Do local banks near Bangkok carry USD for traveling to Laos?

@Tod ********

Yes although money changers are much better. They're everywhere now...not just in Bangkok or tourist places like Pattaya and Phuket. Most larger towns and cities have money changers, from Mae Sot to Lampang, Nakorn Ratchasima to Khon Kaen, Udon Thani to Nong Khai, Ubon Ratchathani to Surat Thani and so forth.

@Sujy ********

That's exactly what I meant! Thailand isn't interested in what Lao imposes or what currency they prefer. Incidentally, you CAN pay for your Lao visa with Kip. They'll charge you more than in USD but less than if you pay with Baht.

@Paul ******

You are lost in the sauce. Nobody but you is talking about what Thai border officers want. We're only talking about USD vs THB to pay upon entering Laos. It use to be mostly THB only at that border but now they encourage USD. USD had to be flawless, but things have changed.

@Sujy ********

You're confused. First you mentioned Nong Khai but when I corrected you, you claim you're talking about the Lao side.

They've always wanted THB or USD, though Kip is fine too.

@Paul ******

Incorrect, they've always wanted THB, not USD. They make a 15-20% cut from their own scam conversion when you pay in THB. Thats why they historically will tell you the THB price and make it difficult if you argue with USD. Unless pristine condition, they don't take it. But as I told Tod, they now will say the USD price from the get go. So paying with THB no longer make sense. As for Laos Kip, its unavailable in Thailand. It's a dead currency. So unless you still have some from a previous trip, forget it.

No confusion. Nobody call that border Thanaleng, its Nong Khai or friendship border. If you say Thanaleng 99% won't know what that is. Went we say Nong Khai border crossing and talk about Laos visa, ofc we are talking about the Laos side.

@Sujy ********

Nonsense. Nong Khai is the Thai side, Thanaleng or Vientiane is the name for the Lao side. Get it right or people will be confused.

No one has ever demanded payment in one currency over the other. You ALWAYS had a choice.

Also, there are MONEY CHANGERS on the Lao side. You can purchase Lao Kip right there. Duh!!

Not to mention there are money changers stocking Lao Kip in Thailand. Might not be easy to find (except in border cities) but money changers are definitely able to purchase Kip and sell some, if in stock.

@Paul ******

I live near that border. Insane that you are arguing so confidently while being so wrong. I've crossed that border multiple times evey year since 2010.

@Sujy ********

Clearly you don't know anything, otherwise, you'd know very well that Kip are accepted for the visa AND can easily be purchased from one of the money changers at the border on the LAO side in Vientiane.

@Sujy ********

I have crossed there MANY, MANY times over many years and also at other borders. There are zero issues paying in USD over Baht or vice versa. Notes must be in great condition, that's all.