About ironbark

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Citizen of:

Some Forum Posts:

Laos: Living in Laos:

That depends on where you live and what standard you expect. The bigger cities like Vientiane are much more expensive than the rural areas. In Vientiane housing can cost as little as $200 a month for a reasonable western standard house up to $2000 for something really nice near the river. Average say $500 per month Laos govt school cheap but very poor standard but there are several good international schools for expats. I have no idea of fees but probably expensive. Food from the markets very cheap but eating out getting more expensive. The range of consumer goods much better than it used to be but generally more expensive than Thailand. Laos has little to no consumer protection and has become dumping ground for poor quality and not necessarily cheap Chinese goods in recent years. Broadly a poor Laos family would live on $200-$300 a month. A well off family without a car would need up to $1000 . If you want a car then you can double that.

Laos: Birding:

Unfortunately no. You could try the National University and see if anyone in the Biology Dept or students are interested in starting one. I thought of starting a Yacht Club once

Laos: month long visit budget and allergies:

I am sure the monks will accept alms from you in Luang Prabang. LP is in the north and there is no train. You can fly or catch a bus. The Plain of Jars are interesting but I think Konglor Caves south of VTE is much better. You go for a boat trip for 14 km along an underground river like Bilbo Baggins in the Hobbit. The village has several excellent guesthouses in a wonderful peaceful rural environment where you can eat breakfast and watch the locals harvesting tobacco or rice all for about $10 -$20 a night. Plan to spend 2 or 3 days just relaxing. Overall Laos is not as cheap as it once was, esp. if you plan to spend anytime in VTE. Reasonable accommodation in the city . Will cost 30USD or more a room

Laos: teaching opportunities:

Hi Phil If you manage toScore a full time job in one of the international schools in Vientiane the wage is quite good and life is comfortable but they are as scarce as hens teeth, There are plenty of private schools that may offer you an hourly rate ($6-$25) but then only for 1-2 hrs a day. There is little regulation of the industry so standards and conditions vary enormously. You need to earn at least $20 a day in VTE to live at a fairly basic but still comfortable level. It is cheaper in the regional areas but fewer opportunities.

Laos: How to get a job:

Remember, if you do manage to get a job you will need a work permit and an appropriate visa. Teaching jobs can be easier to get

Laos: Tet in Laos:

It wasn't but they are trying hard to become the same.

Laos: Cat Rescue in Luang Prabang?:

Most urban cats in Laos run semi wild. Few are desexed so they breed uncontrolled. I have observed that out of a typical litter only one or two and often none survive. They are rarely tame enough to approach although with some effort you can domesticate one. They mostly survive by scavenging but some lao people will put out scraps especially for them. They do keep the rat and other wildlife minimal. Life is tough for them, but the tough survive.

Laos: Moving Cat to LAos January14:

There probably are rules, especially from overseas but I bet they are rarely enforced. Laos is a landlocked country and there is significant wildlife and stock movement over the land borders, both legal and illegal. For example there is extensive movement, I mean by the truckload, of dogs through and to Laosfrom Thailand to Vietnam for the meat trade. Pet shops in Vientiane get most of their stock from Thailand apparently with little effort. Customs are more diligent when bird flu is around. If you do the right thing you will probably find a lot of red tape and delays

Laos: Buying a used car in Vientiane:

If you have the right connection then it is pretty easy to import a new car tax free.

Date Joined:

2/1/2014

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