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  1. #1
    Newbie highlander's Avatar
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    Bank account in laos

    just wondering how easy it is to open a thai bank account in laos/vientienne for business reasons.

    scotty

  2. #2
    Thailand Expat
    Pol the Pot's Avatar
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    A Thai bank account in Vientiane?

    I'm pretty sure you'll have top open a Lao bank account.

  3. #3
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    You can open a bank account with one of the Thai banks, such as Siam Commercial Bank. But in order to do this you must have a Lao work permit.

    So it's a bit of a catch-22. I wanted to import 1 million baht last year to start up a small eco-resort. But I couldn't do that without a work permit and I couldn't (legally) get the WP without a business in Lao.

    In the end, I told the bank to stuff it and said I would come back in a few years to see if they wanted my cash then.

    Simon

  4. #4
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    Here's the info for Siam Commercial Bank in Laos if you wanna contact them.

    Siam Commercial Bank

    117 SamsenthaiRd Sisaket Vientiane Cap.
    4809 Vientiane Cap., Lao PDR
    • Tel: +856-21 2135 00
    • Tel: +856-21 2135 01
    • Fax: +856-21 2135 02
    • E-Mail: scbvte[at]laotel.com
    Black diamonds? I shit 'em.

  5. #5
    Newbie highlander's Avatar
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    thanks for that guys sc sounds interesting, "apparently i can get a lao business visa in ubon" for about 250$ us.

    scotty

  6. #6
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    Pol the Pot's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by highlander View Post
    thanks for that guys sc sounds interesting, "apparently i can get a lao business visa in ubon" for about 250$ us.

    scotty
    Look into getting it in Laos. Might be cheaper.

  7. #7
    Newbie highlander's Avatar
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    just recieved this e mail from kasikorn bank, so it looks as if i can open an account.

    "According to your enquiry about opening new account at Vientiene in Laos, we would like to inform you that you can open an account at Kasikornbank branch in Thailand only as the original form must be signed in the presence of an official of the Bank.

    We are sorry for this inconvenience. However, we would like to thank you for your interest in deposits product. If you need to know for more details, please do not hesitate to contact K-Contact Center at Tel. (66) 2888 8800 press 0 press 2 or email us at info[at]kasikornbank.com"

    Service is our heart, so you can 'Leave everything in our hands'.
    KASIKORNBANKGROUP Towards Service Excellence.

    Best Regards,
    Maylada Pootisirakorn
    K-Contact Center


    and thanks pol the pot might just look into that one..


    regards scotty

  8. #8
    Have you got any cheese Thetyim's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by highlander
    so it looks as if i can open an account.
    Quote Originally Posted by highlander
    you can open an account at Kasikornbank branch in Thailand only
    Sounds like you can't do it to me.


    I have written to three Laos banks and asked what is needed to open an account.
    If I get a reply I will let you know.
    Don't hold your breath

  9. #9
    The Dentist English Noodles's Avatar
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    Plenty of good information here. Laos Banks, Lao ATMs, LAK Kip Currency Exchange Rates April 2011

    Yes, you need a work permit to open any bank account in Laos, be it a local or foreign bank. Also worth noting is that opening a bank account at a Thai bank in Laos does NOT give you access to the bank network in Thailand.

  10. #10
    Have you got any cheese Thetyim's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by English Noodles
    Yes, you need a work permit to open any bank account in Laos
    So if you are retired in Laos you have to send your pension to another country?

  11. #11
    The Dentist English Noodles's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Thetyim
    So if you are retired in Laos you have to send your pension to another country?
    I guess so. Or they can get a work permit by paying a sponsor about $700. Once the account is opened they no longer need the work permit.

  12. #12
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    Work Permit

    Quote Originally Posted by highlander View Post
    thanks for that guys sc sounds interesting, "apparently i can get a lao business visa in ubon" for about 250$ us.

    scotty
    Hi Scotty
    Can you provide more info on how to get Lao work permit, many thanks.
    Tomas

  13. #13
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    Work Permit

    Quote Originally Posted by English Noodles View Post
    Quote Originally Posted by Thetyim
    So if you are retired in Laos you have to send your pension to another country?
    I guess so. Or they can get a work permit by paying a sponsor about $700. Once the account is opened they no longer need the work permit.
    Can you help with getting work permit in Laos ?
    Thank you.

  14. #14
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    Saiawardz - Home

    Check the above website out, they car arrange a work permit for you as can several other companies, Saiawardz charge $600 USD However I believe that other companies are charging around $450 USD For the same service so shop around when you get there (That's what I am going to do!)

    As for the bank account you don't actually need a work permit, my wife has been to the bank as I am moving out there soon and has been told that anyone can open a bank account with just their passport, they are trying to encourage people to invest in Kip savings accounts so are making it easy.

  15. #15
    The Dentist English Noodles's Avatar
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    ^Maybe you will find that she meant 'ASEAN' passport.

    Ask your wife to confirm what bank statef this, please.

  16. #16
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    Quote Originally Posted by English Noodles View Post
    ^Maybe you will find that she meant 'ASEAN' passport.

    Ask your wife to confirm what bank statef this, please.

    Right OK I can now 100% Confirm that anyone can open a bank account, my wife confirmed this and a friend (British) has opened an account with a simple 30 day tourist visa so yeh anyone can open a Lao bank account (well with BCEL At least)

  17. #17
    The Dentist English Noodles's Avatar
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    The thread is about opening an account with a Thai bank in Laos though.

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