Southeast Asia forum

Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia. Currency??

reneejordan

longtail driver
Posts: 7

Hi Everyone!

I'm from Australia and I'm heading to Thailand - Laos - Vietnam - Cambodia in feb for 7 weeks. cant wait!!!

i was just wondering what currencys i will need when in Laos - Vietnam - Cambodia will i need to have $USD on me????? if so how much should i have???

or will i only need the local currency??

I'm already familiar with Thai Baht.

thank you

#1 Posted: 3/12/2010 - 11:32
exacto

mahout
Posts: 1797
Located in:
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hi renee,

as you mentioned, thailand is well-developed and uses thai baht pretty much exclusively. the only place i've ever been asked to pay in dollars was in jewelry or tailor shops. otherwise, baht is all you need.

the lao kip used to be sparsely used even in laos, but it has gained strength and popularity throughout the country. on my last trip there this past january, i didn't use anything other than kip the entire time.

cambodia still uses US dollars as the main currency, and you'll get cambodian riel as change for purchases, which you can in turn use for small purchases, tips, stuff like that.

i haven't been to vietnam, but from what i hear from others you'll do best to pay in dong.

international ATM's in thailand, laos, and vietnam dispense local currency. international ATM's in cambodia dispense US dollars. if i have my facts dated, i'm sure someone will jump in with the updated information.

you can read more on this topic at: http://www.travelfish.org/feature/103

by the way, you may want to have US dollars on hand to pay for visa on arrival in Laos and Cambodia, for example. either way, i usually keep a bit of US cash on hand for emergencies, visas, and stuff like that. hope that helps. cheers.

#2 Posted: 3/12/2010 - 12:32
Rasheeed

adventurer
Posts: 290
Located in:

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Sounds right to me...

#3 Posted: 3/12/2010 - 14:23

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reneejordan

longtail driver
Posts: 7

Thanks for your help!!!!!!!! Much appreciated

#4 Posted: 7/12/2010 - 12:28