Things You Need to Know - Laos: 5-7 Days of Exploring Vientiane and Luang Prabang - page 120

charges. Do yourself a favor and withdraw more cash than you think you'll need before en-
tering Laos.
Debit and credit cards are useful in the higher-end places around Vientiane and Luang
Prabang. Leave them in the bag elsewhere.
Officially speaking, the Lao kip is the only currency accepted throughout the country.
Unofficially, and practically speaking, plenty of hotels and restaurants will also accept the
Thai baht, the US dollar, or the Euro. Some restaurants will offer the conversions pre-prin-
ted on the check, while others will calculate it at your request. Two general tips:
~ Pay in the currency requested. Any currency conversions aren't likely to work in your
favor, since they're calculated in favor of the restaurant or hotel.
~ In general, low-priced things are payable in kip, while mid- and high-end stuff can be
paid in baht, dollars, or Euro. Some vendors will be unable to change larger bills, or will
only offer change in kip.
In general, negotiate - especially when many sellers are offering the same things. Night
markets in Vientiane or Luang Prabang are great places to practice, but remember that a
fewthousand kipisn'tworthmaking ahugefussover.The general attitude isnon-confront-
ational, so don't push for too much of a discount. Expect a discount for buying more than
a couple of something from the same vendor, or if you're ready to walk away.
COMING AND GOING
Although you can get around the country as an independent traveler, there are plenty of
easily organized and assembled tours around Vientiane. Look for them most anywhere in
Vientiane.
Around the country
Around Vientiane, metered taxis exist, though you won't need them around the city center.
Bikes and motorbikes are widely available across the city (leave your passport as a deposit
for the latter), and it goes without saying to only rent what you're comfortable with. Lao
people tend to be pretty laid-back, but the last thing you want is to have to pay some ex-
tortionate fee to get your passport back because of some supposed scratch. Take pictures of
and point out any damage before you jump on the motorbike.