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UK Sterling in SE Asia [esp. Laos]
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christay2009
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Location United Kingdom
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i've had a mooch around the forum but can't find a similar post, i apologise if there is one...
i was wondering if UK sterling is accepted in Laos by banks? for instance, if i brought some travellers cheques with me should i attempt to get them in dollars or in pounds? or if i brought some cash - in pound or dollar?
additionally, i'll be in China before hand. Does anyone know if you can change CNY into Kip? or is it possible to withdraw dollars in China and take them into Laos...
any help would be appreciated
thanks again
Chris
#1 Posted: 23/7/2009 - 23:37
chrispyrolls
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2nd November, 2006
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hi chris
i always take US$ American Express cheques (no commission from Thomas Cook) these are easily changed at banks etc in Laos. You can easily change £ in backs too - but having never used the £ TC's i can't say for sure if they are accepted ...
Also if you change the $TC into Kip you are charged less commission I was charged 2% i think - into $ cash was more like 4% and upwards
Hope this helps ... have fun
#2 Posted: 24/7/2009 - 02:37
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BruceMoon
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christay2009
Its been my observation that SE Asian nations more or less treat US$ as their surrogate currency. That's especially the case in Cambodia, and nearly as much in Vietnam & Laos. In Thailand, Malaysia & China, they prefer them over other currencies, but that's all.
Given this, TC's in US$ will give you more freedom.
Also, as the global markets stabilise after the GFC, there probably now won't be a whole lot of movement between sterling & US$.
Cheers
#3 Posted: 30/7/2009 - 13:10
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