The COPE Visitors centre can be a sobering reality-check for
many visitors to Laos, but nonetheless, it is definitely worth a
visit. Statistically, Laos is the most bombed country in the world
from the many American planes offloading their unused ordnance onto
Laos during the Vietnam War. As such, the country has a significant
amount of UXOs, or unexploded ordnance, particularly in rural areas
along the border with Vietnam. The COPE Visitors Centre educates
tourists and locals about the dangers of UXOs as well as prosthetic
services in Laos. The Visitors Centre includes a gift shop and a
selection of short films on the Laos and UXOs.
Lao is the official language, but some English and French
are spoken.
The Lao Kip (LAK) is the legal currency unit, currently
available in denominations of 1, 000, 5, 000, 10, 000, 20, 000 and
50, 000 kip. US Dollars, Euros and Thai Baht are also accepted in
many places and are more convenient to carry than large stacks of
the local currency. Banks, hotels, and jewellery shops all offer
currency exchange services. For everyday expenses, carry a mix of
US dollars and kip. For larger items, or when the exchange rate
works in your favour, use US dollars. For local transport, street
food stalls and minor purchases, it is best to use kip. When in
rural areas, ensure you carry a supply of small notes as change can
be hard to come by. Major credit cards such as Visa and MasterCard
are accepted at most international hotels, many shops and
restaurants, and a few tourist-orientated establishments in Luang
Prabang and Vientiane - but in other parts of the country assume
that only cash is accepted. Travellers cheques can be cashed at
most banks in Vientiane and other major towns. Banks are open
Monday to Friday from 8am to 12pm, and then again from 2pm to 3pm.
In Vientiane, Luang Prabang, Pakse and other major towns, ATMs are
available from which money can be withdrawn. Note that ATMs
distribute only Lao kip, with a maximum of around 1, 000, 000 kip per
transaction.
Monday to Friday, 9am ? 6pm.