elr

hi,
I've read thru some older posts that say there are no ATMs in either Cambodia or Laos. Has that situation changed at all in the areas of Siem Reap, Vientiane, or Luang Prabang?

Thanks for any insights.

happy trails, Ellen

Kathie

Nope, still no ATMs usable by foreigners.

rhkkmk

i saw no atms in siem reap!!!

hobbes

Nope, I didn't see any ATMs either... US dollars are accepted almost everywhere and many prices are quoted in US dollars...the Thai baht on the other hand is no longer accepted after problems between the countries couple years ago...I understand prior to that Thai baht worked well too...

Tangata

Thai Baht still work in Luang Prabang, I guess the problem is confined to Cambodia following the "unpleasantness"!

elr

Thanks, everyone....I'm really not used to having to think about carrying cash, etc. all the time, and have been conditioned to always finding an ATM. I'll be in VN prior to Cambodia and Laos and assume that neither country takes VN dong....wonder if one day they'll follow the Europeans and have an ASEAN common currency?!

Kathie

You're right, elr, dong are worthless outside of VN. US dollars are accepted everywhere in Cambodia and are the preferred currency. You'll accumulate some riel in Cambodia. Spend or donate it before you leave the country, as it is worless outside the country. Likewise kip (Lao currency) is worthless outside of Laos. I found that hotels wanted dollars in Laos, but that for everyday purchases kip were preferred. Don't exchange more than US$20 at a time - it's quite a brick of currency!

It's pretty cheap to travel in Laos and Cambobia. I stayed in places that took credit cards (as most upscale places will), but used cash for virtually everything else. Take small denomination bills, especially for Cambodia.

rhkkmk

there are so many problems in many of the SE asia countries and many of them have long hatreds that i am sure that euro concept is far off ....