The local currency in Laos is the Kip (ca. 8,000- 8,500 kip = 1 USD). All major banks throughout Laos as well as the bigger hotels in Vientiane will change traveller’s cheques for US dollars or kip.

Electricity

220V, 50Hz / 110V, 50Hz. However, electricity supply can be unreliable in smaller towns.

Health

We strongly recommend having good health insurance and carrying a good first aid kit. In general, there is a lack of international standard medical help and hospitals. For minor ailments, the Vientiane International Clinic offers good service. For any major health problems we recommend going to Thailand. Vaccinations - The government of Laos does not require you to have any vaccinations except for cholera if you are coming from an infected area. Please consult your doctor for recommended vaccinations. Rabies is present, so you are advised to avoid dogs and other animals that may bite as a precaution.

Language

The official language of Laos is Lao, as spoken and written in Vientiane. As an official language it has successfully become the lingua franca between all Lao and non-Lao ethnic groups in Laos. Lao is a monosyllabic, tonal language but it contains many polysyllabic words borrowed from Indian, Pali and Sanskrit as well as words from Khmer. It has 6 tones, 33 consonants, and 28 vowels. Lao is also spoken in north-east Thailand and north Cambodia, which was originally part of the kingdom of Lan Xang. There are five main dialects in the country, each of which can be divided into further sub-dialects. In colonial days French was introduced in the country and is still spoken in towns today, particularly by the older generation. Increasingly, the government is using English and the younger generations in the towns are also learning to speak English.

Manners

As with all cultures everywhere in the world, there are some general rules of conduct that a traveller in Laos should follow. It is best to avoid the time around 11 a.m. when visiting a wat, as this is when monks usually take their last meal of the day. Women should not attempt to shake the hand of a monk, hand anything to him or sit beside him, since monks are not allowed to touch women. When talking to a monk, try to keep your head lower than his. When sitting down, feet should point away from the altar and main image. Arms and legs should be fully covered when visiting wats and shoes should be taken off before entering. A small donation is advisable, and it is appropriate to kneel down when giving it. In general, pointing with the index finger is considered rude. Patting children on the head should be avoided as it is the most sacred part of the body. The traditional form of greeting is with hands together prayer-like, and with head bowed, as in most parts of Asia, but handshaking is done more frequently today. Laos’s people are modest in their dress, so shorts or revealing clothing should be avoided.

In conversation, political topics should be discussed with sensitivity to avoid offence.

Sensitivity also pays when taking photographs. Be very wary in areas that have (or could have) military importance such as airports, where all photography is prohibited. Also be careful when photographing official functions and parades without permission. Always ask permission before photographing a person or in a temple. Tipping is practiced in hotels and restaurants, though not extravagantly.

Security

When planning your trip abroad, take steps to protect yourself from crime or theft. Laos is relatively a safe destination, with a low record of petty crime worldwide, but tourists are advised not to wear expensive jewellery while travelling.