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General Information About Laos |
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The following information was provided by
the CIA Fact Book
(https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/print/la.html) The government of Laos, one of the few remaining one-party Communist states, began decentralizing control and encouraging private enterprise in 1986. The results, starting from an extremely low base, were striking - growth averaged 6% per year in 1988-2007 except during the short-lived drop caused by the Asian financial crisis beginning in 1997. Despite this high growth rate, Laos remains a country with a underdeveloped infrastructure, particularly in rural areas. It has no railroads, a rudimentary road system, and limited external and internal telecommunications, though the government is sponsoring major improvements in the road system with support from Japan and China. Electricity is available in urban areas and in most rural districts. |
Subsistence agriculture, dominated by rice, accounts for about 40% of GDP and provides 80% of total employment. The economy will continue to benefit from aid from international donors and from foreign investment in hydropower and mining. Construction will be another strong economic driver, especially as hydroelectric dam and road projects gain steam. Several policy changes since 2004 may help spur growth. In late 2004, Laos gained Normal Trade Relations status with the US, allowing Laos-based producers to benefit from lower tariffs on exports. Laos is taking steps to join the World Trade Organization in the next few years; the resulting trade policy reforms will improve the business environment. On the fiscal side, a value-added tax (VAT) regime, slated to begin in 2008, should help streamline the government's inefficient tax system.
Laos is a landlocked communist country in Southeastern Asia which is bordered by China, Cambodia, Vietnam, Burma and Thailand.Historically, its people come from the Kingdom of Lan Xang also known as the Land of a Million Elephants, tracing its heritage from the fourteenth through the eighteenth century. It is a country that gained its independence in 1949 but, after a long civil war, a communist movement came to power in 1975. For additional information, visit Laos 360 at http://www.laos360.com.
Passport
and Visa Information
Passports and visas are required by everyone who visits
Laos. Passport must have at least 6 months remaining validity.
Visas are issued on arrival at Wattai Airport, Friendship Bridge or Luang
Prabang Airport for a stay of 15 days upon presentation of a passport,
passport-size photo and fee of $30 US. If entering Laos through any other
international checkpoint it is necessary to obtain a visa in advance. You should
expect to be able to provide the following:
a.
1 passport-size photo.
b. 1 signed and completed application form.
c. Valid
passport.
d. Fee.
e. Authorization given by the Minister of Foreign Affairs in
Laos, (the applicant can also get this authorization by contacting any travel
agency that has signed a contract with the Lao Tourism Authority).
f. Officially endorsed letter of invitation from Laotian company.
g. Letter from sponsor.
Note: Regulations and
requirements may be subject to change at short notice, and you are advised to
contact the appropriate diplomatic or consular authority before finalizing travel arrangements.
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Customs
and Duty Free
The following goods may be imported into Laos without
incurring customs duty:
500 cigarettes or 100 cigars or 500g of tobacco; 1 bottle of spirits; 2
bottles of wine; perfume for personal use; personal jewelry up to 500g.
Language
Lao is the official language of Laos. You will also
find locals that speak French, English, and various ethnic languages.
I have found that it helps to know at least a
little bit of the language as I travel in other countries. You do not have to be
able to be a fluent speaker, but knowing a few key words and phrases will really
help. I have found that, although almost everywhere I go I can find someone who
speaks English, knowing just a few words of the local language can really be a
help. And, it lets others know I am at least interested in their language. Visit
the Getting Away Language
Learning Center where you can find out how to learn another
language, or where to purchase books, dictionaries, electronic translators,
software and more
Click here for language helps, dictionaries, electronic translators, language software and other helps for learning a foreign language. Being able to speak at least some of the language in the country you are visiting will help you have a better time and enjoy your trip more. Jim.
Money
Matters
Currency - The currency of Laos is the Lao Kip (Kip) =
100 cents. Notes are in denominations of Kip5000, 2000, 1000, 500 and 100.
Credit &
Debit Cards - Major
credit cards are accepted in the more upscale hotels and many restaurants. Check with your credit or debit card company for details of
merchant acceptability and other services which may be available, including a
pin number for Laos.
Travelers Checks - There is limited
acceptance of travelers checks in Laos and to avoid additional exchange rate charges,
travelers are advised to
take travelers checks in US Dollars or Thai Bahts.
Currency Exchange - Thai
Bahts and US Dollars are the easiest currencies to exchange. They are also
widely accepted in shops, markets and hotels in Vientiane and Luang Prabang.
Currency Restrictions - The
import and export of local currency is prohibited. There are no restrictions on
the import or export of foreign currency.
Banking Hours - Mon-Fri
0800-1200 and 1330-1730.
Currency
Exchange - Get your currency needs managed in advance! Many airports,
railroad stations, bus depots, and other points of entry have no currency
exchange. When currency exchange is available in airports, lines can be long and
rates can be "sky high". These long waits and usurious fees can be a
nightmare. Order in advance from
All
Foreign Currency right online. It's fast, easy, and you save time and
money! The can also provide you with Travelers' checks, bank drafts, and
transfers. U.S. dollars are not accepted everywhere and rates can be atrocious! Current Exchange Rate:
Check Today's Exchange Rate
Health
Matters
Special precautions should be taken for cholera, typhoid, malaria and polio. In
addition, a certificate for protection from yellow fever and cholera will be
expected from certain visitors.
Cholera
- Following the WHO (World Health Organization) guidelines issued in 1973, a cholera vaccination certificate is not a condition
of entry to Laos. However, as cholera is a serious risk in this country, precautions are essential.
Be sure to check with your physician as to precautions or possible vaccination.
Malaria -
Special cautions should be taken as malaria risk exists
throughout the year in the whole country, except in Vientiane. The malignant falciparum
form is prevalent and is reported to be highly resistant to chloroquine. Again,
check with your doctor.
Typhoid and Polio - Special precautions should be taken and it is
suggested that you check with your physician. No certificate is required.
Yellow - A yellow fever
vaccination certificate is required from travelers coming from infected areas.
You many want to check with the authorities to see if this
would include you.
Note: Regulations and requirements may be subject to change at short notice, and you are advised to contact your doctor well in advance of your intended date of departure or with the appropriate authorities.
Other risks to travelers to Laos might include: Hepatitis A and E occur (hepatitis B is highly endemic), Dengue fever, diptheria, tuberculosis, poliomyelitis and Japanese encephalitis all also occur in some areas. Some vaccinations may be advised. Liver fluke (opisthorchiasis) is present and therefore travelers should avoid eating raw or undercooked fish. Rabies is present. For those at high risk, vaccination before arrival should be considered. If you are bitten, seek medical advice without delay.
All water should be regarded as being potentially contaminated. Water used for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice should have first been boiled or otherwise sterilized. I would suggest drinking bottled water only. Milk is unpasteurized and should be boiled. Powdered or tinned milk is available and is advised, but make sure that it is reconstituted with pure water. I would suggest you avoided all dairy products. Only eat well cooked meat and fish, preferably served hot. Pork, salad and mayonnaise may carry increased risk. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled.
As for health care while in country, any treatment must generally be paid for in cash. Health insurance is essential and should include cover for air evacuation. A good health insurance policy is a must. If you need medical care while you are away, it is best to be aware that medical providers may not accept payment through your insurance company and that you will therefore to pay in full for your treatment and file a claim with your insurance company for reimbursement. Therefore you should have access to cash, either from a credit card or by wire transfer. If you need assistance contact the country's local embassy or representative. For compensation, you must be treated by licensed medical personnel and provide your insurance company with proper documentation and receipts. It is advisable to always ensure you have a comprehensive travel insurance policy which covers you for repatriation to your home country. Visit the Getting Away Health and Safety Tips for Travelers page for additional information about insurance.
Customs
and Social Profiles
Religious
beliefs should be respected throughout Laos. Lao people should not be touched on the head.
Handshaking is not that usual, Lao people greet each other with their palms
together and a slight bowing of the head. Take care when discussing politics and
related subjects in conversation so as not to cause offence. Shorts or revealing
clothes are not always acceptable. Tipping is practiced modestly in hotels
and restaurants.
Shopping
The markets in
Vientiane and Luang Prabang (about 40 minutes by air from Vientiane) are worth
visiting. While shopping you should be on the lookout for deals on silk, silver jewelry
and handmade shirts. Although the
majority of shops have fixed prices, bartering is still advisable for antiques
and other art objects. The normal shopping hours are Mon-Fri 0800-1600; Mon-Sat
0900-2100 (private shops).
Climate
The climate is hot and tropical throughout most of the country.
The rainy season between May and October is when temperatures are at
their highest. The dry season runs from November to April. Required
clothing would include lightweights
and rainwear, with a sweater for winter and upland areas.
Geography
Laos is landlocked being bordered to the north by China, to the east by Vietnam, to
the south by Cambodia and to the west by Thailand and Myanmar. Apart from the
Mekong River plains along the border of Thailand, the country is mountainous,
particularly in the north, and in places is densely forested.
Travel Warning
Travel Warnings are issued to
describe long-term, protracted conditions that make a country dangerous or
unstable. A Travel Warning is also issued when the U.S. Government's ability to
assist American citizens is constrained due to the closure of an embassy or
consulate or because of a drawdown of its staff. The countries listed below
meet those criteria. Additionally, the State Department issues
Country Specific Information for every
country of the world with information on such matters as the health conditions,
crime, unusual currency or entry requirements, any areas of instability, and the
location of the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate in the subject country. Check with the U.S. State Department for
Travel Warnings, Consular Information Sheets & Public
Announcements.
Contacts
for Additional Information
Lao National Tourism Authority
PO Box 3556, avenue Lanxang, Vientiane, Laos
Tel: (21) 212 251. Fax: (21) 212 769.
Website: www.visit-laos.com
Mekong Tourism Service Centre
Address as above.
Tel/Fax: (21) 212 248.
E-mail: mtsc@mekongcenter.com
Website: www.mekongcenter.com
Embassy of the Lao People's Democratic Republic
74 avenue Raymond Poincaré, 75116 Paris, France
Tel: (1) 45 53 02 98. Fax: (1) 47 27 57 89. Opening hours: Mon-Fri 0900-1200 and
1400-1700 (telephone enquiries).
Orbitours Pty Ltd
PO Box 834, 3rd Floor, 73 Walker Street, North Sydney,
NSW 2060, Australia
Tel: (2) 8913 0733. Fax: (2) 9956 7707.
E-mail: orbitours@compuserve.com
Website: www.orbitours.com.au
Embassy of the Lao People's Democratic Republic
2222 F Street, NW, Washington, DC 20008, USA
Tel: (202) 332 6416. Fax: (202) 332 4923.
E-mail: laoemb@erols.com
Website: www.laoembassy.com
Also deals with enquiries from Canada.
Embassy of the United States of America
Street address: 19 rue Bartholonie, That Dam,
Vientiane, Laos
Postal address: BP 114, Vientiane, Laos
Tel: (21) 212 581/2. Fax: (21) 212 584.
Website:
www.usembassy.state.gov/laos
General Information About Laos
Area - 91,400 sq miles
Population - 4,845,800
Capital - Vientiane.
Population: 555,100 (1997).
Government - People's
Republic since 1975. Head of State: Khamtai Siphandon since 1998. Head
of Government: Prime Minister Sisavat Keobounphan since 1998. Gained
independence from France in 1953.
Language - The official
language is Lao, however many tribal languages are also spoken. French,
Vietnamese and some English are also spoken. As the language is pretty hard to
understand, or to learn, an interpreter may be important in some of the areas of
the country. I have found that it helps to know at least a
little bit of the language as I travel in other countries. You do not have to be
able to be a fluent speaker, but knowing a few key words and phrases will really
help. I have found that, although almost everywhere I go I can find someone who
speaks English, knowing just a few words of the local language can really be a
help. And, it lets others know I am at least interested in their language. Visit
the Getting Away Language
Learning Center where you can find out how to learn another
language, or where to purchase books, dictionaries, electronic translators,
software and more.
Click here for language
helps, dictionaries,
electronic translators,
language software and other helps for learning
a foreign language. Being able to speak at least some of the language in the
country you are visiting will help you have a better time and enjoy your trip
more.
Religion - The Laos-Lum
(Valley Laos) people follow the Hinayana (Theravada) form of Buddhism. The
religions of the Laos-Theung (Laos of the mountain tops) range from traditional
Confucianism to Animism and Christianity.
Time - GMT +
7
Electricity - 220 volts AC,
50Hz. Better leave your good appliances at home. However, if you do bring them,
be sure to also bring adaptors and converters. Find the converter you will need in the
Getting Away
Travel Store. Additionally, you will find just about anything and
everything you will need when you travel. Across the state, country, or
to a destination on the other side of the world, you'll find what you
need in the Getting
Away Travel Store!
Communications -
Telephone: Restricted IDD service is available.
The country code is 856 and the outgoing international code is 00.
Mobile telephone: Network
operator in the area is Lao Shinawatra (website:
www.laotel.com).
Currently there is not any widespread, but access to the Thai mobile telephone
system may be possible in Vientiane and border regions.
Internet: Internet cafés
are located in the major towns.
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