Paying in Laos: A Complete Guide to the Lao Kip for Travelers

When you set foot in Laos, everything changes: the rhythm, the light, the music… and the currency. Here, you won’t pay in euros or dollars, but in Lao kip (LAK), the national currency since 1955.

Colorful and full of zeros, the kip is part of the travel experience. It reflects daily life: the markets, small purchases, and the simple, generous lifestyle of the country.

The Kip: A Symbol of the Local Economy

The kip (₭) is the official currency of Laos. Its international code is LAK, and it exists only in banknotes (coins disappeared long ago).

The most common banknotes are:

• 1,000 ₭

• 2,000 ₭

• 5,000 ₭

• 10,000 ₭

• 20,000 ₭

• 50,000 ₭

• 100,000 ₭

  
  

At first glance, the numbers can look intimidating: a coffee for 20,000 ₭, a meal for 50,000 ₭, a room for 300,000 ₭… But don’t worry: 10,000 kip is roughly €0.45 (depending on the exchange rate of the day).

The good news? The cost of living remains low, and traveling in Laos offers excellent value for money.

Can You Pay in Dollars or Baht?

The kip is the only legal currency in Laos, but in major cities such as Luang Prabang, Vientiane, and Pakse, some hotels or shops may accept Thai baht (THB) or US dollars (USD). However, the exchange rates used locally are often less favorable. It is therefore recommended to pay directly in kip whenever possible.

Where and How to Exchange Money

You can exchange money:

• At banks or official exchange offices, available in all major cities

• At some guesthouses or hotels, although the rates are usually less favorable

  
  

💡 ORLA Tip: When you arrive at Luang Prabang or Vientiane airport, exchange a small amount for your first expenses (taxi, water, meal). You will usually find better exchange rates in the city center.

Withdrawing Money in Laos

ATMs are available in most major tourist cities. You can withdraw kip directly with a Visa or Mastercard.

However, keep in mind:

• Withdrawals are often limited to 1,500,000 to 2,000,000 ₭ (around €70–€90).

• ATM fees can be relatively high: about 20,000 to 30,000 ₭ per withdrawal, sometimes in addition to your bank’s fees.

  
  

💡 Practical tip:If you are staying for several weeks, try to withdraw larger amounts when possible, or use international-friendly cards such as Revolut, N26, or Wise to reduce fees.

Using Money in Everyday Life

Laos is still a very cash-based country. Credit cards are rarely accepted except in upscale hotels or restaurants. For small purchases (snacks, souvenirs, tuk-tuks, markets), always carry cash.

Also note that 100,000 ₭ banknotes can sometimes be difficult to break in small shops, so it’s useful to keep smaller bills.

However, the country is quickly adopting modern payment solutions. In cities like Luang Prabang and Vientiane, QR code payments are becoming increasingly common. Many cafés, restaurants, and even tuk-tuk drivers now offer this simple and secure payment method.

📱 The Loca app, widely used in Laos, allows you not only to book rides but also to pay directly via QR code from your phone. It’s a convenient way to avoid carrying too much cash while benefiting from transparent pricing.

💡 ORLA Tip: Keep some cash for markets and remote villages, but take advantage of digital payments in cities: a perfect balance between modern convenience and Lao simplicity.

Prices in Laos: What to Expect

Here are some average prices in kip (for reference):

Purchase	Approximate Price
Bottle of water	5,000 ₭
Local meal	40,000 – 60,000 ₭
Guesthouse night	150,000 – 300,000 ₭
Kuang Si Waterfalls entrance	30,000 ₭
Tuk-tuk ride (within town)	20,000 – 40,000 ₭

The kip reflects Laos itself: modest, simple, and authentic.

A Word About Bartering and Generosity

In remote villages, money sometimes becomes less important. People are happy to exchange a smile, a meal, or a helping hand. Human relationships often matter more than banknotes, a philosophy that makes Laos a deeply warm and human country.

Prepare Your Trip with ORLA Tours

Our local team in Luang Prabang supports you at every step of your journey: travel formalities, transfers, accommodation, and daily life. And of course, we help you plan your travel budget in kip, depending on your itinerary, travel style, and personal wishes.

👉 Create your tailor-made trip to Laos now, and let our Franco-Lao experts guide you step by step. Fill out the personalized travel form.

FAQ – Everything You Need to Know About the Lao Kip

1. Can you pay in euros in Laos? No. Only kip, dollars, and baht are accepted in some places. Euros must be exchanged first.

2. Where can I get the best exchange rate? Exchange offices in city centers generally offer better rates than airports or hotels.

3. Are credit cards accepted everywhere? No. Only in upscale hotels, restaurants, or tourist shops. Laos remains largely a cash-based country.

4. What should I do with leftover kip at the end of the trip? It is often difficult to reconvert them. The best option is to spend them locally or donate them to a local charity.

5. Are tips expected? They are not mandatory but always appreciated. A 10,000 or 20,000 ₭ bill for good service is a kind gesture.