Yes, you can pay by card in Laos. However, credit cards are normally not accepted outside the better hotels and a select group of shops in Vientiane and Luang Prabang. Because the usage of credit cards will be limited outside of major cities, if you are going to remote areas of the country, bring plenty of cash with you. Most Vientiane banks accept major credit cards for cash advances, and the city has multiple ATMs. ATMs may also be available in Luang Prabang and several other big cities such as Oudomxai, Pakse, Savannakhet, and Vang Vieng, but keep in mind that they will be less dependable than cash machines back home owing to local conditions such as power outages.
If you travel frequently, it is worthwhile to apply for one of the travel credit cards that offer outstanding exchange rates and carry no “load” costs when purchasing things or withdrawing local currency from ATMs while overseas. We recommend checking one of the pricing comparison websites for the most up-to-date information on the finest specialty credit cards for travelers.
Overall, while card usage is increasing in Laos, depending completely on them is not recommended. Always keep cash on hand as a backup and be aware of potential constraints, particularly in smaller cities and rural locations.