Food Fresh fruits, vegetables and meats are available in open markets everywhere, and Vientiane has many mini-marts for additional shopping. Bargaining for prices is a common practice in markets when making large purchases.
Average food/soap/paper expenses for two people can run about US$40-100 per week. Restaurant meals range from 3,500-80,000 kip (US50c-$8). Most restaurants cater for vegetarians with a wide range of vegetarian fare available from the local markets. Money The currency in Lao is the kip, although American dollars and Thai baht are often used for large purchases, and in some restaurants. As of January 2008, the US dollar was officially worth around 9,300 kip. Visa, American Express, and Mastercard credit cards are accepted in a few places, with a small number of ATM's available for small withdrawals, but basically there is mostly a "cash economy" in Laos.
Banks offer the best rates for US dollar travelers checks but it is advisable to bring cash rather than travelers checks as changing checks can take quite a bit of time.
Official money changing offices are conveniently located for hard currency exchange. Money can also be very easily changed at "mini-marts" and some of the bigger markets.
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