BCEL, LDB or Indochina Bank: Which Laos ATM actually saves you money?
Laos is still largely a cash-based destination, but withdrawing money isn’t as straightforward as finding the nearest ATM. Fees vary by bank, withdrawal limits can be restrictive, and some machines accept Visa but reject Mastercard outright.
So, which ATM should you use? This guide compares the major banks in Laos, breaks down withdrawal fees in Singapore dollars, and explains how to avoid the common mistakes that can make getting cash more expensive than it needs to be.
⚡️ TL;DR: Laos ATM Withdrawal Guide
| What you need to know | Details |
|---|---|
| Cheapest standard ATM fees | BCEL and Lao Development Bank (LDB), at roughly 20,000–30,000 LAK (~S$1.15–1.70) per withdrawal |
| Widest ATM network | BCEL, with machines in Vientiane and other major towns |
| Typical withdrawal limit | 1,000,000–2,000,000 LAK (~S$57–114) per transaction, depending on the bank |
| Cards to watch out for | Mastercard isn’t accepted at every ATM. Indochina Bank machines accept Visa only |
| Currency conversion tip | Always decline the ATM’s conversion offer and choose to be charged in Lao Kip |
| How to reduce card fees | Consider a multi-currency card like YouTrip, which has no FX fee on currency conversion |
Important: ATM fees and withdrawal limits can change without notice. Lao banks also publish limited fee information in English, and available figures sometimes conflict across sources. The amounts in this guide are the best available estimates, not guaranteed fees. Always check the ATM screen before confirming your withdrawal.
📚 Table of Contents
- How Much Does It Cost to Withdraw Cash From an ATM in Laos?
- Which Laos ATM Has the Cheapest Fee? Bank-by-Bank Comparison
- Where to Withdraw Money in Laos
- What Are the ATM Limits in Laos?
- Is S$100 a Lot of Money in Laos?
- How to Withdraw Cash Step by Step
- Does Your Card Work? Visa, Mastercard and UnionPay
- Using Your YouTrip Card at Laos ATMs
- Cash vs LAO QR Payments
- FAQ
How Much Does It Cost to Withdraw Cash From an ATM in Laos?
Withdrawing cash from a Laos ATM typically costs around 20,000–40,000 LAK (~S$1.15–2.25) in local ATM fees per transaction. Your Singapore bank may charge additional overseas withdrawal fees and foreign currency conversion fees.
Here’s how the costs break down.
1. Local ATM fees
Most Lao banks charge a fee when you withdraw cash using a foreign card. Based on the available fee information, here’s what you can generally expect:
- BCEL and Lao Development Bank (LDB): Approximately 20,000–30,000 LAK (~S$1.15–1.70) per withdrawal.
- Phongsavanh Bank: 2% of the withdrawal amount, with a minimum fee of 20,000 LAK and a maximum of 40,000 LAK (~S$1.15–2.25). This fee is listed on the bank’s own fee page.
- Indochina Bank: Approximately 40,000 LAK (~S$2.25) per withdrawal.
- Joint Development Bank (JDB): Its official FAQ lists a flat fee of 2,000 LAK, but it’s unclear whether this applies specifically to foreign cards. Other sources report a fee closer to 3% of the withdrawal amount. Budget for the higher estimate until you can confirm the actual fee.
2. Your Singapore bank’s overseas withdrawal fees
Your home bank may charge another fee on top of the local ATM charge.
For example, DBS charges around S$7 per overseas ATM withdrawal, while UOB charges a flat S$5. UOB also offers cashback on the first four withdrawals each year and applies a separate 2.5% administrative fee for Lao Kip, which isn’t among the currencies exempt from this fee.
Many Singapore bank cards also apply an FX markup of up to 3.25% when converting your money into a foreign currency.
In other words, one withdrawal could come with three separate costs: the local ATM fee, your bank’s overseas withdrawal fee and an FX markup.
3. Why larger withdrawals can save you money
Because many Lao ATMs charge a fixed fee per transaction, withdrawing small amounts repeatedly can eat into your travel budget.
For example, say a BCEL ATM charges a flat fee of 25,000 LAK:
| Withdrawal amount | Approximate value in S$ | ATM fee | Fee as a percentage of withdrawal |
|---|---|---|---|
| 500,000 LAK | ~S$28 | ~S$1.40 | 5% |
| 2,000,000 LAK | ~S$114 | ~S$1.40 | 1.25% |
The fee stays the same, but its impact on your wallet drops when you withdraw more at once.
Our tip: Where practical, withdraw larger amounts less frequently rather than making several small withdrawals. Just be mindful of how much cash you can safely carry and spend.
📖 Related Guide: Working out whether it’s cheaper to exchange cash at home or abroad? Our guide to exchanging money in Singapore or overseas walks through the maths.
Which Laos ATM Has the Cheapest Fee? Bank-by-Bank Comparison
BCEL and Lao Development Bank generally offer some of the lowest estimated flat fees for foreign-card withdrawals. However, the cheapest option also depends on your card network, the amount you withdraw and the fee displayed on the ATM.
Here’s how the main banks compare.
| Bank | Estimated foreign-card fee | Typical maximum withdrawal | Card networks |
|---|---|---|---|
| BCEL | 20,000–30,000 LAK (~S$1.15–1.70) | Around 2,000,000 LAK (~S$114) | Visa, Mastercard, UnionPay |
| Lao Development Bank (LDB) | Around 20,000 LAK (~S$1.15) | Around 1,500,000–2,000,000 LAK (~S$85–114) | Visa, Mastercard; UnionPay acceptance unconfirmed |
| Joint Development Bank (JDB) | Official FAQ lists 2,000 LAK, but foreign-card applicability is unclear; other sources report around 3% of the withdrawal | Up to 2,000,000 LAK (~S$114) | Visa confirmed; Mastercard acceptance may vary |
| Phongsavanh Bank (PSV) | 2% of the withdrawal, minimum 20,000 LAK and maximum 40,000 LAK (~S$1.15–2.25) | Not confirmed | Visa, Mastercard |
| Indochina Bank | Around 40,000 LAK (~S$2.25) | Up to 3,000,000 LAK (~S$170) | Visa only; Mastercard is not accepted |
| Lao-Viet Bank | Around 20,000–40,000 LAK; some reports suggest higher fees | Not confirmed | Not confirmed |
A note on accuracy: Phongsavanh Bank is the only bank in this comparison for which we could independently confirm the fee on an official published page. The other figures are estimates compiled from multiple fee-tracking sources, which don’t always agree. Lao banks generally don’t provide comprehensive English-language fee schedules.
We’ve excluded ANZ Laos from this comparison because we couldn’t reliably confirm its current consumer ATM status or foreign-card withdrawal fee. The figures available were also inconsistent.
Which ATM should you use?
BCEL is a practical first choice for most travellers. Its extensive ATM network makes it easier to find machines in major towns, airports and popular tourist areas. It also supports Visa, Mastercard and UnionPay.
Lao Development Bank is another option worth considering if you find a machine nearby. Indochina Bank may offer a higher withdrawal limit, but its estimated fee is higher and it only accepts Visa.
JDB’s reported percentage-based fee is also worth treating cautiously. Although a percentage fee can work out differently from a flat fee depending on how much you withdraw, the conflicting figures make it difficult to identify a reliable winner.
📖 Related Guide: Comparing more than one card for the trip? Our best multi-currency cards in Singapore roundup breaks down FX fees and ATM allowances side by side.
Where to Withdraw Money in Laos
ATMs are relatively easy to find in major towns, but coverage becomes less reliable once you venture into rural areas. Plan your withdrawals around your itinerary rather than assuming you’ll find a machine whenever you need one.
Vientiane
Vientiane has the densest ATM coverage in Laos. You’ll find several bank machines around the night market, often within walking distance of one another. This is useful if one ATM is out of cash or temporarily unavailable.
Wattay International Airport also has ATMs, so you can withdraw Lao Kip after landing.
Pakse and Southern Laos
If you’re exploring Pakse, travelling the Thakhek Loop or visiting the 4,000 Islands, look out for BCEL, Indochina Bank and JDB ATMs in the main towns.
Machines become less common once you leave town centres and travel along rural roads. It’s best to withdraw enough cash before setting off rather than relying on finding an ATM along the way.
Don Det and Other Remote Areas
Don Det, a popular backpacker island in the 4,000 Islands area, has no ATMs. Withdraw cash on the mainland before crossing over, or bring enough cash to cover your stay.
Some remote villages and smaller islands also have limited banking facilities, so it’s worth planning ahead if your itinerary takes you off the beaten path.
What if you need cash after bank hours?
Bank branches typically close around 3:30 PM, although opening hours vary by branch. Some branches in Vientiane may stay open later than those in smaller towns.
If an ATM retains your card, visiting the attached branch may help you recover it. However, this isn’t guaranteed, and a closed branch can leave you with fewer options until the next business day.
📖 Related Guide: Routing through Vietnam on the same trip? Our Vietnam ATM withdrawal guide covers the border crossing and city ATMs.
What Are the ATM Limits in Laos?
Most ATMs in Laos allow withdrawals of around 1,000,000–2,000,000 LAK (~S$57–114) per transaction. The minimum withdrawal is typically around 100,000 LAK (~S$5.70), although limits vary by machine.
Indochina Bank has a higher reported limit of up to 3,000,000 LAK (~S$170) per transaction. This could be useful if you want to withdraw more cash in one go, provided your card is accepted and the fee makes sense.
Since many Lao banks charge a flat fee, withdrawing closer to the machine’s permitted maximum can reduce the fee as a percentage of the amount withdrawn. However, only take out what you’re comfortable carrying and spending.
Your Singapore bank may also impose a separate daily overseas withdrawal limit. For example, DBS has a default daily limit of S$3,000 across local and overseas withdrawals, which can be adjusted up to S$9,000 through digibank. Limits vary by bank and account.
Before you fly: Check both your bank’s daily withdrawal limit and your card’s overseas ATM settings, especially if you’re planning to withdraw a larger amount.
📖 Related Guide: Thailand runs a similar per-transaction cap system next door. Our Thailand ATM withdrawal guide breaks down the Thai fee structure if you’re crossing over.
Is S$100 a Lot of Money in Laos?
Yes, S$100 can go a long way in Laos, particularly if you’re travelling outside the capital or staying in budget accommodation.
At the exchange rate used for this guide, S$100 is approximately 1,760,000 LAK. That’s close to the typical per-transaction limit at many Lao ATMs.
A simple day of street food, local transport and budget accommodation could cost around ~S$15–25, depending on where you stay and how you travel. With that budget, a single ATM withdrawal near the usual transaction limit could cover two or three days of travel.
Of course, your spending will depend on your itinerary, accommodation choices and activities. Vientiane and popular tourist spots may cost more than smaller towns.
For context, even the minimum ATM withdrawal of 100,000 LAK is around ~S$5.70, making it possible to withdraw smaller amounts when needed. Just remember that repeated withdrawals can mean paying the local ATM fee each time.
📖 Related Guide: Want to know exactly what your S$ is worth before you land? Our SGD to THB rate guide covers the neighbouring currency most Laos border towns also accept.
How to Withdraw Cash Step by Step
Withdrawing cash in Laos follows the same basic steps as in most countries, but there are two things to watch out for: currency conversion prompts and card acceptance.
Here’s how to get your money safely.
- Find a bank-branded ATM
Whenever possible, use a machine attached to a bank branch. Check the card logos displayed on the ATM before inserting your card.
- Insert your card and enter your PIN.
Cover the keypad while entering your PIN, especially if the ATM is in a busy public area.
- Select “Withdrawal” and choose Lao Kip.
If the ATM offers to convert the amount into Singapore dollars, don’t accept the conversion just yet.
- Decline the ATM’s currency conversion offer.
Choose the option to be charged in Lao Kip, sometimes shown as “without conversion”. This avoids Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC), where the ATM sets its own exchange rate.
- Enter your withdrawal amount.
Stick to the amounts offered by the machine and check the fee displayed on screen before confirming.
- Collect your cash, card and receipt.
Some ATMs return your card before dispensing cash. Check that you have all three before walking away.
What if the ATM retains your card?
If an ATM keeps your card, contact the bank or visit the attached branch if it’s open. Staff may be able to help, although recovery isn’t guaranteed.
If the branch is closed, contact your card issuer’s emergency line to freeze or secure the card as needed.
What if the ATM debits your account but doesn’t dispense cash?
This can happen if an ATM runs out of cash or encounters a technical problem.
Keep your receipt and take a screenshot of the transaction or error message. Contact your card issuer if the money isn’t automatically reversed within the expected timeframe.
📖 Related Guide: Another country where the step-by-step matters just as much is India. Our India ATM withdrawal guide covers a similar card-eaten and DCC playbook.
Does Your Card Work at Laos ATMs? Visa, Mastercard and UnionPay
Visa is widely accepted at ATMs in Laos, but Mastercard acceptance can be less consistent.
BCEL is a practical option if you’re travelling with Mastercard because it supports Visa, Mastercard and UnionPay. Indochina Bank ATMs accept Visa only, so Mastercard holders should avoid relying on them.
Other banks may display multiple card-network logos, but acceptance can still vary by machine and card type. Check the logos on the ATM before inserting your card, and bring a backup card if possible.
UnionPay is also supported at BCEL, making it another option for travellers carrying a UnionPay-branded card.
Does Visa or Mastercard give you a better exchange rate?
Exchange rates can vary slightly between card networks and transactions. Mastercard may offer a more favourable rate than Visa on some transactions, but the difference isn’t guaranteed.
If the exchange rate on an ATM screen looks unusually poor, check whether you’ve been offered Dynamic Currency Conversion. This allows the ATM operator to set the conversion rate and can cost more than letting your card issuer handle the conversion.
Our tip: Carry two cards on different networks if possible. If one isn’t accepted, you’ll have a backup rather than having to search for another ATM that supports your card.
📖 Related Guide: Picking a second card for network coverage? Our YouTrip vs Wise comparison looks at how each handles acceptance and fees for Singaporean travellers.
Using Your YouTrip Card at Laos ATMs
You can use your YouTrip card to withdraw Lao Kip from compatible ATMs in Laos, without needing to exchange all your cash before leaving Singapore.
YouTrip offers S$400 in overseas ATM withdrawals free of YouTrip withdrawal fees per calendar month, followed by a flat 2% fee on the amount withdrawn. Local ATM fees charged by Lao banks may still apply.
Here’s how it works:
- Withdraw Lao Kip directly. Use your YouTrip card at a compatible ATM and select Lao Kip as the withdrawal currency.
- Get Mastercard’s wholesale exchange rate. Your SGD balance is converted into Lao Kip at the applicable Mastercard exchange rate, with no YouTrip FX fee on the conversion.
- Avoid unnecessary conversion fees. If the ATM offers to convert the withdrawal into SGD, decline the offer and choose to be charged in Lao Kip.
For comparison, some Singapore bank cards charge an FX markup of up to 3.25%, in addition to their own overseas ATM withdrawal fees. Your actual savings depend on the card you’re comparing against and the local ATM fee.
What if your trip includes Thailand?
Thai Baht is commonly used in some Laos border towns and at certain Mekong crossings. Since THB is one of YouTrip’s 12 lockable wallet currencies, you can hold it in your wallet and spend it directly when you’re in Thailand.
📖 Related guides: Learn more about how YouTrip exchange rates work, or read our Philippines ATM withdrawal guide for another destination where you’ll need to withdraw a currency that isn’t one of the wallet’s lockable currencies.
Cash vs LAO QR Payments: Which Should Travellers Use?
Laos has its own QR payment standard, LAO QR, alongside LOCA Pay, a payment feature within the LOCA ride-hailing app. Both are primarily designed around local banking and payment arrangements.
For Singaporean travellers, here’s what that means:
- LAO QR and LOCA Pay: These are useful for locals and longer-term residents with a compatible Lao bank account or linked e-wallet.
- Cross-border QR payments: There is no PayNow-style cross-border QR payment link between Singapore and Laos, according to the cross-border linkages listed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS).
- Cash and cards: These remain the practical options for most tourist transactions, including guesthouses, restaurants, tuk-tuks and markets.
Don’t assume you can pay by scanning a QR code everywhere, as you might in Singapore or Thailand. Plan to carry Lao Kip for everyday purchases, use your card where accepted, and treat local QR payments as a bonus rather than something to rely on.
📖 Related Guide: Heading somewhere QR-first instead? Our China ATM withdrawal guide covers a country where mobile QR has almost replaced cash.
FAQ
Local ATM fees typically range from 20,000 to 40,000 LAK (~S$1.15–2.25) per withdrawal. Your Singapore bank may charge an additional overseas withdrawal fee of around S$5–7, plus an FX markup depending on your card.
BCEL and Lao Development Bank generally have some of the lowest estimated fees, at around 20,000–30,000 LAK (~S$1.15–1.70) per withdrawal. However, fees can vary, so check the amount shown on screen before confirming.
Visa is widely accepted, while Mastercard acceptance varies by bank. Indochina Bank ATMs accept Visa only, making BCEL a practical first choice for Mastercard holders.
Yes. At the exchange rate used in this guide, S$100 is approximately 1,760,000 LAK. Depending on your itinerary and spending habits, this could cover several days of food, local transport and budget accommodation.
Contact the bank or visit the attached branch if it’s open. If you can’t recover the card immediately, contact your card issuer’s emergency line to secure it. Branch hours vary, so don’t assume the card can be returned the same day.
Decline it and choose to be charged in Lao Kip. Accepting the ATM’s conversion offer triggers Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC), which allows the ATM to set its own exchange rate. This is often less favourable than letting your card issuer handle the conversion.
Country ATM Guides
Heading somewhere else next? Explore our country-specific withdrawal guides:
🇲🇾 Malaysia | 🇯🇵 Japan | 🇹🇭 Thailand | 🇰🇷 South Korea | 🇹🇼 Taiwan | 🇭🇰 Hong Kong | 🇮🇩 Indonesia | 🇻🇳 Vietnam | 🇦🇺 Australia | 🇲🇴 Macau | 🇨🇳 China | 🇺🇸 US | 🇿🇦 South Africa | 🇵🇭 Philippines | 🇫🇷 France | 🇬🇧 UK | 🇳🇿 New Zealand | 🇮🇹 Italy | 🇰🇭 Cambodia | 🇨🇦 Canada | 🇨🇦 Switzerland | 🇪🇸 Spain | 🇩🇪 Germany | 🇹🇷 Turkey | 🇰🇿 Kazakhstan | 🇳🇱 Netherlands | 🇦🇹 Austria | 🇦🇪 Dubai | 🇲🇻 Maldives | 🇬🇷 Greece | 🇮🇳 India | 🇱🇦 Laos
BCEL Wins on Fees. Declining Conversion Could Save You More.
Getting cash in Laos isn’t particularly difficult, but choosing the wrong ATM or accepting an unfavourable exchange rate can make it more expensive than necessary.
Start with BCEL or Lao Development Bank where available, check that your card network is supported, and withdraw larger amounts less frequently when practical. Most importantly, always decline the ATM’s currency conversion offer and choose to be charged in Lao Kip.
Planning the rest of your trip? Our Greece ATM withdrawal guide and YouTrip vs Revolut comparison are worth checking out before you go.
Not a YouTrooper yet? Singapore’s go-to multi-currency wallet helps you save with great FX rates and zero fees. Skip the money changer and get a free YouTrip card + S$5 YouTrip credits with code YTBLOG5.
Then, head over to our YouTrip Perks page for exclusive offers and promotions. Join our Telegram (@YouTripSG) and Community Group (@YouTripSquad) for travel tips, event invites, and more!
Happy travels!
The information stated above is true as of 26 Oct 2026
