Laos - Travel Report

Laos is a poor, developing country with a socialistic authoritarian government. Political power is centralized in the Lao People's Revolutionary Party. The capital is Vientiane. The average GDP of Laos is $10.34 billion (2003 est.). The primary products of Laos are garments, rice, coffee, corn, sugarcane, vegetables, tobacco, ginger, and poultry. The primary export partners of Laos are France, the United Kingdom, Germany, Holland, Thailand, Belgium, the United States, Italy, Japan and Vietnam. The predominant religion in Laos is Buddhism, therefore a majority of the population will celebrate and observe traditional Buddhist holidays. There are no automatic teller machines in Laos. Credit cards are accepted only at major hotels and tourist-oriented businesses. Credit card cash advances can be obtained at some banks in Vientiane. It is illegal to use U.S. dollars and Thai Baht for larger transactions. The importation or exportation of local currency is prohibited. Taking photographs of anything that could be considered a security interest could result in problems with authorities.