Medical care cannot be compared to Europe and is often problematic in terms of technology, equipment and hygiene. Frequently there is also a lack of European-trained doctors who speak English or French. Adequate health insurance coverage valid worldwide and reliable travel insurance are strongly recommended. An individual first-aid kit should be taken with you and protected according to the temperatures on the way. Check directoryaah for more information.
Notes vaccinations
[1] A vaccination certificate against yellow fever is required for all travelers who plan to enter the infected areas designated by the WHO within 6 days of their stay. Excluded are travelers who have not left the transit area in the infected areas and transit travelers who do not leave the airport in Laos. [2] A certificate of vaccination against cholera is not an entry requirement, but the risk of infection cannot be ruled out. Since the effectiveness of the vaccination is disputed, it is advisable to seek medical advice in good time before you travel. [3] Risk of malaria all year round in all parts of the country except Vientiane. The predominant more dangerous form Plasmodium falciparum is said to be highly resistant to chloroquine. [4] Nationwide there is an increased risk of infection for various infectious diseases that are transmitted through contaminated food or drinks (e.g. hepatitis A, typhoid fever, bacterial dysentery, amoebic dysentery, lambliasis, worm diseases). Water should generally either be boiled or otherwise sterilized before it is used for drinking, brushing teeth and making ice cubes, or it should be bought packaged. When buying packaged water, you should make sure that the original packaging has not been opened. Outside of urban areas, milk is unpasteurized and should be boiled. It is best to avoid dairy products made from raw milk, as well as pork, raw salads and mayonnaise. Meat and fish dishes should only be well cooked and served hot. Vegetables should be boiled and fruits should be peeled.
Other risks
Schistosomiasis pathogens are found in ponds and rivers across the country (especially the Mekong Plain, Khong Island, Ngum Region). Swimming and wading in inland waters should therefore be avoided. Well maintained swimming pools with chlorinated water are safe. Dengue fever, transmitted by mosquitoes, occurs nationwide. An effective insect repellent is recommended. Hepatitis A and hepatitis B occur. A hepatitis A vaccination is generally recommended. Vaccination against hepatitis B should be given during longer stays and close contact with the local population, as well as for children and young people in general. HIV/AIDS is a growing problem in the country and a danger for everyone who takes risks of infection: sexual contacts, unclean syringes or needles and blood transfusions can pose a significant life-threatening risk. There is an increased risk of contracting Japanese encephalitis from May to October, especially in rural areas. Filariasis, transmitted by mosquitoes, occurs occasionally in the north-east. An effective mosquito repellent is recommended. Typhus, caused by body lice, occurs nationwide. One protects oneself through consistent personal hygiene (eg regular change of clothes). rabies occurs. Carriers include dogs, cats, forest animals and bats. Vaccination is recommended for backpackers, children, occupational risk groups and for longer stays. In the event of a bite, seek medical attention as soon as possible.
bird flu
Avian flu has been confirmed in Laos. With the death of two women who fell ill after contact with infected animals in March 2007, human cases of bird flu from Laos became known for the first time. In January 2009, bird flu reappeared in Phongsaly province. Travelers should stay away from poultry and avoid all contact with live and dead animals. The consumption of raw poultry dishes and eggs should be avoided. Well-cooked poultry dishes and eggs can be enjoyed without hesitation. Thorough cleaning of the hands with soap and water or alcohol-based hand disinfectant solutions is generally recommended as a precautionary measure.
Money
Currency
1 Lao Kip = 100 Att (no meaning in practice). Currency code: K, LAK (ISO code). There are banknotes in denominations of 100,000, 50,000, 20,000, 10,000, 5,000, 2,000, 1,000, 500, 100, 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1K. Banknotes from 1 to 100K are no longer in circulation. The US$ and the Thai baht are used equally as means of payment.
Credit cards
International credit cards, especially Visa and Mastercard, are accepted in Luang Prabang, Pakse, Savannakhet and Vientiane e.g. T. accepted in hotels, restaurants and shops.
ATMs
Bank cards With the credit card and pin number, money can be withdrawn from ATMs. The Girocard (formerly ec card) with the Cirrus, Plus or Maestro symbol is accepted worldwide. It can be used at some ATMs in major cities with the Cirrus, Plus or Maestro symbol. To be on the safe side, travelers should always have an alternative source of money such as cash. Further information from banks and credit institutes. Attention: Travelers who want to pay with their bank customer card abroad and withdraw money should find out from their bank about the possibility of using their card before starting their journey. The maximum withdrawal amount is a maximum of 2,000,000 kip.
Travelers cheques
Travelers checks are not accepted in Laos.
Bank opening hours
General Mon-Fri 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Foreign exchange regulations
The import and export of local currency is prohibited. Unlimited import and export of foreign currencies, obligation to declare from an equivalent value of US$ 10,000. Violations can result in high penalties.
Currency Exchange
Thai baht, US$-except $100 bills and euros are the easiest to exchange in banks. Exchange receipts must be retained.
