@David *******

the visa to enter Laos is $40 USD for most countries. If you pay in baht you are overcharged on the exchange rate.

One "potential" trap is they ask how long you are staying in Laos. I suggest you give some amount of time in days. That way you avoid any phony scams about fees for short term visitors. I even ran into that at a remote Cambodian crossing.

Oh, and the Laos border collects 100 baht from Thais leaving to return home. So if a Thai companion accompanies you expect that.

@David *******

I believe you could easily do that there.

@David *******

I actually was on a bus. You exit on the Laos side, stamp out, walk through a tunnel, stamp into Thailand and hopefully the bus waited for you.

My understanding is crossing in a vehicle requires other things but I have no first hand information.

I did that crossing by land on Friday. It was simple and quick with the new form. They are fully up to speed.

@Colin ********

I'm in agreement. It's just TOO easy and after getting shut down applying for the medical DTV in Savannakhet it is clear embassies are being vague and arbitrary.

@BJ ****

no go. After they accepted the financials they rejected my medical appointment letter. It mentioned no specific medical issue. No dtv for me.

@BJ ****

OK that explains my financial adventures at the Savannakhet Consulate and why they wanted to see my financial accounts on my tablet...."credibility and verifiability".

BTW had I not had a Laos Sim card I could not have accessed the internet at the window. Be prepared.

@Alex *******

happy to answer your most relevant question.

I used a brokerage account from the US. Indeed they did have me log into my account. I can't access that account from my phone hence returning with the tablet.

I initially used my personal retirement account balance letter. It had a multi year history but it was inadequate.

I don't think they truly understand financial accounts very well.

@James *******

yes, and next year I'll be the oldest man in the Thai boxing class...ever.

I'm wondering if a copy of my Thai driver's license will suffice as proof of location?