Laos - Lao PDR
Lane Xang - Land of a Million Elephants and a White Parasol

Lao PDR, Lao People's Democratic Republic, is a landlocked country (like Switzerland) located in Southeast Asia. Its neighbours are Thailand to its South and West, Vietnam in the East, Cambodia to its very South, China to its North, and Burma/Myanmar in the North-West. Laos today is 236'800 km² in size. The population of Laos is about 5.2 million. 70% live in rural areas. The largest city is the captial Vientiane with nearly 400'000 people followed by Savannakhet with about 100'000.
The old name of Laos is Lan Xang - Million Elephants.

• The largest Lao bank note is 50'000 Kip - about 5 US dollars. Commonly used are 20'000 Kip notes and smaller ones. Carrying larger amount, means carrying a lot of paper. Carry larger amounts in Thai Baht and in US dollar notes instead. They are easier to carry than Kip, and they can be exchanged at many places. However, you should know the current exchange rates.
• The Lao Kip used to be divided into 100 at. But today the 500 Kip note is the smallest note in use. On the markets they sell smaller notes as souvenirs.
• Have a look at the current and old Lao bank notes and coins from Laos.
• Credit cards are accepted only in a few places (high-class boutiques and major hotels and restaurants), but the number of outlets is increasing. However, you usually have to pay about 3% surcharge on your bill, if you pay by card.
• ATMs are only available in a small number Laos. The BCEL bank, for example, offers ATMs in the major provice captials. You can withdraw Kip using Visa cards.
• Get the current exchange rate from the BCEL bank.
• More exchange rates such as Thai Baht, Swiss Franc, Euro, etc. you can find at Oanda.com.