The local currency is the kip. Notes come in denominations of 500 / 1,000 / 2,000 / 5,000 / 10,000 / 20,000 / 50,000 and 100,000. The rate of exchange is approximately 8097.35 kip to USD 1 (1 June 2016). In Vientiane, notes of most international currencies can be exchanged either at banks or at licensed moneychangers. Outside Vientiane, most provincial banks and licensed moneychangers accept only USD, Thai baht and sometimes euros. Only major banks accept traveller’s cheques. Credit cards are accepted mostly only at major hotels and up-market shops and restaurants in Vientiane, Pakse and Luang Prabang.

ATMs are available in Vientiane, Pakse and Luang Prabang and can dispense a maximum amount of 700,000 - 2,000,000 kip (depending on the bank and card) at a time with a withdrawal fee of about USD 5.