TRAVEL FORMALITIES
PASSPORT & VISA
A passport and a visa are required for entry into
Lao PDR. A regular tourist visa is valid for up to 15
days, and may be issued upon arrival at Vientiane's
Wattay Airport for US$ 30.00. Guests must obtain a copy
of the visa approval before boarding the flight to Laos.
If visas are needed, or if visas have already been
approved, please provide Vidotour with passport and
applicant details at least 10 days before the date of
travel so that arrangements can be made / checked (as
appropriate).
AIRPORT TAX (as of September 2000)
International Airport Tax: US$ 10.00 per person
Domestic Airport Tax: Vidotour will absorb this tax.
DISEMBARKATION
On the plane, the passenger will be given two forms
to complete:
Arrival/Departure Card
This card has two parts - the immigration officer will
take one part, the other must be retained for use when
the passenger departs.
Customs Declaration Form
This card should be filled out before arrival at the
airport.
In the airport, the passenger will get a visa
application form.
VISA APPLICATION FORM
The passenger hands the completed application form with
a photo and the passport to an officer. Once approved,
the passport will be stamped and the passenger pays the
visa fee.
IMMIGRATION
At immigration, the passenger presents their passport
and immigration card. From there, passengers proceed to
the luggage belt then continue on towards customs.
CUSTOMS
The customs officer will check the completed customs
form and the passport. Once he has stamped the form, the
passenger will proceed towards the x-ray machine. After
passing all luggage (including hand luggage, handbags,
etc.) through the machine the passenger will be picked
up by our guide.
MEET & GREET
Our guide will be holding a sign with the name of the
passenger or your company logo. After meeting passengers
in the arrival hall, the guide will accompany the guests
to the car for transfer to the hotel.
HEALTH
VACCINATIONS
No vaccinations are required. However, visitors are
advised to have up-to-date inoculations for Cholera,
Hepatitis A and B, Malaria, Typhoid, Tetanus,
Tuberculosis and Japanese Encephalitis. Malaria is
prevalent in most remote regions of Laos and it is best
to consult with your doctor on the best preventative
measures.
FOOD & DRINK
A typical Lao meal consists of steamed rice
accompanied by fish, poultry or beef seasoned with chili
or garlic. Fresh fruit and vegetables should always be
peeled or washed thoroughly with purified water. Bottled
water should be used at all times for drinking. Boiled
drinks such as coffee or tea are fine. There are several
restaurants in Vientiane and Luang Prabang offering
international cuisine, including Italian, French, Thai
and Chinese.
MEDICINES TO PACK
It is recommended that visitors bring a basic travel
first-aid kit with band-aids, anti-infection creams,
mosquito repellant, anti-diarrhea tablets, and the like.
Guests should also bring any prescription or
over-the-counter drugs they may need. There are
internationally-run emergency medical clinics in
Vientiane.
MONEY
U.S. Dollars,
Thai Baht, and the local currency, the Lao Kip, are all
accepted currencies. At the time of printing, the
exchange rate was 8,500 Lao Kip - US$ 1.00. Travellers
cheques and credit cards are accepted in Vientiane and
Luang Prabang. If you are travelling to other places,
make sure to bring hard currency. Most major hotels and
restaurants accept Visa and MasterCard (but not American
Express) credit cards.
CUSTOMS
If
you
have purchased silver or antiques in neighboring
countries, it is recommended you declare them at customs
to avoid problems on departure. Importing firearms and
drugs is strictly forbidden.
SECURITY
Baggage
should have sturdy locks. Place all valuables, including
passport and air ticket, in the in-room safe at hotels
or at the front desk. It is best not to bring expensive
jewelry or watches. Do not carry unnecessarily large
amounts of cash during the day.
INSECTS
As
in all
tropical countries, insect life is vibrant. Expect to
see a variety of flying and terrestrial insects and
bugs.
POST & COMMUNICATIONS
International
telephone calls, fax and e-mail access are all available
in Vientiane and Luang Prabang.
PHOTOGRAPHY
It
is best
to
bring your own film. Obtain permission before
photographing monks or the interiors of pagodas and
temples.
OTHER TIPS
ELECTRICITY
The electric current is 220 volts. Power blackouts
are frequent, including in Vientiane and Luang Prabang.
In small towns, the current can be off for long periods
of time. After dark, it's best to keep a flashlight or
candles handy. In most hotels, adaptors are necessary
for French and American sockets.
GIFTS
Small, practical gifts such as a sewing kit, or pens
and paper, are very welcome. It is best to present gifts
with the right hand.
CLOTHING & EQUIPMENT
Light cotton and linen clothing is best in tropical
climates. Long trousers are recommended for visits to
temples and pagodas. Long sleeved shirts and socks
should be worn at dusk for protection against
mosquitoes. Sunglasses, hats, and sunscreen are
recommended for protection against the strong tropical
sun. Bring a few items of warm clothing for trips to
mountainous or highland areas where the temperature can
be markedly cooler than in tropical lowlands.
GENERAL ADVICE
The Lao people are friendly and hospitable. A
minimum of effort will make your trip smooth and
memorable. Try to learn the traditional Lao "nop"
greeting, a gentle raising of the hand, and the phrase
"sabai dee".
Please respect local dress standards, particularly at
religious sites (avoid wearing shorts or sleeveless
tops). In general, Lao dress standards are conservative,
especially in the countryside.
Like the Chinese and Japanese, the Lao are obsessed with
clean floors and it's usual to remove shoes when
entering somebody's home. Shoes must be removed inside
most Buddhist temples. If a bunch of shoes are piled up
near the doorway, you should pay heed.
ZEN TRAVELLING
We suggest these tips for traveling successfully in
Laos (and anywhere else, for that matter!):
1.
Try your best to smile and be pleasant.
2.
Don't complain loudly.
3.
If you want to criticise someone, do it in a joking
manner to avoid confrontation
4.
Expect delays - build them into your schedule.
5.
Never show anger - ever ! Getting visibly upset is not
only rude, it will cause you to lose face.
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