No issues elsewhere, but in Laos, both ATMs and stores keep rejecting my card. Anyone know if this is common? Any banks that actually work?
Yes, card rejection is common in Laos. Even in tourist areas, I had my Visa card declined at two machines in Vang Vieng before one worked. In smaller towns, I couldn’t use it at all. Daily budget should be about 400,000-500,000 LAK if you include food, tuk-tuks, and excursions. Don’t count on using cards at restaurants or hostels-cash rules here. Always plan withdrawals in advance and carry enough kip for your whole journey between towns.
Laos isn’t card-friendly. In Luang Prabang I tried three ATMs that rejected me, then finally got cash from BCEL. Night markets, local buses, and temples never took cards, so kip was essential. Expect to need around 350,000-450,000 LAK daily for meals, sightseeing, and activities like boat rides. Some upscale hotels accept Visa/Mastercard, but smaller guesthouses won’t. To avoid stress, withdraw early and always keep extra kip in hand for emergencies.
From my visit, card rejection in Laos is quite normal. My Mastercard failed everywhere in Pakse until I tried ACLEDA Bank with Visa, which worked. Shops and cafés almost always preferred kip, even in tourist hubs. For budgeting, 400,000 LAK per day is safe if you’re eating out, renting scooters, or going on river trips. Bring USD too-it exchanges easily. Don’t rely on ATMs in rural towns; take out money in the big cities and carry enough for your travels.
Laos is very cash-driven. ATMs in Vientiane worked after some trial and error-BCEL was the most reliable. In Luang Prabang, half the machines rejected my card before one finally worked. Most stores, tuk-tuks, and markets take only kip, not cards. Plan on 350,000-500,000 LAK daily for food, transport, and things like entry to Kuang Si Falls. ATM fees are steep (20,000-40,000 LAK per withdrawal), so it’s better to take out larger sums at once and keep backup cash.
ATM took money from my account but never gave me cash. Still fighting to get it back!