Is cash still widely used?
Yes, entirely. Laos is one of Southeast Asia’s most cash-dependent countries. Street food, tuk-tuks, guesthouses, temples, and local shops all operate exclusively in cash. Vientiane and Luang Prabang have some card acceptance at tourist hotels, but it’s the exception rather than the rule.
ATMs and withdrawing cash
ATMs are available in Vientiane and Luang Prabang but are scarce elsewhere. BCEL and Lao Development Bank ATMs accept foreign cards.
- Fees are around 20,000 LAK per withdrawal — relatively high given the currency value
- Withdrawal limits are typically low (around 2,000,000 LAK per transaction)
- USD and Thai baht are also widely accepted alongside kip
Card acceptance
Very limited. A small number of tourist hotels and restaurants in Vientiane and Luang Prabang accept Visa and Mastercard. Everywhere else is cash-only.
Tips for travelers
- USD and Thai baht are useful backup currencies — widely accepted in tourist areas
- Kip comes in large denominations but has low individual value — carry plenty
- Withdraw cash in major towns before heading to rural areas or the 4,000 Islands
- Exchange leftover kip before leaving — it cannot be exchanged abroad