Currency can be changed in most major towns, but we suggest you keep a ready supply of smaller US dollar bills.  If you have arrived in Laos from Thailand, you may bring Thai Baht too.

Travellers cheques can be changed in major banks in Vientiane but are difficult to negotiate outside the capital city. If bringing travellers cheques, they should be US$ denomination, from a well known bank, eg American Express or VISA.

Credit cards can be used in major hotels in Vientiane, but are of little use elsewhere.

The best option is, despite the risk of losing it, to bring cash. Visitors arriving via Thailand can change travellers cheques in Bangkok for Thai Baht.   Alternatively, bring US dollars.  Change Dollars or Baht into Kip as needed.

There are no requirements for immunisation other than the usual requirements if having recently travelled in a yellow fever affected area.

The following immunisations are normally recommended for all travellers to Laos, and other countries in southeast Asia.  Please check with your local doctor before travelling.

In addition to the above, the following vaccinations are suggested for visitors spending some time in southeast Asia, especially in remote areas.

Malaria and Dengue fever are a problem in Laos.  However, with caution, they can easily be avoided.  Please consult your doctor for anti malarial medication.  There is no protection against dengue fever. We suggest that you take the following precautions in addition to taking anti malarial prophylactics.  In any case, the best prevention is not to get bitten by mosquitoes.

Laos has three distinct seasons, all with their advantages and disadvantages.  The best time to visit overall is the cool season, between November and February.  By November, the rains are usually over, all rivers are navigable and roads are pasable.

The hot season, from March to May is very dry, but in some places, around Lao New Year, 14th - 16th April, accomodation of your choice may be harder to find.   During this time, some rivers are harder to navigate, and boat journeys in remote places may not be possible.

The rainy season, from June to October, whilst the country at its most beautiful and lush, can be difficult to get around in remote places by road.  Rivers are always accesible at this time.

Light clothing made from natural fibres is the best clothing for Laos.  You will find that all hotels offer a laundry service, in many cases, this is carried out by hotel chambermaids free of charge.  All towns have laundry services and will usually return your clothes to you within 24 hours.  Please remember that you should normally wash your own undergarments.  In the rainy season, clothes may take longer to dry.   For the months of December and January, a light jacket is often necessary in the lowlands - more warm clothing may be needed if travelling in the highlands.

Lao people dress modestly, traditionally, Lao women wear a 'phaa sin', a beautiful wrap around woven skirt made of silk or cotton.  Women visitors are not expected to wear skirts, but miniskirts and revealing shorts, may often be viewed as 'not polite'.  The best plan is to dress modestly like the locals.

Video tapes and camera film can be found in Vientiane and Luang Prabang, but specialist products are often hard to come by.  We advise you to bring plenty of film and video tape.

show respect and use your head and eyes and common sense will guide you well in navigating Lao culture safely.

When in Laos, try and do as the as the Lao do and remember; don't touch heads, don't loose your cool with people and don't flash your flesh. The rest is about manners, shoes left outside, accepting hosts' greetings and not upsetting religious feelings.

The Lao are very friendly and hospitable and a minimum effort will make your trip smooth and memorable. Respect the culture and you will earn its respect in turn.

a kiss or embrace from a stranger is insulting and humiliating. Traditionally, Lao people use the 'NOP' on meeting and using it will win you instant friends if performed sincerely.

Public displays of affection are taboo in Lao society, so don't cause shock or embarrassment by kissing or cuddling in front of people.

Modest dress and discreet behaviour will ensure you don't attract unwanted attention or embarrass others.

In Buddhism and general Asian society, the head is very important to the souls and its purity, while the feet walk the earth and all that is deposited on it. Raising your feet to headheight, putting them on furniture or pointing with them is taken as a deliberate insult or sign of barbarism.

Don't gesture with your feet or touch an Asian head. You would be asking for trouble.

never raise your voice to Lao people as they never react well to it. Even shouting to friends or for taxis will cause shock and worry.

Lao is a land of calm and patience, and shattering the peace will do you no favours.

Bodily hygiene and cleanliness are of the highest standard in Lao and a visitor's failure to meet these standards is not well received. Wash yourself and your clothes daily or prepare to be laughed at and avoided!

Shoes are generally no-go indoors. Use your eyes and common sense to maximise your chances of social success.

Religion is a major part of daily life and remains the practice of the massive majority. Show respect in temples and shrines, watching how locals behave in such places. Dress neatly when visiting temples and religious shrines. You should never go shirtless, or in shorts, miniskirts or hot pants.

It is acceptable to wear shoes when walking around a temple compound, but not inside the chapel where the principal Buddha image is kept. Visitors are welcome to relax and be peaceful in all temples.

Every Buddha image is regarded as a sacred object, no matter how big, small, old or new. Never climb onto a buddah image to take a photograph or do anything which might indicate a lack of respect.

Keep your head lower than the buddahs and monks. Buddhist priests must not be touched by a woman or to accept anything from the hand of one. If a woman gives anything to a monk, she first hands it to a man, who then presents it. Don't turn your back on a buddah.

You will rarely be alone in Laos, even when you seem to be, and pollution is not well received.

Bins are scarce, so use your plastic bags to return rubbish to towns or villages.