Is there a fee to cross the Friendship Bridge from Laos to Thailand by bus?

Worked as I said then ;)

I see, that makes sense

@Chris *******

yeah it's different when you go buy car (they still have to pay, but it's presumably bundled into your fare). By bus you have to get off the bus and pay 11k kip

Taxi. I pay 20 baht when crossing but I figured that was a bit of "grease" for jumping the queue and using the private car booth. I also pay it to the immigration officer entering Thailand not leaving Laos so maybe taking a taxi avoids the nominal charge for Laos.

When did you cross and by what means (bus/car?)

Yes, it's standard for everyone. When coming from Vientiane, get off the bus and go to the customs window. Queue up, pay the fee (the prices are listed on the window, in English). They give you a little card. Keep hold of it. Then proceed to immigration and stamp out of Laos. Put the card in the little barrier thing. Get back on the bus, you're out of Laos. It's really simple. I can't remember exactly how much the customs fee is but its such a small amount that it's not worth remembering!