HEALTH REQUIREMENTS
Medical and dental facilities are mostly operated by the government. Private clinics and pharmacies are available in the major cities.. Medicines from France, USA, Russia, Thailand, and China are widely sold in almost pharmacies.
ELECTRICITY
The usual voltage is 220V, 50Hz.
CURRENCY, EXCHANGE & ATMs
The local currency is called Kip. One USD is worth approximately 2,450 kip (1998). Money can be exchanged at banks, authorized shops, or hotels. Exchange rates fluctuate every day, although the fluctuation is minimal. Banks include: Banque pour le Commerce Exterieur Lao, Sethathirath Bank, Nakornluang Bank, Joint Development Bank, and Thai branch banks. Credit cards can be used at major banks, some hotels, restaurants and shops.
PACKING LIST
Light-weight washable cotton or cotton-blend clothes are suitable. A sweater or coat is needed for the winter and in upland areas.
ETIQUETTE – important Laos travel tips
As in all Buddhist countries, the Lao people are quite conservative when it comes to clothing and nothing that would be suitable for the beach should be worn somewhere else.
• In general, showing too much skin is seen as provocative, and it is even forbidden in pagodas to enter if your body isn’t covered from shoulders to below knees.
• It is also forbidden for women to touch monks, their clothes, or to hand them something directly.
• It is also considered impolite to show signs of affection in public, especially in rural areas, so refrain from hugging or kissing in the countryside!
Lao people are very polite, courteous and it is recommended to adopt the same attitude when addressing to them, as well as to never touch their heads, nor touch or point anything with your feet.
TIME ZONE & WORKING HOURS
The time in Laos is 7 hours ahead of Greenwich Meridian Time (GMS +7).
LANGUAGE
The Laos language is a member of the Tai language group, sometimes known as Tai-Kadai or Kadai.
Thai is well understood in Laos, since Lao people watch Thai television and listen to Thai radio.
Laos is a tonal language, with six tones – people will find it quite hard to differentiate between the tones, but any attempt to speak just a few words will win you instant friends.
INTERNET
It is easy and cheap nowadays to access the Internet and email in Laos. It is available at most hotels, restaurants and cafes.
POST AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS
Telephone, fax, telegraph, and telex services are provided at post offices, hotels and business centers. Mobile phones are widely used and it is possible and cheap to buy a prepaid SIM for your unlocked phone or a cheap phone and a SIM card.
NEWS
The Lao National Radio carries news in English, French, and Thai. There are daily TV broadcasts, with two local channels, Thai television and satellite reception.
DOMESTIC FLIGHTS & AIRPORT TAXES
Vientiane-Wattay International is 4km from the city (approx. 20 min. from town). Taxis are available and the rate (approx. US$4 from the city) is negotiable. There is an international airport in Luang Prabang as well with regular flights to neighboring countries.
FOOD AND DRINKS
Lao food is mostly composed of sticky rice, eaten with fingers. In the countryside, people will eat together, sitting on the floor, sharing a few dishes.
Lao food is dry, spicy and delicious. Food eaten in Laos is influenced by its neighbors and by the colonial French period (the bread is an example)