Lao banks with international ATM card service

LAK (kip) Rates September 2020
1 USD	9090
1 EUR	10,870
1 GBP	12,060
1 AUD	6700
1 CAD	6700
1 JPY	85
1 CNY	1320
1 THB	319
Sources: BCEL, Bank LPDR Bangkok Bank Baht Rates Currency Converter

Banks in Laos, VISA, Mastercard ATM, September 2020, Lao kip LAK exchange rates, cash, debit, credit cards, fixed term deposits, foreigner bank accounts, money, currency transfer to Lao PDR.

Main banks in Laos in the capital Vientiane and cities and towns in all provinces have international ATMs accepting PLUS and CIRRUS cards for VISA, MasterCard, Maestro, Cashpoint, JCB, China UnionPay and Diners Club. These include BCEL Banque pour le Commerce Exterieur Lao (Lao Government main commercial bank), Banque Franco-Lao (BFL) Joint Development Bank JDB, Lao Development Bank LDB, BFL and Phongsavanh Bank PSV.

The Bank of the Lao PDR, the nation's central bank, announced in 2014 a suspension until 2016 of the establishment of new commercial banks in Laos, as it evaluates the current situation in the country's banking industry. The number of banks in Laos has increased from 12 in 2006 to around 40. Existing banks were able to continue expansion within the country.

Most other banks are joint ventures with foreign partners including Chinese, Malaysian, South Korean, Vietnamese, Cambodian and French and some offer MasterCard and VISA debit and credit cards to their customers, and accept international cards. Thai banks in Laos are not linked to the Thailand banking system or ATM network. Thai VISA and MasterCard cards can of course be used at any bank with an international ATM card service. Cambodia's ACLEDA Bank has Lao/Cambodian account linking facilities.

BCEL has the widest provincial coverage for VISA/MasterCard cash points that can also be found at international airports and Friendship Bridges to Thailand. While several Lao banks have branches and ATMs (some are for domestic cards) in most if not all provincial towns, others are located in Vientiane and some cities and towns only.

See also Banks, Banking, ATMs below for transaction limits etc.

If you are planning a visit to Laos, your entry point is most likely from Thailand. Thai baht can be used all over Laos, making it a useful currency to carry or exchange. However, having some US dollars in cash will save you money at the border. Depending on your passport, you'll need $30-$42 for a Laos visa on arrival. Paying in baht is possible and convenient, but it costs more than paying with US dollar bills. e.g. UK passport $35 or 1,500 baht, an equivalent difference of more than $10 or 350 baht.

Lao currency and foreign exchange rates

The Lao Kip (LAK) is the official currency of the Lao PDR, but it is not an international market instrument and exchange rates against other currencies vary daily, reflecting global cross currency values and set by the Bank of the Lao PDR. Other Lao banks and currency comparison sites like xe.com quote rates based on these, but money flows in and out of Laos in foreign currencies only. Exchange rates for local businesses can be negotiated with banks.

The kip rate is set by the government against a basket of currencies, reflecting movement of the US dollar against the Thai baht and others. Since significant devaluation after the 1997 Asian economic crisis until 2020, a USD remains around 9,000 kips. 10,000 kips is worth ~40 Thai baht, 1.10€, £0.80 or US$1.25. See the daily rates table on the right for other main currencies; more at the foot of the page about Lao currency history.

Prices for goods and services in the Lao PDR are required by law to be quoted in Lao kips. However, higher priced items may still be quoted in Thai baht (~1:290) or US dollars (~1:8900) such as for vehicles or room rentals. Baht or US dollars are accepted in payment virtually everywhere, as well as the Lao kip equivalent. There is a grey rather than black market in Laos; slightly better rates can be had from certain money exchanges. See near the foot of the page for exchange rate trends in History of Lao Coins and Bank Notes.

Payments for visitors to Laos

Paying with cash in the Lao PDR can be confusing for the first-time visitor. Due to the tiny value of one kip, three currencies are in common use in Laos. Purchases are supposed to made in Lao kip and official bills and receipts are likely to be in kips. However, higher value items (from tourist hotel rates to vehicles and properties) are quoted and may be paid for with US dollars or Thai baht in cash or converted back to kips at the current exchange rate.

The seller will usually show you the converted price on a hand calculator. Caveat emptor (buyer beware): always check that the amount makes sense, and also count your change. 'Mistakes' in exchange rates will be invariably in the vendor's favour. That applies anywhere – not only in Laos!

Hotels, convenience stores and restaurants with computerized POS (point-of-sale) equipment may print a cash slip or bill showing the total in the three main currencies, making it easier to understand, but the rates may also be in their favour. Change will normally be given in kip, but you can also ask for baht or dollars – a good idea when your Lao visit is nearly over.

To convert Lao kips to Thai baht easily, ignore the zeroes and multiply by 4; e.g. 10,~~000~~ kip x 4 = 40 baht. See the table for main currency rates from BCEL; these may differ slightly with other banks including the Bank of the Lao PDR; rates for large transactions may be negotiated; there is also a link to Bangkok Bank Thai baht exchange rates for different currencies. 2016 saw one US dollar around 36 Thai baht and the UK pound 43 baht. By the beginning of 2020 32 and 42 respectively.

Lao Kip Tip: Unless you want to keep Lao banknotes as souvenirs, change your kips back into baht or dollars BEFORE you leave. They cannot be exchanged outside the country, except at Bangkok Bank, Nong Khai (also sub branch in Tesco), where you will get about 10% less than in Laos. You could also try at the bus station near the Friendship Bridge. In Bangkok, the train, bus station or airport where people on their way to Udonthani, Nongkhai or Vientiane might change Lao money for you, but expect a bad rate. See more TIPS below.

Banks, ATM Cash Machines in Lao cities and provincial towns

Lao banking centres around three all- or part-government-owned banks: the Lao Development Bank (LDB), the Bank for Agricultural Development and the Lao Bank for Foreign Trade (BCEL – Banque pour le Commerce Exterieur Lao). BCEL is also the main Lao commercial bank with its headquarters on Pangkam Road near the Mekong River.

BCEL has branches in all Lao provinces and also has internet banking, but there is a $10 signup fee plus $7.50 per month (60,000 kip) to subscribe to the online service. They also offer a gold trading service for account holders; bank visit or fax required for transactions. Foreigners need a suitable valid visa.

WARNING. ATM scammers are active in both Laos and Thailand. Cards have been copied and user keystrokes photographed at certain BCEL machines. As is advised anywhere, cover your fingers when entering a PIN at any ATM and report any suspicious activity.

There are also several joint-venture/government banks including Lao Viet Bank and Joint Development Bank (JDB). Most banks are near the Morning Market in Lane Xang Avenue and the street nearby, while BCEL is near the Mekong on Pangkham Road.

Bangkok Bank is now located near That Dam (corner Samsentthai & Chantakoumane Roads. See below for a list of most Vientiane and Lao banks or representative offices, with contact details.

Laos banking hours are Monday through Friday 0830 - 1530 (8.30am to 3.30pm). Reduced staff during their lunch break which in Laos can be anywhere between 11.00am and 2.00pm!

Major credit cards – Visa, MasterCard are accepted at tourist hotels, restaurants and some shops in the main cities; some take American Express, JCB and Diners Club. Cash advances on credit cards may be obtained at bank branches and exchange booths if not accepted at ATMs.

Laos has several banks with international ATMs including JDB, BCEL, BFL, LDB and PSV which accept PLUS and CIRRUS network cards for VISA, MasterCard, and possibly JCB, Discovery and Diners Club.

In 2011 BCEL ATMs added China UnionPay cards. There are many ATMs in Laos now, with at least one international ATM in most towns.

As power supply and phone/data connections can be unreliable outside Vientiane, it's always advisable to carry some cash and possibly travellers checks. Credit card cash advances can be obtained in other provinces from bank branches and exchange kiosks.

Phongsavanh & Bangkok Bank ATM links

Phongsavanh Bank ATM cards may now be used for cash withdrawal and account balance checking at Bangkok Bank ATMs in Thailand. A reciprocal arrangement is planned for Bangkok Bank domestic card holders in Laos at Phongsavanh Bank ATMs. Provincial branches of PSV.

Laos Bank International ATM Transactions, Limits and Fees

ATMs dispense local currency (kips) in denominations between 10,000 and 100,000 (the 100,000 Lao kip note is now in circulation) with transaction amounts, fees and daily limits varying slightly between banks. There is an up to (dependent on card issuer limits) 8 million kip daily withdrawal limit per card through the Lao ATM network. At 2017 exchange rates this is around $980, €950 or £800.

*Transaction limits and fees: BCEL now offers 1.5 million kips for 20,000, LDB and PSV offer 1 million kip at 20,000 kip per transaction; PSV allows 5 million per day; JDB charges 30,000 kip per 1 million kip transaction, with a 4 or 5 million kip per day maximum depending on card issuer.

Note that your own bank or card issuer may charge extra for foreign transactions too. Check before you leave home to get the best ATM card for use abroad. Some overseas banks refund the Lao bank ATM charges.

LAO BANK ATM LOCATOR MAP & LIST (a bit out of date in 2019 as there are many more ATMs now). JDB ATMs are mostly in Vientiane; there is a list of BCEL and PSV bank ATMs.

When attempting to withdraw money from an overseas ATM, always get a printed receipt for transactions and contact your own bank promptly if you have a problem. If no receipt is given or your card is retained in the dispenser, make a note of the time and date and teller location. In the event of non-payment or a retained card, call the Lao bank immediately using the phone number displayed at the ATM.

FAILED TRANSACTIONS. Even in 2020, Lao ATMs may occasionally fail to complete transactions for various reasons and different error messages depending on the bank's user screen. Sometimes this will be across the entire Lao network and you may not be able to withdraw cash from an ATM in Laos during a particular period of several hours. Try later!

If an ATM withdrawal 'goes through' but no cash is issued by the machine, or it fails with an error message (any receipt should show a zero amount withdrawal) it should be reversed automatically by your bank and appear as a credit on on your online banking statement within a couple of days. If this does not happen, contact your bank direct. Local bank staff will probably be unable to offer much assistance. A particular bank's ATMs may go offline or out of service temporarily. Try another bank.

"CASH IS KING": In the Lao PDR, paying cash is still best, in kip, baht notes or small US dollar bills. Upcountry, especially in remote villages it's advisable to pay in kip. In the cities, many hotels, tour operators and restaurants quote prices in dollars, or in all three currencies. Paying by credit card in shops and restaurants and some hotels usually incurs a 3% or more surcharge.

THAI BAHT TIP: A few 1000 baht notes ($30 value) are very easy to carry or conceal. Before crossing the Friendship Bridge into Lao, get some baht from an ATM in Nongkhai (outside banks and convenience stores or at the Friendship Bridge itself, where the ATMs are near Thai Exit Immigration. Baht are readily accepted for purchases in Lao and may be less confusing for tourists than kips which are available from ATMs on the Lao side of the bridge; also on the main routes into Vientiane itself. Note that not all banks can accept foreign cards.

Occasionally a particular ATM or group of them will give error messages like "unable to process your transaction", or "ask your bank to link to our network". These are temporary (Lao) network 'outages'; try later or use another ATM or a different bank's cash machine.

LAO ENTRY VISA TIP: The cost of a 30-day visa-on-arrival depends on nationality, ranging between $30 and $45, so it's wise to carry $50 or more in notes. You can also pay in Thai baht, but at a poor exchange rate. e.g. a $35 visa costs 1500 baht, about $10 or 350 baht overcharge.

CAMBODIA ATM TIP: If you're visiting Cambodia before going to Laos, you can get US dollars from some ATMs in Siem Reap (Angkor Wat) and Phnom Penh.

Western Union's coverage is extensive throughout most of Asia, and Laos is no exception, with over 100 agencies in banks and even small post offices, as well as the Vientiane Main Post Office opposite the Morning Market (Talat Sao). MoneyGram operates through several local Lao and Thai bank branches.

Transfers Between Lao Banks and the new Lao Securities Exchange
A system may now be in place allowing cash to be transferred electronically between Lao banks including the stock exchange. This will ATMs more flexible and share transactions easier. At present, cash has to be withdrawn at one bank and physically deposited at another.

Expat Banking, Accounts for Foreigners in Laos
Foreigners can open US$, Thai baht or Lao kip savings or fixed deposit accounts with most Lao banks. They require work permits. Most banks offer a domestic ATM card and an increasing number including JDB, BCEL, PSV, BFL and others now offer VISA and MasterCard services (including foreign card ATMs) to their account holders. Credit cards may be available to expats and foreign residents with local credit status, current work permit and document from local village authority.

THAI BANK ACCOUNTS IN LAOS

For Thailand bank account holders, opening an account with the Vientiane branch of a Thai bank, does not give access to Thailand's banking network or any noticeable benefit – unless anyone knows otherwise. Bangkok Bank has relocated near That Dam (Black Chedi) near the corner of Samsentthai (main northbound one-way road through the city) & Chantakoumane Roads.

THAI BANKS & LAO ATMS
However, a Thai bank VISA or MasterCard can be used at international ATMs – as can those from any local or foreign bank. Apart from local ATM fees, Bangkok Bank (and maybe others) charge 150 baht per transaction.

Foreign banks in Laos were until mid-2008 not allowed to have ATMs except for domestic accounts. Lao banks that issue VISA/MasterCard cards for use at international ATMs include BCEL, JDB, PSV, LDB and BFL. There may be more in the future.

Fixed Term Deposits in Laos Banks

Although BCEL (probably other banks too) term deposit rates were reduced from September 2016, compared to many countries, bank annual deposit interest rates are modest, with term deposits in Lao kip from 5 to 7% for 1-5 years offered by BCEL and other banks. Rates for USD or THB deposits are lower than for Lao kips. See Lao bank websites listed below.

Mainly for foreign and local residents of Laos, fixed deposits seem to be safe and reasonably lucrative forms of investment as US$ and kip are freely interchangeable within the country. However, non-Lao citizens need a current work permit to open fixed deposit accounts with a Lao bank.

Banks everywhere use different compounding periods for calculation of interest on fixed term deposits. Lao banks range from once annually to daily balance. Compare them for the best interest and confirm their interest rate structures. It can make a difference to the return on larger deposits.

Money transfer between Thai and Lao banks

For transfers to a Vientiane bank account from overseas it may be possible via a bank account in Thailand (SWIFT), then arranging a transfer to Laos, but you should check with the Thai bank and compare the charges (and degree of difficulty) with a direct transfer using an overseas correspondent or intermediary bank direct.

The cheapest way to get money into Laos is by ATM; For visitors from Thailand, however, as the banks charge 150 baht per transaction and use bad exchange rates, it's far better to bring baht in cash or get baht from a Thai ATM before crossing the border. Use baht for purchases in the Lao PDR or change them locally.

Thai banks in Vientiane include Bangkok Bank, Siam Commercial Bank, TMB (ex-Thai Military Bank) and Bank of Ayudhya. Thailand bank account holders with VISA or MasterCards can use them in international ATMs. Money transfers can be made by wire using SWIFT, MoneyGram or Western Union. Apart from BCEL and JDB, few Lao banks have internet banking facilities, although eCommerce is available for local businesses (credit card merchant accounts). Transfer money to the Vientiane Branch for collection by a non-account holder, simply by providing the name and passport number of the beneficiary. Funds will be available in kip, baht or US dollars. Foreigners can open US dollar, baht or kip accounts at this branch too.

Thai banks do not have their own ATMs in Laos. However, any bank's VISA or MasterCard can of course be used in Laos ATMs where PLUS or Cirrus network cards are accepted. Visa or MasterCard logos are displayed where accepted including BCEL, BFL, JDB and Phongsavanh bank ATMs; also inside bank branches and licensed money exchanges.

Transfers to Lao banks from other countries
Banks in Laos have SWIFT codes (see below) but transfers can be made only via 'correspondent' or 'intermediary' banks in different countries. This usually adds extra cost to transfers. For example, UK transfers to BCEL are made via Barclays Bank, London who charge a minimum £35. If you originate the transfer from another UK bank, you will pay its fees too. This applies to other countries including the USA where Wachovia Bank in New York is the main intermediary bank.

BCEL accepts incoming foreign transfers in US, Canadian, Australian, Singapore and Hong Kong dollars, pounds sterling, euros, Japanese yen and Thai baht.

Bank drafts (banker's checks) for foreign countries including Thailand are available from BCEL (2nd floor in the new HQ). Certain other banks may offer this service.

MoneyGram (agencies at BCEL, Thai Military and Siam Commercial Banks) or Western Union with agencies at banks and post offices, may in some instances be cheaper.

As money is must be transferred to Laos in a major foreign currency, it can be kept in that currency or exchanged at a local bank for Lao kip.

Transfers to Laos for those without bank accounts
It's possible to transfer funds to a Vientiane bank for collection as cash in USD, THB or LAK) by a named beneficiary, quoting passport or ID number only (address and phone number recommended). e.g. from Bangkok Bank, Bank of Ayudhya.

History of Lao Coins and Banknotes

Coins with face value up to 50 'old' kips were issued between 1952 and 1985 and no longer in circulation. Currently, Lao banknote denominations are from 500 to 100,000 'new' kips. As a result of the 1997 regional economic crash, along with other Asian currencies, the Lao kip was devalued by 87%.

As inflation increased, the buying power of the 500, 1000, 2000 and 5000 kip denominations in circulation at the time became lower and lower. Thick wads of notes were needed for even small purchases. This is one of the reasons the Thai baht and US dollar are still accepted today; another is the fact that Lao kips cannot be used or exchanged outside the country (see Lao kip tip above). By 2016 even the highest value note of one hundred thousand kips is worth only $13.

By 2002, 10,000 and 20,000 Lao kip notes had been introduced, followed by 50,000 in 2006. In 2010, blue-themed 100,000 kip commemorative bank notes were issued for Vientiane's 450th Anniversary as the Laos capital and available only at banks (now also in circulation). A new 2,000 kip note was released in December 2011 confirming a mechanical engineering salary. Officially released on February 1st 2012, a green-themed 100,000 kips note (printed in Russia in 2011) was made available from Lao ATMs from March of that year.

See some Lao bank note images on the right. Note that apart from denomination, serial number and date of issue, only Lao text (no Western characters) appears on Laotian bank notes. Truly a 'local currency'.

Lao Currency Exchange Rates 2006 – 2020

Back in 2006, one US dollar bought 10,000 kip, with 20,000 kips to the British Pound (GBP) and 15,000 to the euro (EUR); one Thai baht (THB) was worth 250 kips.

Between 2007 and 2010, the government through the central Bank of the Lao PDR decided to increase the value of the currency by almost 20% against the US dollar, moving it from 10,000 to 9,000 by early 2008. It has been around 8,000 from late 2010 and below for much of 2011 and 2012 which it began at 8,005 and varied between 8,020 and 7,965. datesofasia.com abendkleid kurz På reise til London er www.londontown.no ditt beste alternativ.

2013 saw new 'low' dollar rates under 7,600 in April but by the end of the year the Lao kip was back at 8,000 kips, resuming 2010-12 levels and remained around this level until the end of 2014 when the LAK/USD rate was at 8,077.

In 2015, the Lao kip stayed near 8,000 to the USD, with a brief 'dip' to 8,200 in August, ending the year with the dollar at 8,130 kips. 2016 began with the US dollar at 8120 kips and the Thai baht at 227, with little change by 2017 or early 2018. However, since then the Lao kip has been dropping gradually in value against the Thai baht and most other currencies.

September 2020 sees the LAK/USD and LAK/THB rates around 9090 and 319 respectively.

For cross-reference, currently there are 31 Thai baht to a US dollar and a British pound is worth 42 baht. See more currency exchange rates in the table on the right above.

LIST OF LAO BANKS, LINKS & SWIFT TRANSFER CODES

Banking Hours in Laos: Monday to Friday - 8.30 AM to 3.30 PM (0830-1530). Money Exchange booths are open outside these times.

The list includes locally-registered banks with Thai, Malaysian, Korean, Vietnamese, Cambodian, Chinese and French joint ventures with private and government partnerships. Some may have direct transfer facilities with their originating countries. Most use 'correspondent' or intermediary banks for SWIFT transfers.

50,000 Lao kips

100,000 Lao kips (commemorative)

100,000 Lao kips
(issued 2012)

Click images to see enlarged.

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