Navigating transport and driving in Laos can be difficult and time consuming. The thickly forested and mountainous country has not undergone major industrialisation or infrastructural development until recently. As a result, few reliable transport options are readily available. The country's road network is limited and mostly unpaved.

In recent years, The Lao government has worked on its vision to transition from a landlocked to a land-linked nation, connecting to neighbouring countries with highways and rails. As part of its Belt and Road Initiative, China contributed to the Boten-Vientiane railway, opening a transport artery from Laos's capital to China's southern border.

Public transport in Laos

Trains

The Boten-Vientiane line is by far the quickest and most pleasant method to travel in Laos. Both high-speed (EMU) and regular trains run on this line, with the EMU services operating at up to 99 miles per hour (160 km/h). Tickets can be difficult to get – be sure to book well in advance.

Buses, minibuses and songtaew

Buses and minibuses are available for transportation on the key paved highways linking Vientiane, Vang Vieng, Luang Prabang, and Savannakhet. Given the many winding, steep and rough roads, overland trips can be long and uncomfortable, and minibuses can be cramped.

Songtaew are specially converted pickup trucks or small lorries with roofs, open sides and two rows of bench seating. These are predominantly used on rural or unpaved roads.

Expats can also spring for a 'VIP bus', a conventional bus with air conditioning, snacks and more space and amenities than the other options.

Boats

Expats can travel along the Mekong and its tributaries by boat. Some routes are only available during the wet season floods, as the depth and navigability of the Mekong vary depending on the time of year. Additionally, Laos's hydroelectric dam projects have interrupted many historical routes.

Taxis in Laos

Tuk-tuks, Skylabs and jumbos

The most common form of taxi in Laos is the tuk-tuk, and these come in a few different flavours. Tuk-tuks are a great way to make short commutes, as they are nimble and versatile enough to navigate unpredictable driving conditions. They are easily hailed from the side of the road.

The original tuk-tuk has a partially enclosed driving cab, while Skylabs have a motorcycle-shaped, semi-open front cab. Skylabs are more spacious and can easily seat eight or more passengers. Jumbos are similar in design to Skylabs, but with less passenger space and smaller engines.

Songtaew can also operate in the capacity of a taxi. When picked up by an empty songtaew, you should make sure to ask whether it is operating as a bus or taxi. When operating as a bus, songtaew have fixed routes and lower fees, while as taxis they go to the requested destination for a higher fee.

In addition to the above, ride-hailing services are available. While international ride-hailing services like Uber and Lyft are not currently available, LOCA is a well-trusted local Lao ride-hailing service.

Useful links

•  LOCA

Driving in Laos

In Laos, cars drive on the right-hand side of the road. Congestion is relatively low, even in central Vientiane, but as driving conditions can be hazardous, expats should practice defensive driving. Outside of the main cities, driving conditions are poor, necessitating a high-clearance or four-wheel-drive vehicle. Given these factors, many expats who use a car to get around choose to hire a personal driver. 

Driver's licences

To drive in Laos, expats will need an International Driving Permit (IDP), although those from China, Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia can drive in Laos with their home country's licence. Expats staying in Laos for longer than a year will need to take a driving test and obtain a local driver's licence.

Air travel in Laos

Laos has international airports in Vientiane, Luang Prabang, and Pakse, linking the country to the Southeast Asia region. Besides flights between these three major airports, there are short flights to provincial capitals. Within Laos, the state carrier Lao Airlines has a near-total monopoly on flights, though the development of the high-speed train has provided a safe, cost-effective and speedy alternative to air travel in Laos.

Healthcare in Laos is steadily improving, with the government making significant progress towards universal health coverage. Despite the ongoing improvements, the Laotian public healthcare system is still considered underdeveloped, and most expats will opt for private or international healthcare options instead.

Health insurance in Laos

Public health insurance schemes in Laos apply to different income groups, depending on whether beneficiaries are civil servants, state or private employees, informal workers, or belong to low-income households. These programmes cover only a small part of the country’s population, and are affected by underfunding and mismanagement.

Most expats choose private, international insurance that enables emergency medical treatment in neighbouring Thailand or further abroad.

Public healthcare in Laos

Public healthcare facilities in Laos are situated almost exclusively in the main cities. As a result, a significant percentage of the population has no easy access to even basic care, often relying on aid workers and traditional medicine.

The Lao Ministry of Health is working on improving healthcare administration at provincial and district levels to empower local governments to better provide for their people. Although efforts to improve the system are ongoing, the standard of public healthcare in Laos remains significantly lower than what most expats are used to.

Private healthcare in Laos

In Vientiane, the French and Australian embassies operate their own paid medical services with well-trained doctors and good medical facilities. Additionally, many wealthier Laotians and expats go to Thailand for medical care. The Friendship Bridge connects the two countries and enables ambulances to move back and forth freely.

Pharmacies and medicines in Laos

Even though reputable pharmacies are available in Laos, it is a good idea to bring any chronic or prescription medicine with you from your home country, as local drugstores are not well regulated.

Some shop owners sell ‘cure-all’ packets with antibiotics, vitamins, and fever meds as single doses for a wide range of complaints. Laos also has issues with counterfeit pharmaceuticals, compounding the difficulty in finding good medicine.

Health hazards in Laos

There are several water- and vector-borne diseases to look out for in Laos, including typhoid, hepatitis A, dengue fever, malaria, and avian flu. These are especially prevalent during the rainy season. We recommend consulting a medical professional before leaving for Laos for up-to-date medical advice.

Tap water is not safe to drink in Laos, so home filtration systems are necessary. Collecting rainwater is also a viable way of generating safe drinking water. When eating out, err on the side of caution and avoid ordering drinks with ice cubes that may be made with untreated water.

Emergency services in Laos

Emergency telephone numbers are as follows:

• Fire: 1190
• Police: 1191
• Tourist police: 1192
• Ambulance: 1195

In the case of a medical emergency, it is unlikely that expats will reach an English-speaking operator, and if possible, they should call a private hospital to arrange medical transport. Most private insurers will provide an emergency number.

Accommodation in Laos is varied, with a wide range of options to suit every preference. With a low cost of living and a relaxed lifestyle, Laos is an attractive destination for expats looking for something a little off the beaten track.

The vast majority of expats in Laos choose to rent their accommodation. The rental market for suitable expat accommodation in Laos is quite competitive, however, so it is important to start the accommodation search early.

Types of accommodation in Laos

There is a vast rental market in Laos. From French villas to modern serviced apartments and standard flats, expats are likely to find something to suit their needs. 

While short-term travellers and students tend to opt for furnished or serviced flats, many expats in Laos may be surprised to find that three- to five-bedroom houses with extensive gardens are also quite affordable.

Furnished and unfurnished

Houses in Laos are often partially furnished, including a stove and refrigerator, beds, lounge and dining furniture and possibly a television. Some properties include closets, outdoor furniture, dishwashing and laundry machines, and water pumps and tanks.

Some negotiating between landlord and tenant is expected during the application process, and furniture and fittings may be added, removed or swapped. When extra furniture is needed, many expats prefer to import higher-end furniture from Thailand or Vietnam over buying from local furniture shops.

Serviced apartments

Serviced apartments marketed to expats are typically fully furnished, including bedding, kitchen utensils and silverware. A range of amenities comes standard with serviced apartments, including housekeeping, laundry and room service. They are also fully furnished, which makes the move-in process much easier. Serviced apartments are a bit more expensive compared to regular apartments, but they offer more convenience and comfort.

Short lets

Short lets are ideal as a stopover for expats while they look for something more permanent. Cheaper than hotels and better equipped for day-to-day life, short-term accommodation can most commonly be found in popular tourist destinations like Vientiane, Luang Prabang, and Vang Vieng.

Finding accommodation in Laos

Expats are most likely to find suitable accommodation in Vientiane, Luang Prabang or the other provincial capitals. Real estate agents can help with finding accommodation, arranging visits, and negotiating terms, and their fee usually comes from the landlord.

Another option for new expats is to ask around the expat community, either in person or on social media. Word of mouth can help expats find good accommodation and trustworthy landlords.

Renting accommodation in Laos

Making an application

In order to make a rental application, expats in Laos will need their passport, visa/work permit and stay permit. They may need to show proof of employment, if applicable, and will likely need to submit a 'holding deposit'.

Deposits

Potential renters submit a holding deposit worth one month's rent along with their application, with the idea being that this sum of money shows the prospective tenant is serious about their application. Should the application go through, this deposit is set against the first month's rent. 

The term "holding deposit" is a bit of a misnomer because the landlord can still choose to rent the property to another applicant instead, in which case the first applicant's deposit will be refunded. On the other hand, if it is the applicant who pulls out after submitting their deposit, the landlord does not have to refund it unless there is a specific clause in the lease agreement stating otherwise.

A security deposit is also usually required if rent is paid monthly. In Laos, it is quite common to pay six months or a year's worth of rent in advance, in which case there is no security deposit. Paying more months of rent up front also opens space for tenants to negotiate for lower total rent or more furnishings.

Deposits and rent are typically paid in cash.

Signing a lease

Accommodation is generally rented privately between landlord and tenant, although there are a number of estate agencies that can help tenants cover all the bases and cross the language barrier. This is essential because there are few laws governing rental arrangements, and expats will need to ensure their rental contracts are comprehensive. The lease will likely be in Lao, so they may need an interpreter.

Lease agreements in Laos should include rental amounts and payment schedule, whether security and holding deposits are required, the term of the lease (one year, renewable is standard), conditions of termination, and acceptable use of the premises. Other items include what each party's obligations are, and what warranties and insurance are applicable.

Utilities

Utility bills can include water, electricity, rubbish disposal, as well as TV, internet, and gas. The cost of basic utilities is relatively low, and these are generally factored into the monthly rent, except electricity, which is paid separately. Internet and mobile phone services also come separately and can be pricey, so it is best to shop around to find the best deal.

Making decisions regarding education and schools in Laos can be challenging for expats. The country is still in the process of improving the accessibility and quality of its schools, and while public education is free, most expats opt out of the system due to language barriers. Vientiane’s international schools provide a more appealing option, although at high prices.

Public schools in Laos

Since 1996, primary education has been free and compulsory for all children in Laos, following the national curriculum set by the Ministry of Education and Sports.

There are four periods of education in Laos:

• Pre-primary (ages 3 to 5)
• Primary (ages 6 to 10)
• Lower Secondary (ages 11 to 14)
• Upper Secondary (ages 15 to 17)

Lao is the language of instruction at public schools, and the quality is highly variable. For this reason, expats usually make use of private or international schools in Laos instead.

Private and international schools in Laos

Private schools in Laos are similar to public schools in that they have the same curriculum and language of instruction, although they do have better amenities and provide a higher quality of education due to charging fees.

You’ll likely prefer to send your children to one of the many international schools in Laos. These offer various curricula, including those of the US, the UK, Australia, and France, as well as the International Baccalaureate. Teaching is in the language of the school’s sponsoring country. Some of these schools may offer Lao as a language, which can help your little ones integrate into Laotian culture more easily.

Most international schools in Laos are located in Vientiane, although some have campuses in Luang Prabang or Pakse.

Special-needs education in Laos

The government of Laos’s objective is to include children with disabilities and special educational needs into mainstream schools as much as possible. In practice, however, they are often overlooked. NGOs like Caritas Australia and the Lao Disabled Persons’ Association run special-needs schools, but these are small and in high demand.

Expat parents of children with special educational needs may have better luck with international schools, which generally have teaching assistants and accommodations for learners with hearing or visual disabilities.

Tutors in Laos

Tutors are not widely used by locals, but expats may find them helpful, either to ease the transition to a new curriculum or to help children maintain fluency in their mother tongue. Online tutoring can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection, while in-person tutors are almost exclusively available in larger cities. Enlisting the services of a Lao tutor can help expat children and parents alike overcome the language barrier.

Expats moving to Laos will discover a land of dense forests, rugged mountains, tranquil Buddhist monasteries, and welcoming locals. It is the only landlocked country in Southeast Asia, bordering Myanmar, China, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand.

There are some challenges to life in Laos, like rough roads, underdeveloped infrastructure, and the language barrier. Despite these downsides, Laos is a vibrant and unique destination with much to offer the open-minded, adventurous expat.

Living in Laos as an expat

Many expats move to Laos to work in industries including NGOs, infrastructure, hydroelectricity, or mining. Most live in the capital, Vientiane, although Luang Prabang also has a large expat and tourist population.

There is a substantial rental market for accommodation in Laos with a wide variety of property types available at various price points. Expats are sure to find housing that meets their needs, from French villas to modern serviced apartments and more affordable apartments.

Lao culture is influenced by the importance of harmony and respect among Lao people, as well as their shared spirituality of Buddhism. The majority of Lao people share similar values and perspectives, and work together to overcome the country’s present and past hardships.

Finding a Job and Working in Laos 
Renting Expat Accommodation in Laos 
Local Culture in Laos

Cost of living in Laos

The cost of living in Laos is moderate and broadly similar to neighbouring Thailand. Although food and transport costs are generally low, you might end up paying more than expected for higher-end accommodation in urban centres, imported goods, and international education.

Credit cards are not readily accepted, so be sure to carry enough cash to pay for transport, eating out, and entertainment. ATMs are common in larger cities, but withdrawal limits tend to be low. Fortunately, many vendors and establishments accept US dollars or Thai baht in place of Laotian kips.

Cost of Living in Laos 
Banking, Money, and Taxes in Laos

Families and children in Laos

Despite significant advancements, healthcare in Laos is still in need of development, so expats will likely turn to private and international healthcare solutions instead. For medical care, most of those with the means prefer to travel to Thailand for treatment.

Schooling faces similar hurdles. Public schools in Laos are usually not an option for expat parents, as standards vary widely and the language of teaching is Lao. A number of well-regarded international schools are available in Vientiane, although fees can be high.

Healthcare in Laos 
Education and Schools in Laos

Climate in Laos

Laos experiences a tropical savanna climate with high temperatures and humidity, heavily impacted by monsoons. Although the region’s countries normally have two seasons, Laotians frequently speak about three: rainy, cool, and hot.

Weather in Laos

Although Laos and its infrastructure are still developing, it is a peaceful and beautiful country with a rich culture and history. The country’s natural landscapes, including its mountains, rivers, and forests, provide ample opportunities for outdoor activities and adventure, and expats living in Laos will find that the cost of living is relatively low. Overall, Laos offers a unique and immersive experience for expats looking to experience a different way of life.

Fast facts

Population: More than 7.5 million

Capital city: Vientiane

Neighbouring countries: Laos is bordered by China to the north, Vietnam to the northeast and east, Cambodia to the south, Thailand to the west and Myanmar to the northwest.

Geography: Laos is characterised by rugged, mountainous terrain. Another key geographical feature is the Mekong River, which runs through the country and is an important waterway for both transport and irrigation.

Political system: Socialist republic

Major religion: Buddhist

Main language: Lao (official), French, English

Money: The Lao kip (LAK). Although ATMs are widespread in urban centres, Laos is almost entirely cash based, and US dollars and Thai baht are frequently used. Only expats in Laos on a business visa or work permit can open a bank account.

Tipping: Tipping is not the norm nor expected in Laos, although expats are free to tip if they are very satisfied with someone’s service.

Time: GMT+7

Electricity: 230V, 50Hz. Plugs with two round pins are generally used.

Internet domain:.la

International dialling code: +856

Emergency numbers: 1190 (fire), 1191 (police), 1192 (tourist police), 1195 (ambulance)

Transport and Driving: Cars drive on the right-hand side of the road. Expats mostly use ride-hailing services, taxis, and tuk-tuks for short trips and minibuses and buses for longer trips. A car and a personal driver make getting around easier. Roads can be in bad condition, especially in the rainy season, and public transport tends to be cramped and uncomfortable.

Laos is a mountainous and thickly forested country with a tropical savannah climate. Temperatures are high throughout the year and the humidity level is influenced by the monsoons. Though countries in the region are typically characterised by two seasons, Laos locals often refer to three seasons: rainy, cool and hot.

The southwest monsoon brings the rainy season from May to October, and with it occasional floods and landslides. During this time of year, temperatures average a muggy 84°F (29°C), with August being the wettest month.

The northeast monsoon brings the dry season, which comprises two periods: the cool dry period from November to February and the hot dry period from March to April. The cool dry period sees the temperature drop to an average of 73°F (23°C) and as low as 55°F (13°C) on cool January nights. The average temperature of the hot dry period is similar to that of the rainy season, but with lower lows and April highs reaching up to 104°F (40°C).

The economy in Laos is primarily cash based, and dealing with banking, money, and taxes can be challenging. Some higher-end businesses and hotels accept card payments, but this is the exception rather than the norm – those planning on travelling to rural areas should be sure to bring enough cash. ATMs are widely available in larger cities, although some expats report withdrawal limits.

Although Lao law dictates that payments in the country should be conducted in the local currency, transactions in US dollars and Thai baht are commonplace. It is much easier to change dollars or baht to Laotian kip than vice versa, as the kip cannot be exchanged outside Laos.

Money in Laos

The currency in Laos is the Laotian kip (LAK). It is available in the following denominations:

• Banknotes: LAK 1,000; LAK 2,000; LAK 5,000; LAK 10,000; LAK 20,000; LAK 50,000; and LAK 100,000.

Banking in Laos

Banking in Laos is relatively accessible, especially in larger cities. Both local and international banks usually have at least one English-speaking representative.

Opening a bank account

Opening a bank account in Laos is only allowed for expats in the country on a business visa or work permit. Those staying for a shorter term may have to draw money from international ATMs – a simple but costly endeavour.

Credit cards and ATMs

Although ATMs are widespread in cities and larger towns, they are scarce in rural areas of the country. Card transactions are rare outside tourist areas and high-end establishments.

Taxes in Laos

Local tax law dictates that income tax is payable by all foreigners working in Laos, regardless of their stay duration, unless their home country has a double taxation treaty with Laos. Expats from other countries will be expected to file tax returns and pay taxes in both Laos and their home country. As this can be a complex task, hiring a specialised expat tax practitioner is strongly recommended.

Working in Laos means operating in Southeast Asia's only landlocked country. Laos is largely dependent on its neighbours (chiefly China, Thailand, and Vietnam) for investment and trade. Despite ongoing challenges, skilled expats may be able to find work in Laos, especially in NGOs, tourism, and exports.

Job market in Laos

The agriculture industry in Laos employs the vast majority of the population and is responsible for over half of its GDP. Tourism, another primary industry, has quickly grown since the country opened its borders in the 1990s. The mining, hydroelectric, and transport infrastructure industries are also rapidly growing and account for the majority of foreign investment and jobs.

Many expats move to Laos to engage in these industries or work for humanitarian organisations like the UN or WHO. Teaching English in Laos is popular too, though generally not paid as well as jobs in other sectors.

Work culture in Laos

Lao business culture is slow paced but has a strong emphasis on punctuality. Meetings are expected to start on time, but may take longer than expected. Decision-making, although hierarchical, can be equally time consuming.

Though Lao culture is easygoing, it is vital to maintain 'face' – the shared respect and reputation of all parties. Due to this, Lao people are quite non-confrontational. When put on the spot with a direct question or request, a Lao colleague may be inclined to give what they assume is the desired reply.

Expats can overcome this communication barrier by paying attention to the conversation's context, implications, and the other speaker’s body language.

The process of getting a visa for Laos is fairly simple, especially for shorter visits. Tourist visas are available to most expats either as an eVisa or in the form of a visa on arrival. Short-term visa-free entry into Laos is an option for citizens of a number of ASEAN and European countries.

Other types of visas, including Expert, Business and Labor Visas, need to be acquired from a Lao embassy.

Tourist visas for Laos

Tourist visas for Laos allow a 30-day visit and can be extended by a further 30 days. Only a few documents are required, including a valid passport, proof of accommodation, and a return ticket.

Processing times for tourist eVisas tend to be quick, usually only a few days, while visas on arrival are issued at the port of entry.

Although eVisas and visas on arrival are available to citizens of most countries, some nationals may need to apply for their tourist visa at a Lao consulate or embassy. Consult the official Lao eVisa website to see if you qualify.

Useful links

• Lao eVisa Portal

Residence permits for Laos

If you want to live and work in Laos for a longer period of time, a residence permit, known as a Stay Permit, is necessary. 

To be eligible for a Stay Permit, you’ll need to submit a number of documents to the Department of Immigration in Laos. These include:

•    Valid passport
•    Labour or Expert Visa
•    Work permit
•    Proof of employment or of business activities in the country

Additional documents, including police clearance, medical certificates, and proof of financial resources and accommodation, may also be required.

Stay permits are generally valid for the duration of the applicant’s employment contract, starting at three months up to a maximum of 12 months, after which the permit needs to be renewed.

Expats who have lived in the country for 10 or more years and who plan on living in the country for 10 or more months of the year can apply for permanent residence.

Useful links

• Stay Permit Information (Lao National Enterprise Database)

*Visa regulations are subject to change at short notice, and expats should contact their respective embassy or consulate for the latest details.

Obtaining a work permit for Laos can be fairly complex. In order to work in Laos, expats will need either an Expert (E-B2) or Labour (LA-B2) Visa as well as work and stay permits. Although employers are responsible for coordinating with the respective ministries in Laos, expats will need to source and provide a number of supporting documents.

Applying for a work visa and work permit for Laos

To apply for a work permit, the expat’s employer will need to submit a number of documents to the Laos Immigration Department and Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare.

A work visa, usually in the form of a Labour Visa, is required when applying for a work permit. An Expert Visa works similarly to the Labour Visa, with the chief difference being that it is issued to foreigners working for an NGO or similar international organisation.

To apply, expats will need conventional travel documents, as well as an employment contract and sponsorship letter from their employer in Laos. 

*Visa regulations and requirements for work permits are subject to change at short notice, and expats should contact their respective embassy or consulate for the latest details.

The local culture in Laos is informed by the importance of harmony and respect, as well as spirituality. Although Buddhism is no longer the state religion of Laos, two-thirds of Laotians are Buddhists, and many young Lao men become monks for a period of time.

Expats generally find the people of Laos to be open, warm, and welcoming. Despite having the lowest population density in Southeast Asia, Laos has many ethnic groups, each with its own language or dialect. Most Lao share similar values and perspectives and a collectivistic approach to overcoming the country’s hardships, both past and present.

Language barrier in Laos

Most Lao people speak a dialect of the Lao language, and many Lao understand some Vietnamese, Thai, or one of the many Southern Chinese dialects, especially in areas near the borders. If you already know one of these languages, it’s fairly easy to learn Lao.

Given the 60 years of French colonial rule, Laos has the second-largest French-speaking population in Southeast Asia. English is uncommon, but likely to be spoken in tourist areas.

Religion in Laos

Buddhist monks and nuns can be found throughout Laos and are treated with the highest respect and reverence. Almsgiving is a common practice, and spiritual leaders may be given preferential seating on public transport or at a meal.

You should be careful not to touch a monk or a nun. This is a sign of respect for the integral role they play in Lao society. Similarly, it is wise to avoid disrespecting Buddhist statues or iconography.

Any religion can be practised freely in Laos, and there are small Christian, Catholic, and Muslim communities spread across the country. It’s worth noting, however, that proselytising is illegal in the country.

Politics in Laos

It is best to avoid bringing up the Vietnam War (known in the region as the Second Indochina War) and the civil war in Laos, especially if you’re in the company of older Laotians. As a result of the USA’s role in the war, some older Laotians may show distrust toward American expats, although this is significantly less prevalent among younger Laotians.

Etiquette and customs in Laos

A significant part of social life in Laos is concerned with maintaining ‘face’ – the shared respect and harmony between people. Avoiding conflict and understanding your place in terms of seniority and hierarchy is essential for preserving face.

Physical contact, like handshakes or hugs, is not usual between people of the same gender, and couples rarely show affection in public. When visiting a Lao house or temple, it’s a good idea to wear modest clothing that covers your shoulders and knees.