Thailand Visa, Passport & Money Advice
When travelling to Thailand and Laos it is important to get to grips with the money, visa and passport matters. We have compiled the most important information to help you plan your exciting adventure.
Visa & passports
If you’re a British passport holder, you’ll receive a free standard 30-day tourist visa on arrival in Thailand, as long as your passport is valid for six months after your intended departure date from Thailand. If you want to stay longer, you can contact the Thai Embassy in London to arrange a visa in advance. It’s also common for Thai immigration officials to ask for proof of onward travel (such as a airline reservation).
In Laos, as long as you have a valid UK passport, you can get a 30-day tourist visa on arrival for around US$35. Just ensure that you have two passport photos with you and that your passport is valid for six months after your intended departure date from Laos. Visa conditions change regularly, so to keep on top of it, you should contact the nearest Laos Embassy located in Paris.
Local currency
The Thai currency is the Baht. The exchange rate does fluctuate so its worth checking the most up to date rates when you’re planning your holiday. The UK pound is accepted in almost every money exchange office and you can also change money in the smaller currency exchange shops and hotels when the banks are closed. Money, passports and travellers’ cheques are best left in the hotel safe and we also advise you not to carry all your valuables with you when you go out in the evening.
The national currency in Laos is the Laotian Kip. As there are no Kip coins, you’ll receive currency in bills. Be sure to keep some US dollars aside for departure taxes when leaving Laos. You won’t be able to exchange any Kip after you’ve left the country, so try to spend whatever Kip you have left whilst travelling in Laos.
Credit and debit cards
Cash machines are the best way to get cash whilst in Thailand. Cash machines where you can use your normal bank card (with Cirrus, Visa logos) are widely available throughout the country, with the exception of some of the smaller islands which may not have cash points. If in doubt, just ask one of our Travel Specialists. We suggest keeping some cash in your wallet just in case the ATM network crashes. Visa, MasterCard and sometimes American Express credit cards are widely accepted in larger establishments.
You’ll find ATM machines in each of the main cities in Laos, but there’s no guarantee that they’ll all be working. That’s why we suggest taking enough cash in US dollars or Thai baht with you to exchange at a Laotian bank or exchange booth. Aside from the Kip, the US dollar is also commonly used as currency. Credit cards are usually only accepted in luxury hotels and restaurants. Several banks in Vientiane will give you a cash advance on your credit or visa debit card.
Tips and haggling
In general, tipping is not expected in Thailand, with the exception of the loose change from a restaurant bill. More expensive hotels and restaurants might add a 10% service charge but you are not expected to tip on top of this. During treks, it’s common to tip your guide at the end, but this is of course discretionary.
In Laos, tipping at small restaurants is not common, however it is very much appreciated. 5-10% is common and local guides and drivers also appreciate a small tip, although this is of course entirely up to you.
