Currencies in Laos
I'm going to be travelling to Laos from Australia (so my home currency is AUD). I've heard that in addition to the Kip, the USD and Thai Baht are widely used.
I have a few questions:
- How widely are the various currencies accepted within the country? Is there much of a need for Kip or can I get along with USD or Baht for the most part? Will anyone want me to pay in USD or Baht, rather than the Kip?
- How much is the conversion rate typically if I don't have the currency that they want?
Best Answer
When I was in Laos I paid for everything with Kip. I suggest only converting what you need because it's difficult to convert back to real money after you leave.
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Does Laos use USD?
Although Laos's official currency is the Kip, the US Dollar is widely accepted in many transactions, so we recommend taking some US Dollars in cash. In Vientiane and Luang Prabang you can exchange hard currency - including British Pounds - relatively easily at licensed exchange shops, or in the banks.Does Laos have coins?
Coins. Currently there are no Kip coins in circulation, but at various times Lao currency did include them. The Royal Kip currency had 10, 20 and 50 cent coins. In 1980, coins were brought back into circulation in the Lao PDR Kip with denominations of 10, 20 and 50 cents.Does Laos Use baht?
The reason for this is that Laos Kip, US Dollars, and Thai Baht are all accepted currencies in Laos.Currency of the world - Laos. Lao kip. Exchange rates Laos. Lao banknotes and Lao coins
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Answer 2
Will anyone want me to pay in USD or Baht, rather than the Kip?
I visited Laos one year ago for 3 weeks and paid everything in Kip.
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