🇱🇦 Travel facts Laos
✓ Last checked:The most important practical answers for your trip to Laos — entry, tipping, plug types, customs and more. Compactly verified, with source references.
| Capital | Vientiane |
|---|---|
| Language | Lao |
| Currency | Kip (LAK) |
| Timezone | UTC+7 |
| Flight time from Germany | approx. 12–14 hours (with layover) |
| Emergency number | 191 · Police 191 · Emergency 1195 |
| Plug | Type A/B/C/E/F · 230 V / 50 Hz · Adapter needed |
| EU / Schengen | not an EU country · not Schengen |
Do I need a visa for Laos?
Passport required; visa on arrival (approx. 30 USD, 30 days) or in advance as an eVisa.
Visa on Arrival available at airports and major land borders; bring USD in small bills. Binding information: German Federal Foreign Office.
How much tip should I give in Laos?
Not strictly expected; rounding up or 5–10% in tourist restaurants.
Taxi: Rounding up.
Which plug adapter do I need in Laos?
Adapter needed: plug types A / B / C / E / F, 230 V / 50 Hz.
Colourful mix of plug types — a universal adapter is essential; power outages can occur.
Can you drink tap water in Laos?
No, tap water is not recommended for drinking.
Never drink it; bottled water is cheap and widely available.
What can I bring back from Laos to Germany?
Non-EU: When returning to Germany, goods up to €430 (by air), 200 cigarettes and 1 litre of spirits are duty-free.
Will my mobile phone work in Laos?
No EU roaming — pre-book an eSIM or buy an inexpensive local SIM on-site.
Card or cash — how do you pay in Laos?
Kip (LAK); predominantly a cash-based country — ATMs only in cities.
What should I know about health in Laos?
Travel health insurance with repatriation is recommended; check vaccination/health advice with the German Federal Foreign Office or Tropical Institute.
Sources & Note
Information from the perspective of German citizens, as of August 2026, without guarantee. Entry and security information may change at short notice — binding is the German Federal Foreign Office (Laos travel information) . Health information does not replace medical travel advice.
