Scam in LaosChanging money
Poor exchange rates and baht payment overcharging in Laos
How it works
A seller accepts foreign currency but uses an unfavourable rate. Convenience exchanges can also give much less kip than a bank. A poor disclosed rate is not necessarily fraud, but it can add a large hidden cost if you do not check.
Warning signs
- The seller gives only a baht or dollar total.
- The conversion rate is not shown.
- A convenient counter offers much less kip than other places.
How to avoid it
- Ask for the kip price before paying in foreign currency.
- Calculate the implied exchange rate.
- Compare bank and exchange-counter rates.
- Use well-lit, reputable-looking exchange businesses.
If it happens to you
Check the receipt and change immediately. Ask for a correction if the seller used a rate different from the one agreed.
- Move to a safe, staffed place. Do not chase a thief or confront someone who threatens you.
- If you are injured or feel unwell after suspect alcohol, seek urgent medical help.
- Freeze stolen or affected cards. Contact your card issuer about unauthorised charges or an ATM debit without cash.
- Save receipts, tickets, messages and screenshots. Write down the time, location, amount and what happened.
- Report the incident to police when safe. Ask for a written report, especially if you need an insurance claim. Your accommodation may help with language.
- Contact your insurer and, for a stolen passport, detention or serious trouble, your embassy or consulate. Ask the seller or booking provider for a refund where appropriate.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
- Travel blog2024ATMs in Laos - Simbur TravelThe author reports hotels and restaurants applying unfavorable exchange rates when accepting dollars or Thai baht, while noting that banking costs can contribute.Read on Travel blog
- Redditr/laos2024Need help: hotel owner claims online exchange rate is not the same as "the real one"A tourist disputes a hostel's conversion of its dollar price into kip at a rate that increased the bill by roughly ten percent.Read on Reddit
- Redditr/laos2026Border bus from Chiang Rai to Laos for slowboatA commenter reports a border officer attempting to make them buy dollars there at an unfavorable rate.Read on Reddit
Questions
What is the poor exchange rates and baht payment overcharging scam in Laos?
A seller accepts foreign currency but uses an unfavourable rate. Convenience exchanges can also give much less kip than a bank. A poor disclosed rate is not necessarily fraud, but it can add a large hidden cost if you do not check.
How can I spot it early?
The seller gives only a baht or dollar total. The conversion rate is not shown. A convenient counter offers much less kip than other places.
How do I avoid poor exchange rates and baht payment overcharging in Laos?
Ask for the kip price before paying in foreign currency. Calculate the implied exchange rate. Compare bank and exchange-counter rates. Use well-lit, reputable-looking exchange businesses.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Check the receipt and change immediately. Ask for a correction if the seller used a rate different from the one agreed.
Where in Laos does this happen?
Hotels, mini-markets and food sellers in Huay Xai; airport exchange and some town money changers in Luang Prabang It has been reported in Huay Xai, Luang Prabang.
How much can it cost me?
Huay Xai examples describe hotel and mini-market exchange markups around 5.5%, and food payments in baht costing more than 20% extra.
How common is this scam in Laos?
Common. Laos is generally a low-crime country, but petty theft and tourist overcharging remain concerns. Watch for inflated transport fares, misleading ticket sellers, money-exchange tricks and counterfeit goods. Prices below are examples from different years, so check the full amount before paying.
Are there similar scams in Laos?
Yes: money-exchange rate switch.
Who can I report it to?
Police: report theft, threats or fraud in person when safe. Ask for a written record. Assistance may be limited, and language barriers can make reporting harder. Nearby police boxes in Vientiane: after a bag snatch, shout immediately to attract attention and alert nearby police. Card issuer and ATM bank: use your banking app or the issuer's official contact channel to freeze a card or dispute a transaction. For missing ATM cash, provide the location, time, amount and receipt. Hotel, transport operator or booking provider: present the receipt and booking details. Explain the difference between what was promised and delivered, and request a correction or refund. Embassy or consulate: contact your country's official consular service for a stolen passport, detention or serious difficulties. Use contact details from its official website. Travel insurer: report the loss promptly through its claims or assistance service. Keep receipts, evidence of ownership and any police report.
What number do I call in an emergency in Laos?
Luang Prabang Provincial Hospital, open 24/7: +85671254027.
Reviewed by @snuck