Exchange
Middle of 1995, the exchange rate for one US Dollar is
about 900 Kip.
As the 500 Kip bill is the largest bank note in circulation you
will, after exchanging money, find yourself the proud owner of
a bag full of money. For only 100 Dollars you get more than 110
500-Kip bills.
The alternative currencies accepted in Vientiane and numerous
other provincial towns are Thai Baht and US Dollars.
The largest Thai bill, 1,000 Baht, has a value of about 40 US
Dollars.
Traveller Cheques can be exchanged in Vientiane at the Banque
pour Commerce Exterieur Lao and at the Hotel Lane Xang.
At other places you will have difficulties exchanging traveller
cheques.
It is recommended to carry US Dollars in small denominations (100's
and smaller) as well as Thai Baht. Amounts exceeding 100,000 Baht
should be declared on entry to the country.
Kip cannot be reconverted into another currency, even if
you have kept all exchange receipts from the banks.
Credit cards are accepted in only a very few places in
Vientiane. Diethelm Travel is the local representative
of American Express.
Banks are open Monday through Friday (except holidays)
8 am to 12 am and 2 pm to 3 pm.
This page: http://www.cockatoo.com/english/laos/laos_currency.htm
