Money & costs
Money
For cash, licensed moneychanging booths can be found in Talat Sao and a few other locations around town. You can also change at various shops, hotels or markets for no commission but at poor rates. The unofficial moneychangers hanging out near Talat Sao have particularly good rates but count your money carefully.
Banks listed here change cash and travellers cheques and issue cash advances against Visa and MasterCard. A couple also have ATMs that work with foreign cards, but it’s often cheaper to get a cash advance manually. All are open 8.30am to 3.30pm Monday to Friday unless otherwise stated.
Bank of Ayudhya (214575; 79/6 Th Lan Xang)
Banque pour le Commerce Extérieur Lao (BCEL; 213200; cnr Th Pangkham & Th Fa Ngum; 8.30am-7pm Mon-Fri, to 3pm Sat & Sun) Best rates. Longest hours. Exchange booth on Th Fa Ngum and ATM attached to the main building.
Joint Development Bank (213535; 75/1-5 Th Lan Xang) Usually charges the lowest commission on cash advances. Also has an ATM.
Lao-Viet Bank (214377; Th Lan Xang)
Siam Commercial Bank (227306; 117 Th Lan Xang)
Thai Military Bank (216486; cnr Th Samsenthai & Th Khun Bulom)
