Laos Currency Guide
The currency of Laos and how to prepare for payments — all on one page. The currency used in Laos is the Laotian Kip (LAK).
Currency
Laotian Kip
LAK
Reference rate · October 31, 2026
1 USD ≈ 22,443 LAK
1 EUR ≈ 25,051 LAK
1 GBP ≈ 30,049 LAK
Laotian Kip conversion table
Reference values calculated at the mid-market rate as of October 31, 2026. Banks and card issuers add their own fees to actual exchanges and card payments.
| USD | LAK |
|---|---|
| 1 USD | 22,443 LAK |
| 5 USD | 112,217 LAK |
| 10 USD | 224,434 LAK |
| 50 USD | 1,122,169 LAK |
| 100 USD | 2,244,338 LAK |
| 500 USD | 11,221,690 LAK |
| LAK | USD |
|---|---|
| 100,000 LAK | 4.46 USD |
| 500,000 LAK | 22.3 USD |
| 1,000,000 LAK | 44.6 USD |
| 5,000,000 LAK | 223 USD |
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
Yesim
Saily
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.