Laos warns tourists against unlawful foreign currency trade

By VNA May 12, 2024 | 04:52 pm PT

Street food vendors are seen in the Laos capital of Vientiane. Photo by AFP

The Lao Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism’s Office recently issue a notice warning foreign tourists against unlawful foreign currency trade at unauthorized establishments.

This aims at carrying the Lao Prime Minister’s directive on enhancing foreign currency management, especially tourism service-related activities.

Accordingly, the Lao administration orders transactions of communications, tour guide, accommodation and catering services must be in the LAK and made through banking system.

Local departments are assigned to keep travel establishments’ listing of service prices, payments and collection of fees under supervision, with payment made via QR scanning, POS, Visa, Master Card, UnionPay, WeChat and Alipay.

Any service providers who break the rule will be fined.