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Laos Laos Currency Guide

The currency of Laos and how to prepare for payments — all on one page.

Currency

Laotian Kip

LAK

Checking rates

Check with your bank app or card issuer before you go

The rate and fees you actually pay differ by bank and card issuer.

Payment Tips to Remember

Always pay in the local currency

If a terminal asks whether to charge in your home currency, always choose the local currency. Choosing your home currency triggers DCC (dynamic currency conversion), which adds a hidden markup.

Set up a travel card before you fly

Prepaid multi-currency travel cards let you convert money in the app beforehand and pay like a debit card locally. Fees are usually lower than cash exchange counters, and you can freeze the card instantly from the app if lost.

Airport exchange counters: last resort

Airport counters are convenient but tend to offer some of the worst rates. If you need cash, exchange via your bank's app before departure or consider withdrawing from a local ATM.

Check ATM fees on screen

Local ATMs may add their own operator fee. Check the fee shown on the confirmation screen before proceeding. If the ATM offers conversion to your home currency (DCC), choosing the local currency is usually better.

Keep some small cash

Every country has places that don't take cards — markets, tips, small transport. Carrying a small amount of cash in separate places keeps you covered.

Cards for Abroad

Explore the Wise multi-currency card

One account holding 40+ currencies, converting and paying at mid-market based rates. Handy for multi-country trips — no need to exchange for each currency separately.

Learn more

Local data

Get an eSIM for Laos before you go

Activate mobile data with a QR code instead of swapping SIM cards. Buy it before departure and switch it on the moment you land.

Airalo Airalo Yesim Yesim Saily Saily Drimsim Drimsim

Check prices and availability on the booking sites.

City Guides in Laos

Luang Prabang

An ancient city in northern Laos where the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers meet, with the entire town listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wandering its quiet lanes and temples, you can feel the atmosphere of the past.

Pāksē

The hub of Champasak Province in southern Laos, located where the Xedon and Mekong rivers meet. It's a pleasant spot to stroll and take in the view where the two rivers converge.

Savannakhet

A city in southern Laos on the Mekong River, also well known by its former name, Savannakhet. As the country's second-largest city after Vientiane, it offers striking riverside scenery.

Thakhèk

The main city of Khammouane Province in south-central Laos, facing Thailand across the Mekong River. Crossing the Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge, you can experience the feel of passing over the border.