Paul James This is factually incorrect. They have a fix USD price per nationality at Laos border. Anything from $30 to $45 USD. If you pay in Baht or Kip, you will pay normal exchange rates +200-300 baht on top.

@Paul ******

I don't think I've ever use Kip. Mostly baht and sometimes USD. I always travel with my Thai wife so might be why it's so easy.

@Bob *********

Yes, you get charge double-triple-quadruple the price, and they get a cut. It's no different then many roads in Bangkok.

@Paul ******

It's a problem if you are from Myanmar, Cambodia, India, Pakistan, Africa, you know the drill. A lot of urban myths surrounding people caught on overstay and deported. The typical 3 days overstay newb don't ever get caught unless he gets ratted out. I've been here 10 years, I think I've been ask to show my passport once maybe 7 years ago. I'm white, so I get an automatic preferential treatment with stuff like this, I'm sure of it.

@Mike *******

Btw, there is no deadline. Overstay is 500 baht per day. I've cross border many times while on overstay, you just pay the fine at the border and you are good to go, and allowed back 30 min later no problem.

@Mike *******

You took offense that Jonathan said this "I know you said it was easier with the fixer but I genuinely don't see how. You just do the same thing as they did but on your own.". I was replying to this part in which you accuse him of being a Cheap Charlie instead of accepting that you were anxious due to previous rejection. It was easier with the fixer for you because of your high level of stress. It's not a weakness per se, but a lack of experience on your part. All of Laos border run possibility from Thailand are some of the easiest in the world. No rejection, very little hassle and scam attempt, etc. You felt for the only one that they have at that border. You got targetted right away. They knew the second you got there that you were a begineer. For your own sake, avoid certain border like Poi Pet, you will probably end up with a heart attack.

John is saying this because Kip is not needed. You need to pay for your Laos Visa in USD or you get overcharge by a few hundred baht/many kip. Laos is a country with a dead currency which hold no value outside of Laos. In most of Laos you can pay in Thai Baht or USD everywhere.

@Mike *******

And yes, can go in with your car, but you need the proper documentation and all. Need to be sorted out in advance you can't just go there and cross.

@Mike *******

You didn't use a fixer because you are not a cheap Charlie, you did it because you were stressed out of your mind. Be honest and humble about the whole experience rather then trying to look good. Nothing wrong with what you did, but nothing wrong with not using a fixer which will save most people time and money. I'm doing my border bounce in Nong Khai tomorrow morning and I'll be out and back in quickly. It does not matter that it as your last day, the visa run process in Laos is always a piece of cake.

@Stuart ********

No proof of covid jab needed for Savannakhet or Vientiane border run, right?