Money, cards and ATMs in Laos

Money and paying for things

• Currency - the Lao kip (LAK). As of August 2026 the dollar is still around 22,300 LAK, but the euro has moved a long way and is nearer 26,000 - the March 2025 figure of 23,500 that circulates in older guides is about ten per cent out. Use the converter above the prices rather than either number. Only banknotes circulate, most commonly 10,000, 20,000, 50,000 and 100,000 LAK.
• ATMs are everywhere, but every withdrawal costs. Machines are readily available in all provincial capitals, dominated by the BCEL (Banque pour le Commerce Extérieur Lao) network plus LDB and JDB. A foreign card carries a direct Lao bank fee of 20,000 to 40,000 LAK per transaction.
• Withdrawal limits - 1,000,000 to 2,000,000 LAK per transaction on a foreign card, with selected BCEL machines allowing up to 2,500,000 LAK.
• Always be charged in LAK. Choosing conversion into your home currency at an ATM or terminal applies a DCC rate with a 5 to 8% markup.
• Cash and exchange - Thai baht (THB) and US dollars (USD) are widely accepted in the tourist sector and at border crossings even though LAK is the official currency. Change money at official bank counters (BCEL) or licensed city bureaux, and avoid unofficial street exchange.
• Card payments are limited to upper-tier hotels, international chains and selected restaurants, often with a 3% processing surcharge. The local LAO QR / BCEL One system works only with Lao bank accounts.
• Tipping - not expected in ordinary local eateries; 5–10% recognises good service in tourist restaurants and higher-category hotels.