Is it okay to use ATMs late in the evening in Laos or should I stick to daytime withdrawals only? I am a single woman travelling so want to be safe.
As a remote worker living briefly in Vang Vieng, I withdrew cash at night only once - the ATM was outside a mini-mart, and while nothing went wrong, the lack of street lights made me uneasy. Locals said machines often run out of cash on weekends. Best to do all withdrawals before 6 PM in smaller towns.
I backpacked through Pakse and found that most ATMs didn’t work after sunset. Electricity cuts, internet outages, or cash shortages are common. One night I tried four machines before giving up. ATM safety in Laos isn’t the issue - it’s whether the machine is functional. Always carry backup USD or kip just in case.
In Vientiane, I pulled cash from a JDB ATM near the Mekong riverwalk just before 10 PM. The area was active, and lighting was good. Laos felt relaxed overall, and I never felt watched. Still, I always used machines near hotels or banks. Withdrawals after dark are okay in cities, but avoid roadside ATMs or sketchy kiosks.
I used a BCEL ATM in Luang Prabang after dinner around 9 PM - no issues, but the street was quiet. ATM safety at night in Laos isn’t about crime; it’s about machine reliability. Many travelers I met had trouble with card compatibility or ATMs running dry. Try to get your cash in the daytime near tourist zones.
LDB ATM operates 24/7. Handy for late-night withdrawals.