£1 LAK 28,772
Today
9:50 am
+7h from you
Travel warning
Fighting between Thailand and Cambodia along parts of their shared border is causing major travel disruption, including border closures and landmine risks near the Lao border, and could affect your flights.
Weather in Laos
Laos
37°
Thunderstorm
Fri
26
37
Sat
24
36
Sun
24
35
Mon
23
37
Tue
23
39
SPF level in Laos
Recommended: SPF 50+ (extreme)
Spring
SPF 50+
Summer
SPF 50+ (extreme)
Autumn
SPF 50+
Winter
SPF 50+
Suncream is often more expensive in tourist zones. Pack your preferred SPF from the UK, especially for beach holidays. Always carry travel-size (100ml max) for hand luggage.
Getting around Laos
Tipping in Laos
Tipping is not expected in Laos, but it is increasingly appreciated, especially in tourist areas for good service. Small tips can go a long way.
Restaurant
5-10% for good service. Not expected in local restaurants.
Bar/Café
Small change for good service.
Taxi
Rounding up the fare is appreciated.
Hotel Porter
10,000-20,000 LAK per service
Hotel Housekeeper
10,000-20,000 LAK per day.
Tour Guide
50,000-100,000 LAK per day for good service.
Safety in Laos
Tips for British travellers
Laos is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Do not leave your passport as a deposit when hiring motorcycles as rental companies may arrange thefts and demand high fees.
Never leave your food or drink unattended and be cautious of accepting drinks from strangers due to reports of spiking and assault.
Be extremely careful with alcoholic drinks as there have been deaths from methanol poisoning, including from drinks in licensed bars, shops and hotels.
Do not possess, use, or carry any illegal drugs, including cannabis, as penalties are severe and you may be tested and arrested in police raids.
If you are involved in a road accident, you will likely have to pay compensation for damage and injury, even if you are not at fault.
Bonus tips:
Use a known taxi service or local taxi app, confirm the driver's identity and license plate match, and share your journey details with a friend.
During the rainy season from May to October, be prepared for serious flooding, landslides, and significantly longer travel times, and carry extra supplies.
Driving in Laos
A valid international driving permit (IDP) is recommended in addition to your UK driving license.
Side of road
right
Motorway speed limit
80 km/h
Urban speed limit
50 km/h
Alcohol limit
0.0%
Remember: Laos drives on the right. Take extra care at junctions if you normally drive on the left.
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
1191
Ambulance
1195
Fire
1190
Save 1191 in your phone before travelling.
Electrical in Laos
Voltage
230V / 50Hz
Plug types
Type A, Type B, Type C, Type E, Type F
UK adapter needed?
Yes
The voltage in Laos is 230V, which is the same as in the UK. However, the plug types are Type A, Type B, Type C, Type E, and Type F. British travelers will need a plug adapter.
Cards & payments
Credit card acceptance is limited, primarily to larger hotels, restaurants, and tourist-oriented businesses in major cities. Smaller establishments and local markets generally only accept cash.
Visa
Medium
Mastercard
Medium
American Express
Low
Lost card? Call Visa: +1 410-581-9994
ATMs in Laos
ATMs are available in major cities and tourist areas, but less common in rural areas. It's wise to carry enough cash when traveling outside of urban centers.
Local name
ATM
Chip & PIN required?
Yes
ATMs dispense Lao Kip (LAK). Check with your bank about international transaction fees before you travel. It is recommended to use ATMs affiliated with major banks.
Mobile & roaming
UK mobile users will not benefit from EU roaming agreements post-Brexit. Check with your mobile provider for roaming charges in Laos, as they can be expensive. Consider purchasing a local SIM card for more affordable rates.
Local SIM data package
10 GB for 150,000 LAK (~£7)
Network coverage
4G, 3G, 2G
Local carriers
Unitel, Lao Telecom, ETL
WiFi & internet
WiFi is available in hotels, cafes, and restaurants in major cities and tourist areas. Coverage can be unreliable in more rural areas.
Average speed
10 Mbps
Free WiFi is often available, but speeds can vary. Consider a local SIM card for reliable internet access.
Health & vaccinations in Laos
It is essential to have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical expenses, including repatriation. Ensure your policy covers all planned activities. While Laos does not have reciprocal healthcare agreements with the UK, good travel insurance will ensure you can access quality medical care if needed.
Vaccinations required?
No
Recommended
Hepatitis A
Consult your GP or a travel clinic for the most up-to-date health advice before travelling to Laos. Ensure you are up-to-date with routine vaccinations. Mosquito-borne diseases like dengue fever and malaria are present, so take precautions against bites, such as using insect repellent and wearing long sleeves and trousers, especially during dawn and dusk. Food and water hygiene are important to avoid traveller's diarrhea. Drink bottled or boiled water, and be cautious about street food.
Calling Laos
Country code
+856
To call Laos from the UK, dial 00 856 followed by the Laotian phone number (omitting the leading zero if there is one).
To call the British Embassy in Vientiane from the UK, dial 00 856 21 413 606.
The country code for Laos is 856. When calling Laos from abroad, you will need to use the exit code of the country you are calling from, followed by the Laos country code, and then the local number. Mobile phone coverage is generally good in urban areas but can be limited in more remote regions.
UK Embassy in Laos
British Embassy Vientiane
That Luang Road Wat Nak Village Sisattanak District Vientiane Lao PDR
Airports in Laos
Frequently asked questions
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, AtoBeach cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. We recommend verifying details with official sources before travelling.