotels. USD, THB, and EUR are the most commonly accepted currencies for exchange.
While some hotels and travel agencies accept cards, most everyday transactions-especially in local markets and rural areas-are cash-based. Carrying a mix of USD and Kip is highly recommended, with small USD denominations proving particularly useful.
Where to withdraw money in Laos
The best ATMs for foreigners to use in Laos are those owned by popular banks such as:
- Lao Development Bank
- BCEL
- BFL
- Phongsavanh Bank
- LaoViet Bank
Global ATM alliance: Global ATM Alliance is a partnership among many banks in the world to allow its customers to withdraw cash from all partner banks abroad without any ATM fee. Many banks in the US, UK, Europe, Australia, and Latin America are part of the Global ATM Alliance, including Bank of America, Barclays, Deutsche Bank, and others. BUT, there is no local bank in Laos part of this network. So don’t rely on this.
For a detailed guide, read Cash and ATMs in Laos.
Discover fee-free and low-fee ATMs on the ATM Fee Saver mobile app for iOS and Android. This app provides ATM PINs and details of leading bank ATMs such as ATM fees and withdrawal limits for foreign cardholders at ATMs in Laos. Moreover, its simple fee calculator helps you determine exact withdrawal charges. You can also find cash tips and tricks on the app for 160+ countries including Laos.
Download now from the App Store or Play Store.
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Where to exchange currency in Laos
In Laos, you can exchange currency at authorised currency exchanges, banks, airports, and hotels, the most popular being authorised currency exchanges. Currency exchange bureaus in Laos are commonly called “Money Exchange” shops and are found in city centers, border towns, and tourist zones.
Best locations for currency exchanges in Laos are:
- Vientiane: Talat Sao Mall area, Rue Samsenthai
- Luang Prabang: Sisavangvong Road and around the Night Market
- Pakse: Near markets and guesthouses
- Border crossings: Many exchange offices operate near Thai-Laos and Vietnam-Laos borders.
Local brands are the norm. Exchange offices generally offer better rates than banks, especially for USD, THB, and EUR.
- Banks Offering Currency Exchange:
Banque Pour Le Commerce Extérieur Lao (BCEL)
Lao Development Bank
Agricultural Promotion Bank
Bank branches are open weekdays from 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM. You may need your passport for currency exchange.
💡 Tip: Always inspect the bills you receive-some outlets may distribute worn or damaged notes. ATMs are available in cities and dispense Lao Kip (LAK), but international withdrawal fees may apply.
Pro-tips:
Stay away from airport exchanges – Poor rates
Avoid the black market – Be wary of being conned.
Include fresh notes – If your notes are damaged or dirty, you can expect to pay more or less.
Is carrying money in Laos safe?
Carrying a sensible amount of cash in Laos is generally safe and necessary. To ensure the safety of your cash:
Some safety tips for carrying cash while travelling in Laos are:
Carry only the cash you need.
Do not keep all the cash in one pocket or wallet.
Put some cash in a safety belt or fanny pack.
Do not flash your cash.
When paying, do not remove or display your entire cash.
Keep wallets preferably in front pockets.
Cross-wear your purses if possible.
Hold your purses, wallets and bags close and tight on crowded streets and in public trains and buses.
When withdrawing cash, keep the cash low while you count it so people around don’t see it.
If you’re dining alone, don’t leave your wallet / bag unattented while you go to the restroom.
If sitting outdoors in a restaurant, don’t leave your wallets / bags on the table.
Is it better to use debit or credit cards or pay by cash in Laos
Use a card if it is fee-free i.e. your bank does not charge any fees to swipe the card, when the merchant / POS also does not impose any extra charge to use a card, you need to use the insurance of the card, don’t want to block cash of large purchases and card’s swipe fees are lower than withdrawal fees.
Pay by cash by withdrawing cash from ATM or exchanging currency where – fees on ATM withdrawals are lesser than fees on swiping cards, you don’t want to leave any digital footprint of your expenses, it is convenient and easier to conduct transactions.
