exchanging $$

Hi All,

I did a search on this topic. It looks like the best thing to do is bring in dollars or bhats and exchange them at local banks - is this still recommended? And as of recently are there more ATMs?

For a family of 4 for 3 days, how much currency do you think we would need? I%26#39;m assuming we will dine at 3 Nagas, but other that, probably smaller scale places.

exchanging $$

Most places will gladly take both baht and dollars. Small bills work best when buying stuff at the night market, as most vendors are not going to have change for a $50. Don%26#39;t know what you are planning to do but maybe allot $30 per person per day. If you eat at local places you can have a REALLY good dinner, with plenty of beer, for under $20 for4.

exchanging $$

Hi - there are ATMS all over vientiane now, with %26#39;Plus%26#39; and %26#39;Cirrus%26#39; facilities. Your own bank will probably charge you about US$5 per withdrawal. Luang Prabang has one ATM on the main tourist street and you can draw cash on your visa/mastercard for 3% commission at the bank or 5% at any of the travel agents/tour operators.

Cash in $10 and $20%26#39;s is most useful, and can be changed into kip at any gold shop, minimart or most general stores for bank rate, as well as the obvious exchange places.

Thanks!

We are planning on doing activities such as the elephant trek, and maybe a few boat rides, the buddha caves, etc.

we will bring some extra baht and exchange when we arrive.

Thanks a lot for the tips!

Don%26#39;t bother exchanging the baht. As I said, a lot of places accept baht (you can inquire at agencies when booking your excursiosn, etc) and if you pay in baht you won%26#39;t have to pay the exchange fee. Cheers!