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Updated: Feb 4
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|
LAK (kip) Exchange Rates |
|
| 1 USD | 7,988 |
| 1 EUR | 10,461 |
| 1 GBP | 12,408 |
| 1 AUD | 8,402 |
| 1 CAD | 7,858 |
| 1 JPY | 103.12 |
| 1 THB | 257.82 |
|
Sources:
BCEL,
Bank LPDR |
|
In Laos, including the capital Vientiane, several banks have international ATMs accepting PLUS and CIRRUS cards for VISA, MasterCard, Maestro, Cashpoint, JCB, China UnionPay and Diners Club. These include ANZ Bank Laos (Australia New Zealand Banking Group) BCEL Banque pour le Commerce Exterieur Lao (Lao Government bank), Joint Development Bank JDB and Phongsavanh Bank PSV. Various Lao banks with local, Thai, Malaysian, South Korean, Vietnamese, Cambodian and French owners or partners now offer MasterCard and VISA debit and credit cards to their customers, and some of them such as ANZ, BCEL, JDB, BFL and Phongsavanh ATMs accept international cards. BCEL has the widest national coverage for VISA/MasterCard cashpoints that can also be found at international airports and Friendship Bridges to Thailand. Not all Phongsavanh Bank ATMs display VISA/MasterCard stickers but can accept them.
See also Banks, Banking, ATMs below for transaction limits etc.
If you are planning a visit to Laos, your entry point is likely to be from Thailand. Thai currency is still accepted all over Laos, making it a useful currency to carry or exchange. Some US dollars will come in handy too. You'll need $30-$42 if you are getting a Laos visa on arrival. Paying in Thai baht is possible but will cost you more money.
US, Canadian and UK Citizens can save time and trouble before leaving home by applying for travel visas (not VISA cards) online.
Prices for goods and services in the Lao PDR are required by law to be quoted in Lao kip. However, higher priced items may still be quoted in Thai baht (for Thai products) or US dollars such as for vehicles or room rentals. Baht or US dollars are accepted in payment virtually everywhere, as well as the Lao kip equivalent. There is a small 'black' or 'grey' currency market in Laos used by local traders, but the exchange rate difference is negligible except for large transactions.
In 2006, a US dollar was worth 10,000 kip, 20,000 to the British Pound (GBP) 20,000, the euro (EUR) 15,000 and a Thai baht (THB) 250.
Between 2007 and 2010, the government through the central Bank of the Lao PDR decided to increase the value of the currency by almost 20% against the US dollar, moving from 10,000 to 9,000 by early 2008 and further to 8,000 from late 2010 through 2011. Those with ongoing fixed deposits in Lao kip continue to benefit, having added several extra percent return to an already attractive 12% or more per year. See below for more on term deposits in Laos. The Lao kip began January 2011 at 8,038 to the US dollar but fell back and ranged between 7,900 and 8,020, averaging about 8,000 for 2011.
Lao banks began 2012 with the USD at 8005 kip, dropping slightly during January; by February the dollar rate was around 7,990 (slightly fewer kips per dollar exchanged).
The Thai baht is still used in Laos as are (to a lesser degree) US dollar bills. 1 Thai baht is worth about 258 kips and 31 THB equals 1 USD. Although all prices in Laos are required to be displayed in kips, they are still quoted in baht or dollars for higher-priced items, especially in tourist hotels. Payment can be made in Lao kips, Thai baht or US dollars converted to the daily equivalent value. Paying in the quoted currency is likely to be cheaper for the buyer than using another at a rate offered by the seller without reference to the current bank rate.
An easy way to convert kip to
baht
is to ignore the zeroes and multiply by 4; e.g. 10,000 kip: 10x4=
40 baht. See the table for
main currency rates from the Bank of the Lao PDR and BCEL. Other local bank rates differ slightly and rates for large
transactions may be negotiated; there is also a link to Bangkok Bank Thai baht exchange rates
for different currencies.
Now much more stable, the Lao kip devalued by 87% after the 1997 regional economic crash, in line with other Asian currencies. Kip notes were issued originally in denominations of 500, 1000, 2000 and 5000. When the purchasing power dropped so much that 10,000, 20,000 (2002) and in 2006 50,000 kip notes were released. Interestingly, only the reverse shows 50,000 in western numbers script. Click on the image to enlarge it. 100,000 Lao kip bank notes were printed to commemorate Vientiane's 450th Anniversary as Lao's capital in 2010, but have still not been put into circulation (to avoid adding to inflation, according to a Bank of Lao PDR statement). The 100K notes are available at some banks. A new version 2000 kip note was issued in December 2011. A bank issued wad (200,000 kips worth $25) is over 1cm thick!
There are no coins in circulation in Laos. Kip coins were issued between 1952 and 1985, up to 50 kips. Lao banknote denominations from 500 to 50,000 kips are in current use, often resulting in thick wads of notes given in change or at ATMs. 50,000 kip notes (~$6) are usual at most ATMs now, and ANZ Laos cash machines only issue 50K notes.
Paying with cash in the Lao PDR can be confusing, especially for the first-time visitor! Due to the tiny value of one kip, three currencies are in common use in Laos. Any purchase can (and should) be paid for in Lao kip. However, higher value items may be quoted in US dollars or Thai baht. The Lao government has made it compulsory to display prices in Lao kip, but this is not always the case. Official bills and receipts are likely to be in kips as per the law.
The seller will convert the price for you on a calculator. Caveat emptor (buyer beware): always check that the price makes sense, and also your change. 'Mistakes' in exchange rates are invariably in the vendor's favour. That applies anywhere – not only in Laos!
Some hotels, convenience stores and restaurants with modern cash registers or computer terminals will display and print out the total in multiple currencies, making it easier to understand, but the rates may also be in their favour. Change will normally be given in kip, but you can also ask for baht or dollars – a good idea when your Lao visit is nearly over.
Lao Kip : Unless you want to keep Lao banknotes as souvenirs, change your kips back into baht or dollars BEFORE you leave. They cannot be exchanged outside the country, except at Bangkok Bank, Nong Khai (main branch or in Tesco), where you will get about 10% less than in Laos. You could also try at the bus station near the Friendship Bridge. In Bangkok, the train, bus station or airport where people on their way to Udonthani, Nongkhai or Vientiane might change Lao money for you, but expect a bad rate. See more TIPS below.
Lao banking centres around three government-owned or -partly-owned banks: the Lao Development Bank (LDB), the Bank for Agricultural Development and the Lao Bank for Foreign Trade (BCEL – Banque pour le Commerce Exterieur Lao). BCEL is also the main commercial bank with HQ on Pangkam Road near the Mekong River.
BCEL has branches in 12 Lao provinces and also has internet banking, but there is a $10 signup fee plus $7.50 per month (60,000 kip) to subscribe to the online service.
BCEL now offers a gold trading service for account holders; bank visit or fax required for transactions. Foreigners need a valid visa.
There are also several joint-venture/government banks including Lao Viet Bank and Joint Development Bank (JDB). ANZ (Australia & New Zealand Banking Group) now fully owns ANZ Laos, formerly ANZ Vientiane Commercial Bank (ANZV/ANZVCB). Most banks are near the Morning Market in Lane Xang Avenue and the street nearby, while BCEL is near the Mekong on Pangkham Road. See below for a list of most Vientiane and Lao banks or representative offices, with contact details.
Laos banking hours are Monday through Friday 0830 - 1530 (8.30am to 3.30pm).
Laos has several banks with international ATMs including ANZ Laos, JDB, BCEL, BFL and PSV which accept PLUS and CIRRUS network cards for VISA, MasterCard, and possibly JCB, Discovery and Diners Club. In 2011 BCEL ATMs added China UnionPay cards. There are many ATMs in and around Vientiane now, including the Friendship Bridge. BCEL has machines in other provinces including Luang Prabang (also JDB), Pakse (where ANZ also has ATMs) and Vang Vieng. Phongsavanh (PSB) is in Vientiane and some other provinces. As power supply and phone/data connections can be unreliable outside Vientiane, it's always advisable to carry some cash and possibly travellers checks. Credit card cash advances can be obtained in other provinces from bank branches and exchange kiosks.
ATMs dispense local currency (kips) in denominations between 10,000 and 50,000 (the 100,000 Lao kip note is not in general circulation) with transaction amounts, fees and daily limits varying between banks. There is an 8 million kip daily maximum imposed by the Lao ATM network. At 2012 exchange rates this is about $1,000, €780 or £650 per day.
*Transaction limits and fees: ANZL allows up to 2 million kip ($250) per transaction with a 40,000 kip ($5) fee and an 8 million kip daily maximum. BCEL and PSV offer 1 million kip per transaction for a 20,000 kip fee; up to 2 million per day. JDB charges 30,000 kip per 1 million kip ($125) transaction, with a 4 million kip per day international card maximum.
Note that your own bank or card issuer may charge extra for foreign transactions too. Check before you leave home to get the best ATM card for use abroad. Some overseas banks refund local bank ATM charges.
Map of JDB ATMs mostly in Vientiane, list of ANZ Laos, BCEL and PSV bank ATMs.
When attempting to withdraw money from an overseas ATM, it's always advisable to get a printed receipt for transactions and contact your own bank promptly if you have a problem. If no receipt is forthcoming or your card is retained in the ATM, make a note of the time and date and ATM location. In the event of non-payment or a retained card, call the bank immediately. A phone number should in the ATM booth.
FAILED TRANSACTION. If an ATM withdrawal 'goes through' but no cash is issued by the machine, or it fails with an error message (any receipt should show a zero amount withdrawal) it should be reversed automatically by your bank and appear as a credit on on your online banking statement within a couple of days. If this does not happen, contact your bank direct. Local bank staff will probably be unable to offer much assistance. A particular bank's ATMs may go offline or out of service temporarily. Try another bank.
"CASH IS KING" In the Lao PDR, paying cash is still best, in kip, baht notes or small US dollar bills. Upcountry, especially in remote villages it's advisable to pay in kip. In the cities, many hotels, tour operators and restaurants quote prices in dollars, or in all three currencies. Paying by credit card in shops and restaurants and some hotels usually incurs a 3% or more surcharge.
THAI BAHT TIP: A few 1000 baht notes ($30 value) are very easy to carry or conceal. Before crossing the Friendship Bridge into Lao, get some baht from an ATM in Nongkhai (outside banks and convenience stores or at the Friendship Bridge itself, where the ATMs are near Thai Exit Immigration. Baht are readily accepted for purchases in Lao and may be less confusing for tourists than kips which are available from ATMs on the Lao side of the bridge; also on the main routes into Vientiane itself. Note that not all banks can accept foreign cards.
Occasionally a particular ATM or group of them will give error messages like "unable to process your transaction", or "ask your bank to link to our network". These are temporary (Lao) network 'outages'; try later or use another ATM or a different bank's cash machine.
LAO ENTRY VISA TIP: The cost of a 30-day visa-on-arrival depends on nationality, ranging between $30 and $45, so it's wise to carry $50 or more in notes. You can also pay in Thai baht, but at a poor exchange rate.
CAMBODIA ATM TIP: If you're visiting Cambodia before going to Laos, you can get US dollars from ATMs in Siem Reap (Angkor Wat) and Phnom Penh.
Western Union's coverage is extensive throughout most of Asia, and Laos is no exception, with over 100 agencies in banks and even small post offices, as well as the Vientiane Main Post Office opposite the Morning Market (Talat Sao). MoneyGram operates through several local Lao and Thai bank branches.
Transfers Between Lao Banks and
the new Lao Securities Exchange
A system may now be in place allowing cash to be transferred
electronically between Lao banks including the stock exchange.
This will ATMs more flexible and share
transactions easier. At present, cash has to be withdrawn at one bank and
physically deposited at another.
THAI BANKS AND LAO ATMS
For Thailand bank account holders, opening an account with the Vientiane branch of a Thai bank, does not give access to Thailand's banking network or any noticeable benefit – unless anyone knows otherwise.
NO THAI BANK HAS ATMS IN LAOS
However, a
Thai bank VISA or MasterCard can be used at international ATMs – as can those from any foreign bank. Apart from local ATM fees, Bangkok Bank (and maybe
others) now charge 150 baht per transaction.
Foreign banks in Laos were until mid-2008 not allowed to have ATMs except for domestic accounts. Since then, ANZ Laos (formerly VCB and ANZVCB), 100% foreign-owned by the ANZ Group, has an increasing number of ATMs; it offers accounts with domestic or VISA cards to locals and foreigners with work permits. There are now ATMs at the ANZ Laos Pakse Branch which opened in 2009. So far this is the only branch outside the capital, although there are plans to open in Luang Prabang. Some other Lao banks including PSV as well as the main ANZ, BCEL and JDB banks, have VISA/MasterCard ATMs.
Compared to many countries, although they have reduced over the past year or two, Lao bank annual deposit interest rates are high, with term deposits of Lao kip to over 12% – from 8-9% for 1 year to over 12% for longer periods offered by most of the banks. Rates for USD or THB deposits are lower, but have been increasing. See Lao bank websites listed below.
Mainly for foreign and local residents of Laos, fixed deposits are safe and quite lucrative forms of investment as US$ and Kip are freely interchangeable within the country. However, non-Lao citizens need a current work permit to open fixed deposit accounts with a Lao bank.
Banks everywhere use different compounding periods for calculation of interest on fixed term deposits. Lao banks range from once annually to daily balance. Compare them for the best interest and make you sure understand their rate structures. It can make a difference to the return on larger deposits.
For transfers to a Vientiane bank account from overseas it may be possible via a bank account in Thailand (SWIFT), then arranging a transfer to Laos, but you should check with the Thai bank and compare the charges (and degree of difficulty) with a direct transfer using an overseas correspondent or intermediary bank direct.
The cheapest way to get money into Laos is by ATM; For visitors from Thailand, however, as the banks charge 150 baht per transaction and use bad exchange rates, it's far better to bring baht in cash or get baht from a Thai ATM before crossing the border. Use baht for purchases in the Lao PDR or change them locally.
Bangkok Bank account holders in Thailand can transfer money to the Vientiane Branch for collection by a non-account holder, simply by providing the name and passport number of the beneficiary. Funds will be available in kip, baht or US dollars. Foreigners can open US dollar, baht or kip accounts at this branch too.
Bangkok Bank apparently tells its account holders that their ATM cards cannot be used in Laos because Thai and other foreign banks (with the exception of ANZ) are not allowed their own ATMs. However, Bangkok Bank VISA Electron or MasterCards can of course be used in Laos ATMs or anywhere in the world where PLUS or Cirrus network cards are accepted. Visa or MasterCard logos are displayed on most ATMs that accept them.
BCEL accepts incoming foreign transfers in US, Canadian, Australian, Singapore and Hong Kong dollars, pounds sterling, euros, Japanese yen and Thai baht.
Bank drafts (banker's checks) for foreign countries including Thailand are available from BCEL (2nd floor in the new HQ). Certain other banks may offer this service.
MoneyGram (agencies at BCEL, Thai Military and Siam Commercial Banks) or Western Union with agencies at banks and post offices, may in some instances be cheaper.
As money is must be transferred to Laos in a major foreign currency, it can be kept in that currency or exchanged at a local bank for Lao kip.
Banking Hours in Laos: Monday to Friday - 8:30am to 3:30pm
List includes locally-registered banks with Malaysian, Korean, Vietnamese, Cambodian and French joint ventures with private and government partnerships. Some may have direct transfer facilities with their originating countries. Most use correspondent banks for SWIFT transfers.
ACLEDA Bank Lao Ltd
– Cambodian bank linked to the Lao subsidiary (ATMs &
transfer)
#372, Corner of Dongpalane and Dongpaina Road,
Phonesavanh Neua Village, Sisattanak, Vientiane
Tel: +856 (0)21 264 994
Fax: +856 (0)21 264 995
E-mail:
acledabank@acledabank.com.la
SWIFT CODE: ACLBLALA
Agricultural Promotion
Bank (Lao govt bank)
58 Hengboun St, Ban Haysoke
Tel. (021) 21 2024 Fax. (021) 21 3957
ANZ Bank Laos VISA
ATMs
Ex
ANZV, ANZVCB, Vientiane Commercial Bank Ltd.
now fully owned by the Australia New Zealand Banking Group.
ANZ Vientiane Commercial Building, 33
Lane Xang Ave, Ban Hatsadi
Vientiane Capital (opp Morning Market)
Tel. (021) 222700 Fax. (021) 213513
Email: customer@anzvcb.com
SWIFT CODE: VCBBLALA via Intermediary Bank
(USD): Wachovia
Bank, New York
SWIFT CODE: PNBPUS3NNYC
ANZ Pakse Branch VISA ATMs
13 South Road, Unit 15, Phonesavan Village,
Pakse District, Champassak Province, Lao PDR
Tel. (031) 254 371 Fax. (031) 254 361
Bank of the Lao PDR
(Central Bank)
Yonnet Road, P.O. Box 19, Vientiane, Lao PDR
Tel. (021) 213 109. E-mail: ?@bol.gov.la (no contacts
provided)
Banque pour le Commerce Exterieur Lao
BCEL
(100% Lao govt/commercial bank) VISA ATMs
1 Pangkham St, Vientiane Capital (near
Mekong River)
Tel. (021) 22 3190 Fax. (021) 21 3202, 22 3012
Branches in 12 provinces.
SWIFT via Intermediary
Banks: COEBLALAXXX
UK (GBP/USD): Barclays Bank, London, BARCGB22
USA (USD): Wachovia Bank, New York, PNBPUS3NNYC
Full list of BCEL Correspondent Banks
Banque
Franco-Lao Ltd BFL (BCEL/Lao govt 46%, COFIBRED/French 54%)
VISA ATMs
Avenue Lane Xang, Ban Hatsady, Chantabouly
P.O. Box 5720, Vientiane
Tel: +856 (0)21 285 111 Fax: +856 (0)21 285 222
Email: contact@bfl.la
Booyoung Lao Bank Co Ltd (Korean
Booyoung Company
built the SEA Games golf course)
Nongbone Road, Phonxay, Vientiane Capital
Tel: 021 454500
Fax: +856 21 454501
SWIFT CODE: BLBLALAXXX
ICB International Commercial Bank (Lao) Ltd (Malaysian
bank)
Vientiane Capital
SWIFT CODE: LICBLALAXXX
Joint Development Bank
JDB
(Lao
govt 30%, Thai private 70% bank) VISA ATMs
75/1-5 Lane Xang Ave, Ban Hatsadi
Vientiane Capital (opp Morning Market)
Tel. (021) 213536 Fax. (021) 213534, 213530
Lao Development Bank
LDB
(Lao govt bank incorporating the former
Lao May Bank and Lane Xang Bank)
39 Pangkham Rd, P.O. Box 2700,
Vientiane Capital.
Tel. (021) 213300, 213302 Fax. (021) 213304, 222506
E-Mail:
ldbhovte@ldblao.com
SWIFT CODE: LDBBLALA
Correspondent banks: USA – Wachovia, Standard Chartered. Others see
website.
Lao-Viet Bank
(Lao/Vietnamese govt bank)
05 LaneXang Ave Unit 03 Ban
Hatsadi, Neua
Vientiane Capital (near Morning Market)
Tel. (021) 251422 Fax. (021) 212197
SWIFT CODE: LAOVLALA
Phongsavanh Bank
Ltd PSV (Lao
private bank)
VISA ATMs.
Phongsavanh Group
also owns
Phongsavanh Airlines).
City branch
147 10 Samsenthai Rd, Ban Anou,
Vientiane Capital.
Tel: (021) 212666, 212777
Tel & Fax: (030) 525 7753
SWIFT CODE: PSVBLALAXXX
E-Mail: info@phongsavanhbank.com
Public Bank Berhad
(Malaysian bank)
100/1-4 Taladsao St, Ban Hadsadi
Vientiane Capital (opp Bangkok Bank)
Tel. (021) 223394 Fax. (021) 222743
Email:
pbbvte@publicbank.com.la
SWIFT CODE: PBBELALA via Intermediary
(USD): Wachovia Bank, New York, SWIFT: PNBPUS3NNYC
Deutsche Bank Trust Co, New York, SWIFT: BKTRUS33
Others for transfers from Thailand, Malaysia, Germany (EUR)
Sacombank Laos (Vietnamese bank)
175/02 Ban Hatsady-Tai, District Chanthaboury,
Vientiane (opp Bangkok Bank)
ST Bank Co. Ltd. STB (Lao private
commercial bank)
Samsenthai Road 144, Ban Anou, Chanthabouly District,
Vientiane Capital.
Tel : (021) 241559-62 Fax : (021) 241564
SWIFT CODE: STBDLALA via TMB
Thailand
Standard
Chartered Bank (UK/Int'l bank representative office)
08/3 Lane Xang Avenue,
P.O. Box 6895, Vientiane Lao PDR
Tel. (021) 222251 Fax. (021) 217254
SWIFT CODE:
SCBLGB2L (UK),
SCBLUS33 (US),
SCBLTHBX
(TH)
THAI BANKS IN LAOS (none linked to Thai banking system)
Bank
of Ayudhya /Ayuttaya (Thai bank)
084/1
Lane Xang Avenue, P.O. Box: 5072, Vientiane
Tel: (856-21) 213521, 214575, Fax: (856-21) 213520
E-mail: mng802@krungsri.com
SWIFT CODE (TH): AYUDTHBK
Bangkok Bank, Vientiane (Thai
bank)
Ban Hatsadi, near JDB, opp Morning
Market,
Vientiane Capital
Tel. (021) 213560 Fax. (021) 213561
SWIFT CODE (TH): BKKBTHBK
Siam Commercial Bank
Public Corporation (Thai bank)
117 Lane Xang Ave, Ban Sisaket,
Vientiane Cap
Tel. (021) 213501
SWIFT CODE (TH): SICOTHBK
Thai Farmers Bank Public Co. Ltd.
(Thai bank)
(former name of Kasikorn Bank in Thailand)
08/4 Lane Xang Rd, Vientiane, Laos.
SWIFT CODE (TH): KASITHBK
TMB Bank Public
Co Ltd (Thai bank)
69 Khounboulom St, Ban Sihom,
Vientiane Capital
Tel. (021) 217174, (021) 216486 Fax. (021) 216486
SWIFT CODE (TH):
TMBKTHB