adminee
From: United States
11/25/2008 12:08 EST
We're going to be putting together an article entitled, 10 Tips for Living in Laos, and we need your help. Please post a reply to this thread with as many tips as you'd like (or as few) for expats living in Laos. Whether you're a newcomer yourself or a seasoned expats whose lived abroad for many years, share your favorite tips for expats living in Laos. If you want to discuss or expand upon someone elses tip, feel free! We'll use your posts to compile the articles.
Thanks, in advance, for your help!
Betsy Burlingame
ExpatExchange.com
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Tevi
12/6/2008 10:43 EST
TIPS FOR MOVING TO VIENTIANE -- I came up here from Bangkok several months ago.
1. Buy appliances in Thailand -- if you are moving here from BK, DON'T sell your appliances like I did. Bring them! They are more expensive and generally lower quality here (imported from T-land or China).
2. Cheapest way to move: by train! I loaded 150 kg on the train and it only cost 800 baht -- less than my first class ticket!
3. Mail to Nong Khai: if you need to send a package to Vientiane from Bangkok (quoted by Nana post office in BK), a 20 kg box will cost 3000 baht. But the same to Nong Khai in Thailand would only be 300 baht. Then you just cross the Friendship Bridge -- and hope that the Poste Restante in Nong Khai finds your box!
4. Be warned -- there are very few car taxis, you will travel by "jumbo" (tuktuk), motorcycle (dangerous!), or if you can afford it, there are expensive cars to rent. There are also cute cheap small cars available to buy from Chery, Honda, and other dealers -- or 2nd hand nicer cars from expats.
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vandyke
12/7/2008 14:37 EST
Hi my family and I will be moving to Laos in early 2009. I have a few questions I would like to ask.
1. Is it cheaper to rent a fully furnished house or rent an empty house and buy second hand furniture?
2. Is it easy to get a second hand van or 4WD? any tips for the best deals in town?
3. Do expats shop in Vientienne or Bankok? Which makes more economic sense.
Would love all the advice I can get.
Vandyke
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Tevi
1/13/2009 22:02 EST
Vangie -- I'd hunt the bulletin boards at Simeaung or Phimphone Markets, Jo-Ma Bakery, and other foreigners hangouts for cars and houses. You could also place a classified ad in the Vientiane Times and/or Renovateur. As far as buying furniture, it's cheap enough here to buy NEW! Especially nice are the rattan dining sets. Fun to shop around. Try the "Furniture Street" near the Novotel Hotel. Enjoy Laos!
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Vientianeboy
4/21/2009 00:38 EST
I disagree strongly that cars are cheap in Laos. Quite the opposite - cars retain their value and are very expensive. Be careful buying a car as many Lao do not service their vehicles at all.
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brains
8/25/2009 18:50 EST
first and foremost
there is nothing social about laos
there not anti social they just have not the same morals and values as foreigners.
survival people and thats it
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Elise
10/6/2009 05:14 EST
* don't go there if you cannot stand heat
* you don't have to bring truck loads of stuff, everything is for sale here or otherwise just across the border in Thailand
* if looking for cars, houses, maids, friends/other expats: join the Women's International Group (WIG)
* when travelling from Laos, fly from Udon Thani, much cheaper and closeby.
* bring a dehumidifier or run the aircon during the wet season
* check the electricity and water meter when you move in your new house and keep track for a while
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