The following items can be imported into Laos duty-free from non-bordering countries (from 16 years of age): 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250 g of tobacco; 1 liter spirits; 2 liters of wine; 250ml Eau de Toilette and 50g Perfume. up to 500g of jewelry for personal use. More information is available from Countryaah.com.
Prohibited Exports
Buddha figures. The export of antiques is only possible with the permission of the Department of Heritage in Vientiane. Further information is available from the Laos Customs Office.
Contact addresses
Embassy of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic
Consulate in Schwyz.
Route de Colovrex 14bis
Le Grand-Saconnex
Switzerland
+41 (0)22 798 24 41/42. Embassy of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic
Bismarckallee 2a
Berlin
Germany
+49 (0)30 89 06 06 47.
http://www.laos-botschaft.de
http://www.laos-botschaft.de
Mon-Fri 09.00-12.00 and 14.00-17.00; Consular department: Mon-Fri 09.00-12.00.
Mon-Fri 09.00-12.00 and 14.00-17.00. Consular department: Mon-Fri 09.00-11.00 and 14.00-16.00.
Business
Business etiquette
Punctuality is appreciated. A light suit, shirt and tie are worn for a business appointment. In addition to English, knowledge of French is very useful. Business trips are best scheduled during the dry season (November to April). Business hours: Mon-Fri 08.00-12.00 and 13.30-17.30, Sat 08.00-12.00.
Business contacts
Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry PO Box 4596, Kaysone Phomvihane Ave, Vientiane, Laos Tel. +856 (0)21 453 312 4. Website: lncci.la Ministry of Finance 23 Singha Road, Vientiane, Laos Tel. +856 (0)21 91 13 36. Website: www.mof.gov.la
Communication
Phone
Limited Auto Dial Long Distance Service.
Mobile phone
GSM 900 and 1800. According to Abbreviationfinder.org, network operators are Lao Telecommunications (GSM 900; Internet: www.laotel.com), Millicom Lao Co Ltd., ETL Mobile, LAT Mobile and Lao Asia Telecommunication State Enterprise (LAT Mobile) (GSM 900/1800). The transmission/reception range covers the largest cities. Mobile phones can be rented from Lao Phonetech (Internet: http://phonetech.laopdr.com).
Internet
Internet provider is Lao Telecommunications. Internet cafes can be found in Vientiane and Luang Prabang.
Post office
The main post office is located in Vientiane next to the morning market. Postal services are cheap and reliable. However, urgent or valuable mail should be sent using an international courier.
Radio
Since the use of shortwave frequencies changes several times over the course of a year, it is advisable to contact Deutsche Welle customer service directly for the current frequencies (Tel: (+49) (0228) 429 32 08. Internet: www.dw-world.de) to request.
