The official currency is the Lao Kip (LAK) although US dollars are still accepted. In Vientiane and Luang Prabang you can exchange hard currency relatively easily at licensed exchange shops, or in the banks. At the time of publishing the exchange rate is US$ 1 = 9041 LAK.

Credit cards are normally not accepted outside the better hotels and a select group of shops in Vientiane and Luang Prabang, so make sure you have a supply of cash with you. ATM machines can be found in the capital as well as other cities like Luang Prabang or Pakse (subject to transaction fees).

Lao is the official language and English is increasingly spoken in the tourist hotspots. Laotian is written in the Lao script, derived from the Khmer alphabet, and similar to Thai.

Tipping is not customary in Laos, although many restaurant and hotel workers will be appreciative of a small bonus. In restaurants, 10% of the bill will suffice, when a service charge hasn't already been added.

It is advisable not to drink water from the tap unless it is boiled properly.

Free WIFI is available in many guesthouses, hotels, restaurants and cafes. SIM cards ara availabe at the airports and stores throughout major cities. There are 4 main to providers: Unitel, Laotel, Beeline, and ETL. Unitel has much better 3G coverage with its ability to receive waves even on some remote mountain roads. International call to most countries cost about 2000K to 4000K per minute.

No vaccination is required, but visitors are advised to receive inoculations against hepatitis A and B, typhoid and tetanus. Inoculation for yellow fever and tablets for malaria are not necessary although doctors still usually recommend them.

Hospitals and clinics in Laos are among the most basic in Southeast Asia. For minor to moderate conditions, Mahasot Hospital's International Clinic, the Australian Embassy Clinic, and the French Embassy Medical Center in Vientiane have a decent reputation. For life threatening injury it can be necessary to be evacuated to Bangkok or Singapore and we therefore strongly recommend taking out medical travel insurance.

Laos is a relatively safe country for travellers, although certain areas remain off-limits because of unexploded ordnance left over from decades of warfare. We recommend to take the usual precautions when traveling in Laos.

Laos has an estimated population of 7.06 million, the majority of them inhabiting the valleys along the Mekong River. Vientiane is the capital and largest city with 569.000 residents. Laos recognizes some 160 different ethnic groups. Meanwhile, Buddhism remains the predominant religion.

Prices displayed are usually fixed, but always remember to bargin when buying things in local markets to make sure you get the best prices.

Laos is 7 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time. It is the same time zone as Bangkok.

In Laos electric current is mostly 220V. Sockets are both round and flat types.