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Laos Entry Regulations: Visitors must hold a valid passport that should be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your entry into the country. A tourist visa is required to enter Laos and is valid for up to 30 days. Entry visa’s can also be obtainable at the airport for a fee of US$35.00. Please check with your country’s Foreign Affairs office to find out about entry requirements for Americans. Climate: The climate of Laos is tropical, with a wet monsoon season between May and October, and a dry season from November to April. Very heavy rainfall can be expected in July and August. Temperatures are constantly high all year round. Currency: The Laos Kips (LAK)is the basic unit of currency. At present, the exchange rate is 8,467 Kips to USD$1. As exchange rates fluctuate each day, please check the current exchange rate near your date of travel. Electricity: The current used in Laos is the 220V, 50-cycle system. Tip: This system may differ from the one you use at home. If it is different, please purchase an adaptor from a travel store near you, to take advantage of the power ports in your hotel room. Language: Lao is the official language. There are varying dialects throughout the country and many of the ethnic minority groups do not speak Lao at all. Other languages used are French, English, Chinese, Thai and Vietnamese. Health Requirement: No vaccinations are required to enter Laos. However, visitors are advised to have an up-to-date inoculation for cholera, hepatitis A and B, malaria, typhoid and tuberculosis. Visitors are advised to consult with their physician before traveling. Medical care in Laos is not up to North American standards. Facilities are often crowded and rudimentary. Medical evacuation to Thailand may need to occur. Airport Facilities and Tax: The main international airport is Wattay International Airport in Vientiane, the capital and Luang Prabang International Airport. The departure tax is equivalent to US$5.00 payable in US$, Thai Baht or Kips at the airport. Shopping: Laos is a treasure trove of exquisite handicrafts and antiques. Many small jewelry and handicraft shops dot the city and the main shopping center, the Talat Sao, houses a hear-spinning array of woven textiles, antiques and gold and silver items. A visit to Luang Prabang is a must for those interested in purchasing Lao textiles. Cuisine: Lao food typically consists of glutinous rice and is commonly served with communal dishes of meat, fish, chicken and vegetables. Vientiane boasts some of the best restaurants in Indochina including French, Lao, Indian and Italian cuisine. For more information please visit: |
