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TRAVEL GUIDE TO LAOS
Airport Taxes
The departure tax for international passengers is US$10 collected at
the airport at time of departure.
Baggage
On Domestic flights,
passengers are allowed 44 pounds of luggage per person. On International
flights, passengers are allowed two pieces of checked luggage. Excess
luggage fees will be charged if you check more than the stated
allowances, and these charges are your responsibility. At most
major airports, baggage carts are available for your luggage, usually
for a small additional fee.
Climate
and Clothing
Laos has only two seasons, dry season starts from
November to February and rainy season starts from June to October, which
means that Laos can be visited throughout the year.
Shorts, short skirts or revealing clothing are not appropriate
especially when visiting temples or any religious site. Laos is a
conservative Buddhist culture and improper dress can be offensive.
Please dress with respect for the local culture. Lightweight, easy to
care clothes of cotton and cool fabrics are ideal all year round. A
pullover or jacket from November to February is recommended, especially
when traveling to the northern part of Laos. Wear sensible
walking shoes which can be easily removed when required. Sandals, thongs
or flip-flops (available locally) are very convenient footwear.
Communications
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International calling and fax facilities are available
but limited to major towns and hotels. Internet cafes are now also
available in major towns. Postal services can be slow, but outgoing mail
is fairly reliable and inexpensive.
Currency
The local currency is the kip. The US dollar and the
Thai baht are very popular alternatives that are widely accepted,
especially for bigger purchases. The exchange rate at the time of
writing is 7.900 kip to US$1, but it is advisable to check this rate
before traveling, as inflation is high. The denominations are 500,
1,000, 2,000, 5,000 Kip. It is not unusual to be quoted a price in kip,
pay in US dollars and receive Thai baht as change. US dollars and Thai
baht can be changed at hotels, banks or any foreign exchange shop
licensed by the Bank of Lao PDR.
Most local shops and restaurants do not accept credit
cards. Visa, Master Card and American Express payment facilities are
increasingly being set up throughout the country. A surcharge is usually
added.
Customs Regulations
Your valuables ( jewelry, cameras, electronic equipment, etc.) should
be declared on your customs declaration form upon arrival. Receipt of
purchase and an export permit voucher for locally bought goods such as
gems and jewelry may be required upon departure.
Electricity
The voltage in Laos is 220-230 Volts AC.
Electrical appliances will require an adapter that can change the shape
of the plug prongs, as well as an electrical voltage converter that will
allow a normal 110-volt American appliance to take the 220 Volt current.
Electricity: 220V. However, electricity supply can be unreliable in
smaller towns
Food and
Water
Lao food is spicy and delicious. There are many
similarities between Lao and Thai food, although the former is slightly
influenced by Chinese cuisine. Lao dishes are distinguished by the use
of aromatic herbs and spices. Rice, especially sticky rice served in
small bamboo containers, is the foundation for all Lao meals, and almost
all dishes are cooked with fresh vegetables, freshwater fish, poultry,
duck, pork, beef or water buffalo. Lime juice, lemon grass and fresh
coriander give the food its characteristic taste, and various fermented
fish condiments are used to salt the food. There is also a
well-ingrained Vietnamese culinary tradition, and Chinese food is never
hard to find. Laos has inherited a sophisticated and tasty colonial
legacy. French cuisine is widely available, with street cafes serving
delectable fresh croissants, baguettes, pain au chocolat
and a selection of sticky pastries.
Although towns have access to safe water, less than a
third of the countryside can claim the same. Avoid all water that hasn't
been thoroughly boiled or sterilized and drink only sterilized water or
soft drinks. All water and ice-cubes that are served to you in
restaurants in the cities are safe for consumption. You should not eat
any uncooked vegetables and do not eat any fruit that you haven't peeled
yourself. Make sure that fish and meat is well cooked.
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Heath
Matters
The government of Laos does not require you to have
any vaccinations except for cholera if you are coming from an infected
area. Please consult your doctor for recommended vaccinations.
We strongly recommend having good health insurance
and carrying a good first aid kit. In general there is a lack of
international standard medical help and hospitals. For minor ailments,
the Vientiane International Clinic offers good service. For any major
health problems we recommend going to Thailand.
Holidays
New Year's Day - Jan 1st
Pathet Lao Day - Jan 6th
Army Day - Jan. 20
Woman's Day - Mar 8th
People's Party Day - Mar 22nd
Boun Pimai, Laotian New Year - 2 days in April
Labor Day - May 1st
International Children's Day - Jun 1st
Lao Issara, Day of the Free Laos - Aug 13th
Day of the Liberation from French - Oct 12th
Lao National Day - Dec 2nd
Passports and Visas
A visa is required for travelers of all nationalities entering Laos.
Tourist visas for stays of up to 15 days can be obtained upon arrival.
The fee is approximately US $30, payable by cash. Tourist visas can be
renewed for another 15 days at $3 per day.
Time Difference
Standard time in Laos is 7 hours ahead of
GMT, 12 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time.
Tipping
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Tipping has become increasingly customary
in Laos, especially in tourist areas - these include porters,
chauffeurs, tour guides, and in upscale restaurants. Foreign
currency, especially U.S. dollars, is appreciated.
On tours with private sightseeing, gratuities of $5-$10 for travel
guides, $2-$3 for drivers per person / day is customary.
Transportation
Laos is a mountainous country with no railway and few good roads. With
the Mekong River being such a prominent topographical feature it is not
surprising that it plays a significant role in communications and life.
There are slow boat services for tourists who want to experience life on
the river between some towns. Speedboats are also an option for
travelers with a tight schedule, though not always recommended.
Tuk Tuks are the most popular
means of transport within cities. These 3-wheeled vehicles with two
benches placed sideways in the back can be found everywhere. Taxis are
not normally metered, so your fare is negotiable. Always negotiate
before setting off. All airport transfers and sightseeing included
in your tour are provided by private car and English-speaking guide.
What to Pack?
Valid Passport.
Travelers Checks. Copy of Your Airline Ticket.
Mosquitoes
repellent. Your Medicines. Departure
documents. Travel alarm clock. Camera(s), batteries & films. Sunscreen/Tan lotion. Pocket size
Kleenex. Extra luggage locks/keys. First Aid kit. Soft, foldable
slippers. Extra set of eyeglasses. Folding Umbrella. Comfortable
walking shoes.Back to Top▲ |
