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What you should know as visiting Laos

Travel to Laos, you should remember some following notes:

1. Clothing & Shoes
In Laos, remember to take off shoes before enter private houses and religious sites. No sleeveless top and short pants are allowed in religious sites. Men should wear tops and women should avoid skimpy tops and tight shorts. In addition, you will gain more respect if you are well turned out and modest in your dress. Check out the Laos weather to prepare fitting clothes.
2. Drinking Water & Food
Drink only purified bottled water. Many hotels provide complimentary bottled water in rooms, and if not, it is very convenient to buy in local store; only eat well-done meat and fish. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled.
3. Immigration
Receipt of purchase and an export permit voucher for locally bought goods such as gems and jewelry may be required upon departure.
4. Time
Laos is 7 hours ahead Greenwich time.
5. Photos
Generally the Lao do not have any objections against being photographed. However, being politely to obtain his/her approval. It is not a problem any more to bring along video cameras. Many pagodas charge a minimal fee for cameras; video cameras might be a little expensive. Some museums restrict photography. Read the rules at the tourist attractions before you get in.
6. Tipping
While tipping has now become an accepted practice in Asian countries, it should always be considered a gesture of appreciation for good service and not an obligation. It is an incentive to guides to maintain a high level service, helpfulness and friendliness and we strongly insist to allow our clients a choice in this matter. Therefore our tour price doesn't include a fixed amount to cover all potential gratuities.
If you would like to know the proper amount for tipping, the following standard is for your reference:
1) If you are traveling in a small group between 2 and 5 members, We suggest approximately US $10 to US $15 /per guest per day as tips for tour guide and driver and about US $3 to US$ 2 for hotel bellboys as a gratitude for their service.
2) If you are coming in a group like 6 to 9 members, We suggest US $8 to US $10 /per guest per day as tips for the guide and driver and about US $2 to US $3 for hotel bellboys as a gratitude for their service.
3) If you are traveling in a group with more than 10 people, We suggest US $5 to US $7 /per guest per day as tips for the tour guide and driver and about US $3 to US $5 for hotel bellboys as a gratitude for their service. Above is for your reference only, again tipping is a personal matter, and you can always adjust the amount based on your satisfaction with the service you get from your tour guides, drivers, bellboys and so on.
7. Suggested Things to Bring
- Sun hat, sun glasses, sun lotion;
- Prescription medicines, antibiotic cream for minor cuts and scratches;
- Insect repellent; toothbrush, toothpaste or other toiletries;
- Umbrella, a small flashlight, sandals, international adaptor;
- Extra passport photos;
- Decaffeinated coffee (if you require).
8. Monks & Nuns
Respect: please show respect in certain manners to the monks and nuts; argument and criticism on their religions are taken insulting. Please ask for permits before photo shooting. Moreover, women are not allowed to touch monks, also women should put the object within the monk's reach while passing stuff.
9. Emergency Numbers
Police: 119
Ambulance: 195

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