Answered9 years ago

Is it better to use Dollars or Baht in Vientiane, and where can I exchange currency?

currency exchange Vientiane Thai Baht US Dollars Laos SETV

Marcel *********

asked Jul 26, 2017

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On my way to Vientiane for a SETV and due to the holiday on Friday, I will be there till Monday/Tuesday. Best to use Dollars or Baht, get dollars here or there? Thanks :-)

Answer summary

In Vientiane, both Thai Baht and US Dollars are accepted, but it's advisable to convert money into Lao Kip for better rates. Using Baht is convenient, but some vendors may charge a higher conversion fee. It's recommended to use local banks for currency exchange to get a good rate. If you need to show a sum of K20,000 (approximately $800) when returning to Thailand, it's feasible to withdraw Kip and exchange it into Baht, although getting dollars directly from ATMs may not be possible.

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Marcel *********

Whats the best way to get dollars here in Laos for when I return and possibly have to show B20k ($800)

9 years ago

Marcel *********

I have to withdraw money and thought there will be some atms that will give dollars but I tried everywhere. Only thing I can think of now is to withdraw kip and then change to baht (The exchange rate isn't that good but looks like my only option to have 20k with me, just to be safe)

9 years ago

Tod *********

just show baht, it's fine

9 years ago

Troy *********

I've never got Kip when in Laos. Use baht and you'll get baht back if they have any, otherwise your change will be Kip.

9 years ago

Jan **********

You can easily change Thai baht at a good rate at the banks' xchange booths

9 years ago

Kam *********

Baht is acceptable anywhere in Vientiane. But some shops or vendors may charge you higher conversion rate . Better to convert in Lao Kip there . Good luck :)

9 years ago

Tod *********

You're going to pay more for the Lao visa at the border using Thai baht versus USD, and the thai consulate in Vientiane ONLY takes Thai baht for the visa.

IF you get any Lao Kip get rid of it before you come back to thailand. It's worthless as tissue paper here.

9 years ago

Kam *********

Have fun, enjoy your trip man. Good luck! :)

9 years ago

Marcel *********

Thanks a lot! Think thats all I need 😉👊👊

9 years ago

Kam *********

Haha. Great! I'm in Bangkok now , but really missing Laos. Its not so big city but still a lot of things to do there. You can visit Mekong River for relaxation , exercise , mingle with locals. Lao people are very nice and many of them can speak English. You can visit local market beside of the river.

And some historical places in the morning like Lao national museum , Patuxay Monument, Buddha Park.

For nightlife there are some bars and clubs , go for HomeClub it's nice one, and open till late night 4am.

If you have time you can take a bus and go to Vang Vieng, 2 to 3 hours from Vientiane. Nice place for visit and travel , full of foreigners mostly.

9 years ago

Marcel *********

Awesome man! Thanks for the info! Any other tips you can offer as I am there for 5 days 😂

9 years ago

Kam *********

Welcome! You can change both Baht or dollars to Lao Kip. I just got back from Vientiane on Sunday , and got the exchange rate 248 Lao Kip for 1 baht. You can change at airport or inside the city.

9 years ago

Marcel *********

Thanks! Just change Baht to Kip or Dollars to Kip?

9 years ago