Planning guide
Money in Laos: cash, cards and where ATMs run out
Cash, cards and ATMs in Laos, and the stops on motorbike-free routes where ATMs are missing, such as Muang Ngoi and Tad Lo. How much cash to carry.
The market area in Paksong, Bolaven Plateau
In short
The Lao kip is the everyday currency. Towns such as Luang Prabang, Vientiane, Pakse and Thakhek have ATMs, but villages including Muang Ngoi and Tad Lo had no ATM in recent reports, and card acceptance outside towns is limited. Carry enough kip for each rural stop, plus some US dollars for emergencies and visa fees.
Where to get cash on the route
- Withdraw in towns: Vientiane, Luang Prabang, Thakhek and Pakse all have ATMs. Withdrawal limits per transaction are often low, and fees apply.
- Before Muang Ngoi: travel guides reported no ATM in the village, so withdraw in Luang Prabang or Nong Khiaw for the whole stay.
- Before Tad Lo: no ATM was reported there in 2026; Pakse is the place to stock up.
- Before Kong Lor: bring enough kip from Vientiane or Thakhek for the cave fee, your room and meals.
What to pay in cash
Entry fees for caves, waterfalls and viewpoints, local boats, tuk-tuks, small guesthouses and restaurants, and tips. Larger hotels and some agencies accept cards, sometimes with a surcharge.
In your proposal
Your proposal states which costs are included in the total price, and which you pay locally, such as entry fees, meals or a balance to a provider, so you know how much cash to carry.
Questions travelers ask
Can I pay entry fees by card?
Generally no. Waterfall and cave fees, boat tickets and village guesthouses expect cash in kip. Some businesses accept QR payments from Lao banking apps, which most visitors cannot use.
How do I pay Laos Explore?
Any prepayment and how to pay it are set out in your written proposal before you commit. Nothing is payable to us for planning, and nothing is booked until you accept a proposal.
Sources and checks
Time-sensitive details on this page (fees, journey times, schedules, entry rules) were last checked against the sources below on 11 October 2026. Laos transport changes often, so a written proposal always reconfirms them for your dates.
Tell us where you want to go, not how to get there
Share your dates, the places on your list and how you feel about motorbikes. We reply by email with a realistic route, and when you are ready, a written proposal with transfers, prices, inclusions and who provides each part of the trip.
