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What should I know about getting a visa on arrival in Laos and currency exchange at the border?

Jul 30, 2025
3 days ago
Farang ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Be careful for the Laos immigration.

Me and +- 20 people needed an VOA it's 40 dollar or 1700 baht.

I was the last in the row and we did standing very close to each other.

I could see around 80% of their payments.

Everybody did pay with 2 x 1000 baht.

NOBODY DID GET THEIR 300 BAHT CHANGE BACK.

2 people infront of me from French did complain together with me. And asked for the 300 baht change. Immigration did act like they have no idea what we talk about.

After 3 times telling the same stort they did understand it.

They had to look for 10 minutes for 2x 300 baht.

And for me there was no 300 baht but only 500baht so I did pay 200 baht and did get back 500 baht.

The immigration did keep at least 300 baht from 1500 people!

Be careful when you go to laos.

(I did go 3 days for border run)
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The post shares a cautionary experience regarding Laos immigration when paying for a visa on arrival (VOA). The author, along with others, reports that they were not given their full change after paying the visa fee, leading to suspicions of embezzlement by border officials. Comments from readers add insights into the proper currency for payment—preferably pristine US dollars due to poor exchange rates—and describe similar experiences of corruption and challenges at various border crossings into Laos. Overall, the thread emphasizes the importance of being aware of potential scams and the correct procedures when crossing the border.
Pertti *************
Last year they steal tea money from people who cross border back to Thailand🤡
Eric *********
My wife's home is near Nong Khai....been to Laos a few times and would return again regularly for shopping day trips but just not worth the visa hassle. Shame the little Lao people pay for this petty corruption.
Tom ******
I recently paid $50 for e-visa through government agency and felt this was excessive.
Mark ********
You know they need their tea 🍵 money!
Damo ***********
Border bounce? If you cheating the system, maybe you need to pay MORE....
Farang ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Damo **********
How they know I make a border bounce? And i did stay there 3 days. There are people who stay there longer and also did steal 300 baht. So doesn't matter.
Brian *********
I've crossed the Laos border three times in two different locations. Nong Khai and Chiang Khong. I paid 1900 baht at each location separated by over a two year time period. I always got change! This account seems to be missing a little reality, truth or comprehension. 🤷
Brian *********
What I said and my experiences were absolutely consistent with the rules making what you expressed a bit questionable in accuracy or associated details. 👌
Farang ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brian ********
This is vientiane airport. How I am missing reality or the truth? 🤣
Porky ******
“Did” they!?? 😱
Melanie ********
@Porky *****
😂😂😂
Melanie ********
@Porky *****
He didn't get your joke
Porky ******
@Melanie *******
No he did not did he?… Or did he not did?… 🫢
Farang ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Porky *****
just a warning for people who care about their 300 baht. If you don't good for you.
Porky ******
@Farang *****
Did it? 🤔
Manfred **********
Just do it online and pay the exact amount
Farang ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Manfred *********
Yes it's better but unfortunately this was last minute so no time for online.
Alex *******
Which border crossing?
Farang ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Alex ******
vientiane airport
Ladda *********
Have an Asian rate and Farang rate. Unless correct money you will always pay more.
Ross ********
I crossed the border at Chiang khong and it costs me Forty US dollars 4 days ago plus 25 baht for the bus to get across the bridge
Christian ********
It cost a lot for the Families to get a immigration job for the son. Somehow must come the money back.
Pete ********
Wait till you come back to Thailand and the Laos officers ask you for 300 to cross back hahaha if not you can sit and wait 3 hours haha
Farang ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Pete *******
Oh I did not pay anything for going back 😁.
Nicholas *********
I lost 100 e in Laos with

12 go

Not refunding tickets when train cancelled
Tez ******
Yeah that would break the bank for me. I will look elsewhere to live on $20.00
Farang ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Tez *****
Okay so if I see you and take your wallet and steal $20, you wouldn't do anything? Nice, please share your location with me. Or maybe transfer the money is possible?
Andy *******
@Farang *****
300 baht is $9
Farang ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Andy ******
Yes I know😁. But Tez did talking about $20. Probably because the exchange rate.
Mma *******
Always carry smaller bills in these countries. So you have the exact amount.
Farang ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Mma ******
Yes I never been there before and as far as I could see did pay everybody with 2x 1000 baht.
Christian ********
@Farang *****
thats they problem
Tayaout *****************
I went a few times, and it was always cheaper to pay in USD with exact change.
Nongnuch ********
You need between US$ 40 (all nationalities except Chinese or Vietnamese citizens US$ 20)*, one passport-size photo (4 x 6 cm), the name of a hotel or guesthouse and phone number. Those without a photo will have to pay an additional fee of about US$ 2. On weekends there is an additional $1 service fee. It is recommended to pay in US$. No other foreign currencies are accepted at Airports (you may be lucky to have Thai Baht accepted sometimes). At some Lao-Thai land border crossings you can use Thai Baht, but the Visa fee becomes about 1,700 THB which is approx. $48 . . . . . . . . . .
*************************************************************
%20is%20recommended%20to%20pay,$48.
Nongnuch ********
The cost of a Laos visa on arrival is approximately 1,700 to 2,000 Thai Baht, but it can vary depending on the specific border crossing and the condition of the currency, according to forum posts.

It's often recommended to pay in pristine US dollars to avoid issues with exchange rates, but Thai Baht are sometimes accepted at land border crossings.

***The cost of a Laos visa-on-arrival generally ranges from USD 30 to USD 45, but the exact amount depends on your nationality.

For example, US citizens typically pay USD 35, while Canadians pay USD 42.

There may also be an additional $1 fee for processing on weekends or outside of regular hours.

***Some nationalities, like Chinese and Vietnamese citizens, may have a lower fee of USD 20.

Some sources also mention that the fee can be higher at certain crossings or during specific times (e.g., weekends, holidays), with additional fees for overtime or processing.

Here's a more detailed breakdown:

***USD Equivalent: The visa fee is typically around $35-$40 USD.

*** Thai Baht: At land borders, the equivalent in Thai Baht can be around 1,700 to 2,000 THB.

*** Fluctuations:

The exact amount in Thai Baht can fluctuate based on the current exchange rate and whether the border crossing accepts Thai Baht.

***Additional Fees:

Be prepared for potential minor additional fees for things like passport photos, weekend/holiday surcharges, or processing fee
Todd *******
@Nongnuch *******
laos border nongkhai only accepts new dollar bills, they prefer 1700 thai baht as they make more money that way
Wannikea *********
Yeah they are a bit shady there at Nong Khai. The lady who takes your money, passport, and hands you the arrival card. USD notes are cheaper, buy them in baht on the north side of that same building, very very fair exchange rate.

Visa fee 40USD, 1700 THB is $52+
Farang ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Wannikea ********
This was at vientiane Airport
Christian ********
@Farang *****
why not give 1700 baht ? No change needet.
Gary ********
So flying is the best option?
Max *************
@Gary *******
Using an agency for the border run is imo the smartest and fastest way to do it. In and out the same day.
Ladda *********
@Gary *******
They will get you there too.

Have a Farang & Asian rate.
Farang ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Gary *******
I arrived at vientiane Airport
Ann **********
@Farang *****
I thought they only scam at land boarder. 😳 my experience with my boyfriend was best option is carry $40 to pay for the visa and be smarter with them that you only prepare that visa cash sorry, for running out of cash! 😏
Farang ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Ann *********
I had to bring 10.000 baht with me they did stopped me when I was going to check in. I only had 5.000 baht with me. So needed to go to an ATM for 5.000 baht extra.
Munly *******
Yeah lao land border officials are all like this. Never go into Laos by land or at least prefer to be small scammed to death like this. I had an experience where both Cambodian and Lao officials colluded to get me for every bit of USD in my wallet I had before leaving me with just enough to move on. They informed each other on how much they had seen in my wallet originally. Purposely damaging bills slightly when they got their hands on them so I had to take a "discount" To exchange them with their counter part s and a ton of not so nickle and dime scams that all added to my having to pay $50 to $100 USD more than I had planned. I don't remember exactly
Doug ********
Munly Leong really?...I crossed three times...I know it's forty us dollar.

So change at bank before I go ang get 40: Dollar brand new notes

Never a problem . Thai immigration at nong Khai don't know now how much money i have ???

They don't look in your wallet when you leave Thailand..??
Munly *******
@Doug *******
it's more like they saw when I opened up my wallet to take out the money initially. The next time I do it I will photograph the moneys conditon beforehand
Doug ********
@Munly ******
crazy....never had anything like it with good notes .
Hieb *******
It's a nice gesture to tell them to go have a coffee with what would normally be change. You will certainly get a smile in return and it never hurts to be on the good side of immigration.
Tony *************
@Hieb ******
are you for real?🤯 making excuses for their stealing from you.
Andy ****
@Hieb ******
does being on the good side mean paying extra? They're there to work impartially, so we're told...
Hieb *******
Maybe poor choice of words. Show kindness to others may be more appropriate.
Farang ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Hieb ******
40 dollar is around 1400 baht it means I give them 600 baht a thai have to work 2 days for that. And this is like stealing. Should never accept that.
Hieb *******
I think the last time I did a VOA my change would have been 200 baht, so it was not too bad for me. I guess the officers (two of them) could have had a coffee and maybe a pastry or something like that. In my lifetime, I've spent money on much worse things than this.
Farang ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Hieb ******
Let's say they keep the change from 15 people. 15x300baht= 4500baht. From 1 flight only. And maybe for you 300 baht is nothing. But it is almost a daily salary in Thailand.
Kayleigh ********
What does this even mean?
Farang ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Nongnuch ********
. . . . . The Laos Visa-on-Arrival has ALWAYS, since many many years, cost 40 U.S. Dollars or 1900.- Baht plus 100.- Baht if you didn't supply a passport picture. So at all Thai / Laos borders, it is 2000 THB for the visa-on-arrival . . . . . I don't know where you found that number 1700 Baht. It must have been another false info from ChatGPT, or you are referring to an 25 year old website
Laetitia ******
@Nongnuch *******
you are absolutely right
Farang ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Nongnuch *******
If it is 1900 or 2000 baht why they give me and the French couple 300 baht back? And why telling everybody it is 1700 baht?
Nongnuch ********
@Farang *****
a temporary loss of memory occured 😄
Farang ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Nongnuch *******
No they told us it is 1700 baht and they did give me back 300 baht so I am talking from my own experience yesterday .
เดแคลน ***********
Couple of Chang beers says they have been looking at the Visa Genie website 🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️(its massively outdated)
Kevin *******
If you don't have the local currency they will give you a terrible exchange rate. Even if you buy things at the market or in stores. If you do decide to get the local currency forget about changing it back to baht or any other currency for anything more than half of what it's wroth. It was rigged from the start.
Christian ********
@Kevin ******
if you dont have it than it is on you. always ripp off with meoney changing. even at atm who charge you for conversion 5%.
Farang ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Kevin ******
I know but they told us it is 1700 baht or 40 us dollar. So the rate wasn't bad. But not give back my 300 baht change is bad.
Tony *************
@Farang *****
you haven’t realised yet but you’re just a walking ATM that’s all you are to them
Tayaout *****************
@Farang *****
Need to carry USD
Farang ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Tayaout ****************
I know bur i am not from the USA so where I stay you can't just change to USD.
Tayaout *****************
@Farang *****
I'm not from the US either. I live in Thailand and get USD from SuperRich in Bangkok for large amounts, or from any other money exchange booth for smaller amounts.
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