ATM

Health

Lao P.D.R. is a safe country for travelling. Nonetheless you should take care on your health.

General vacination is proposed. Furthermore some areas are Malaria affected. As Oudomxay is situated far in the North on a high altitude, the risk is reduced. However, please refer to your medical service for further information.

Water from tabs is general not considered as drinking water, therefore safe drinking water ("Nam dymn") is offered everywhere, either in sealed plastic bottles or as cooked water. Be aware that during the winter, temperatures in Oudomxay can get quite low and warm clothes are required.

Money

The national currency in Lao PDR is Kip. In some places people accept US-Dollars, Euro, Thai-Bath, Chinese Yuan or Vietnamese Dong. However, you are requested to use Kip to support the national development. All forms of money transfer are available in Lao PDR. Please be aware of the opening times of bancs and money institutes. Therefore, the most convenient mode are ATM machines, which you can use with your cash- and creditcard. In Vientiane ATMs are present in every hotspot of the town. Oudomxay town provides one ATM at the moment, another one will be available soon.

Safety

Lao PDR can be regarded as one of the safest places on earth. Tensions between the government and some ethnic minorities, vestiges from the American War, settled during the last decade. UXOs (Unexploded ordnance) are still a problem in the countryside at the border to Vietnam, given the fact that more bombs have been dropped over Laos than during World War II on Germany and Japan combined. However, in the main places and towns, travelling is safe. Minor criminality is nearly unknown in Lao PDR. In Vientiane take the normal safety measures. Lao people are proud on their hospitality. So take your time to relaxe in this oasis of peace.