The value of money against US dollar 1 $ = 14,000 Dong (Vietnam) 1 $ = 10,000 rupee (Indonesia) 1 $ = 9,000 Kip (Laos)
Vietnam and Indonesia have no problem in using their own money currentcy, but why Lao people don't like to use our own money, Kip? Many shops in Vientiane code the price in Thai Baht and US dollar...
maybe because Laos in very demendant from other countries: Laos import many many products paid in $ or baths, and sell als a few in the same curencies.
As laos is not a strong economy, Laos cannot force it's partners to use kip, so laos have to accept their money. To reduce th cost of cange, many lao people prefer using directly foreign currencies.
But as laos will develop, little by little, and produce itself the product that lao people need, the Kip will be able to take the place. I think it's important for the country.
the shops..restaurants.. and hotels always make it convenience for their guests.. they will take any kind of notes.. it is always been laos style.. unless the government step in and start to enforce the law... i dont see it changing anytime soon!!
as for myself.. when i'm in laos, i prefer to use kips even though i have to carry alot of bank notes around..
