Last updated: 24 Jan 2012
Visiting
Business hours
Business hours are between 8.00am–noon and 2.00pm–4.00pm (public sector).
Business hours are between 8.00am–noon and 1.00pm–5.00pm (private sector).
Banks are open between 8.30am to 3.30pm, Monday to Friday, although some foreign exchange facilities operated by banks are open longer hours, including Saturdays.
The main shopping centre, the morning markets, is open between 8.30am–4.00pm.
Public holidays
January 1 – New Year's Day
January 6 – Pathet Lao Day
January 20 – Army Day
March 2 – Chinese New Year
March 8 – International Women's Day
April 13 – Laotian New Year
May 1 – Labour Day
June 1 – Children’s Day
October 12 – Day of Liberation
December 2 – Lao National Day
Climate
Laos has a tropical monsoon climate with a wet and dry season. The wet season is between May/June to September/October. During December to January the temperatures at night can drop to 10°C, while February to November temperatures are typically 25°C to 35°C, but may reach a maximum of up to 40°C during April.
For weather details in Laos, please visit the World Meteorological Organization.
Currency
Oanda currency converter
The Lao kip cannot be converted into another currency.
Hotels and tourist places are permitted to charge in US dollars and both the Thai baht and US dollars are accepted.
Time zones and time differences
Laos is three hours behind Australian Eastern Standard Time.
To find out the current time in Vientiane, view the World Clock.
Dialling codes
Laos' country code is 856.
For calls to Laos from Australia dial: 0011 + 856 + area code + telephone number.
For calls from Laos to Australia dial: 00 + 61 + area code + telephone number.
For further information (eg. area codes) please visit the White Pages - international dialling codes.
Electricity and water
Laos’ power supply is 220 volts, 50Hz. The parallel two and three point plugs are the most common.
Links and resources
Travel and tourism
Visit Laos – www.visit-laos.com
Please note: this list of websites and resources is not definitive. Inclusion in this list does not imply endorsement by Austrade. The information provided is a guide only.
Top Business Risks
OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises
Multinational Enterprises should be aware of the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises that provide voluntary principles and standards for responsible business behaviour in a variety of areas, consistent with applicable domestic laws. These Guidelines are endorsed and promoted by the Australian Government. For more information, go to the AusNCP website.
Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative
The Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) is a voluntary mechanism which promotes and supports improved governance in resource-rich countries through the full publication and verification of company payments and government revenues from oil, gas, and mining.
The EITI is supported by governments, industry, and non-government organisations around the world. The Australian Government supports the EITI and encourages Australian companies operating internationally to comply with its recommendations.