Airport tax
- How much shall I pay for airport tax?
  International Departure tax of equivalent of USD 10 payable in USD, Thai Baht or Kip.
  - per passenger
  Domestic airport tax of Lao Kip 5,000.- per passenger .
Getting there
Health
- There are no requirements for immunisation other than the usual requirements if having
  recently travelled in a yellow fever affected area. However visitors should be inoculated
  against Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid, Diphtheria, and Tetanus, Polio. In addition, vaccinations
  of Tuberculosis and Japanese B Encephalitis are suggested for visitors spending some time
  in Southeast Asia, especially in remote areas.
  Malaria and Dengue fever are a problem in Laos. However, with caution, they can easily
  be avoided. Please consult your doctor for anti malarial medication. There is no
  protection against dengue fever. We suggest that you take the following precautions in
  addition to taking anti malarial prophylactics. In any case, the best prevention is not to
  get bitten by mosquitoes.
  
  • Sleep with a mosquito net outside towns
  • Wear long sleeves and trousers around dusk
  • Use plenty of strong insect repellant - some brands can be applied directly on clothing.
Money - Currency
- What money should I take?
  Travelers’ checks are accepted, and just about all credit cards too. US dollars and Thai
  baht are equally welcome. It is unnecessary to carry around wads of the local currency the
  'kip'. Cash advances can be taken on major credit cards in most Vientiane banks but there
  are no ATM machines yet. International transfers can also be arranged-funds can be
  available within 48-72 hours if you are in Vientiane.
- Are there ATMs in Laos?
  While a few ATMS were recently installed in Vientiane, they do not accept international
  cards so are useless to tourists. It is rumoured that one international ATM is on the way.
Safety
- Is it safe to travel? Are there places to avoid?
  You are welcome everywhere. The International press tends to sensationalize the
  occasional blip on the domestic radar screen. Backpackers and families are equally secure
  in moving around. And travel insurance is easily purchased and the premiums are
  remarkably reasonable. Embassies and local travel personnel are in perfect positions to
  know the ins and outs what’s hot and what’s not. New destinations constantly open up
  throughout the year. It is always advisable to ask what’s going on when you get there
Telecommunications
Time
- What is the time difference in Laos?
  Laos' time zone is GMT + 7. There is no daylight saving time here.
Transportation
- Is it easy to rent a car or motorcycle?
  Yes, depending on where you are and the local government laws at the time. In certain
  places, foreigners are banned from riding motorbikes in particular, but occasionally bicycles
  too. Where it is possible, you'll be expected to leave your passport at the place where you
  make the rental. However, it is highly advisable to rent a car with an experienced driver
  who knows the area and can speak Lao in case of any problems.
- Can the driver speak English and act as a guide?
  No, he cannot. In Laos, drivers are only drivers. Tour guides must be licensed by the
  National Tourism Authority.
Visas
- What are the visa requirements?
  Most passport holders require a visa to enter Laos. Visas are available upon arrival at Wattay
  International Airport, Luang Prabang International Airport, Pakxe International Airport, and the
  Friendship Bridge. The price is US$30 and they are vaild for 15 days. 15-day extensions are easily
  granted in Vientiane at the Immigration office. Expect to spend 10-20 minutes at any of the
  above visa points. Also, you can get Laos visas at the Laos Embassy in your country.
  
  NOTE: Visa conditions change regularly. Contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate of Laos
  for the most up to date information.
  You should ensure you obtain an entry stamp on arrival. Failure to do so may result in a fine.
  
  I heard that you can get Visa on Arrival at the border with Thailand at Chong Mek
  - is this true.
  There was a time when you could do this, but this is no longer the case.
- I have heard that it is cheaper to get a Lao visa in Bangkok - how do I do this?
  The cost of a visa in Bangkok is about $10 cheaper in Bangkok - but by the time you get to our
  embassy (which is situated right out of town) and back, and then return to pick up your visa, you
  will have wasted a lot of time and money. The cheapest, fastest and easiest option is to get a
  visa on arrival at Vientiane Airport, Luang Prabang Airport or at the Friendship Bridge.
  
  NOTE: You should use only official border crossing points to enter Laos.
Weather
- When is the best time to travel Laos?
  The coolest months are December through February. Air conditioning is then unnecessary. Luang
  Prabang and Northern Laos will have temperatures approaching freezing at night during this
  time, but daytime can be like spring in Europe, North America and Japan. March through May are
  the hottest months, sometimes exceeding 40C for a few days at a stretch. June through August
  are the wettest months, and high temperatures seldom exceed 28C or 29C due to extensive
  cloud cover. It is lush - very green then, and the sun does shine much of the day, making it
  excellent for photography. September through November the rains taper off and the dry season
  starts to dominate rural and city life. Every season Laos tourism has something special to offer,
  so there is no reason to procrastinate.
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