What to take with you
There are a few things you should not travel without:

* A map, certainly
* Photocopies of your passport and visa.
* Cash in US$ 20’s and $ 100’s or Baths.
* A folding umbrella if you plan to visit during the rainy season. The wettest months are July and August.

* A flashlight is a good idea, in case of power cuts.

* Electrical multi adaptor if you plan on brining electrical appliances - there are many different types of plug sockets used in Laos.  Laos uses 220V AC.
* Zip lock bags. They are cheap, disposable, and keep all kinds of things fresh and dry.
* Hotel cards: You should keep your hotel cards or brochures to show people to get guidance in case of missing way back home.
* Business Cards. You will discover that practically everyone in Vietnam has a calling card of some kinds. The proper way to offer your card is to hold it by the corners with both hands.

* Toiletries can be found in all Lao towns, but outside Vientiane, they are limited in supply.  We suggest you bring your own.

* Insect repellant can be found in towns, but many visitors have their own favorite brands, not normally found in Laos.

* A first aid kit is a very good idea - medical resources are very limited in Laos.

What to wear

Neat and respectful dress should be worn in all religious shrines. It is not considered polite to visit religious monuments in shorts, miniskirts or hot pants. Though shoes can be worn in temple compounds, they should be removed before entering the chapel of the principal Buddha image. Indeed, all Buddha images are regarded as sacred, regardless of size, age or position, and should all be shown due respect. Buddhist monks are not allowed to touch or be touched by a woman, or accept anything from a woman's hand.

Footwear - bring sandals or slip-ons to take off easily when entering temples.

Currency
The KIP is the official currency of Laos. The bank note are presently in denomination of 50, 100, 500, 1000, 2000 and 5000 kip. There has been some devaluation of Lao Kip in the past few years.The rate of exchange in Dec 2007 is approximately 10,000 Kip for a US Dollar
All major currencies suck as the US Dollar, France Franc, DM, Yen, Bath and others can be exchanged at Banks that are located in all major towns. In Luang Prabang and Vientiane competitive rates are offered numerous authorized private exchange bureaus. One exchange facility is available at Wattay airport in Vientiane.

Travelers can make an exchange either at licensed exchange shops in the major cities or at the major hotel.

Furthermore, most domestic and foreign bank in Vientiane allow cash withdrawals on visa credit cards ATM is only available in the Banque Pour Le Commerce Exterieur Lao. Traveler Cheque and other currencies than US Dollars are only accepted by major banks but are difficult to negotiate outside the capital city. If bringing travellers cheques, they should be US$ denomination, from a well known bank, eg American Express or VISA.. It is better to carry US Dollar bills in small denominations and Thai bath while traveling in Laos. In case of journey to remote areas it is, of cause, advisable to take a good supply of kip with you.

Note: Payment by major Credit Cards such as Visa and Master, the bank charge will be applied up to 3-5% depends on individual shop and Traveler Cheque in US Dollars is charged 1-3 US Dollars per cheque

Languages
The official language of Laos is Lao. It is spoken in all parts of the country. The Vientiane dialect is very common and understood throughout the country, However, the usage of the language can differ from north and south. In spit of the colonial past, French remains the second official language. Today, English, French and Russian Chinese, Thai and Vietnamese is in common use among business sectors and young generations or by some senior government officials. Many shopkeepers can understand basic English and French.

[See also: Tour guide]

Drinking
Bottled water and mineral water are obtainable at any shops in most cities. It is advisable to drink boiled water and not to drink ice and tap water.

Photography, film and developing
Fresh negative film is widely available. Popular brands are Kodak, Fuji, Agfa and Konica. Positive colour print film is only obtainable in Vientiane.  Observe normal courtesy when photographing people, especially monks. Avoid taking photographs at airports and military locations.
\Vdeo tapes and camera film can be found in Vientiane and Luang Prabang, but specialist products are often hard to come by.  We advise you to bring plenty of film and video tape.

Shopping
Laos is ideal place for buying handicrafts and souvenirs. Vientiane city offers a wide variety of Shopping opportunities. Varieties of handmade product of wood, gold, silver or precious stones are widely sold in department store (Talat Sao), many shops and market. But shopping is not limited to Vientiane city. All the major provinces are also offered with variety of shopping opportunities.

Once again, every visitor should remember that it is forbidden to take any antiques or Buddha images (which are older than 50 years) out of the country. Therefore such items brought into Laos from other countries have to be declared at customs.

Others
Taxi: Taxis with meters are available in big cities. The current price is about US$ 0.5 per kilometre. Most metered taxi drivers can speak a little English.

Business hours: (GMT + 7)

* Offices: 08:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. and 13:00 p.m. to 16:00 p.m., from Monday to Saturday
* Banks: 08:00 a.m to 03:00 p.m, closed on Friday afternoons, Saturday and Sunday.

Electrical current: 220 volts (50Hz) A.C.

Telephone: Public phones are available in Vientiane and other major cities. You can also go to Laos Telecom office, hotels or telephone booths to call and fax overseas. Phone cards are widely available in most convenient stores. There are a number of Internet cafes in Vientiane and major cities. Normally, hotels will get 15-20% service charge of the bill.

Tip: Tipping is not obligatory and customary in Laos, however, small gratuities may be given in appreciation for efficient, friendly service. in hotels and restaurants, it is nonetheless widely practiced  in addition to the service charges shown on bills. (Porters, 5000 -  1,000 Kip per bag.)