LAKLao KipLao Kip (LAK)
The Lao kip is the national currency of Laos and the unit used for domestic prices, accounts and payments. The Bank of the Lao P.D.R. is the country's monetary authority and the institution associated with kip issuance and monetary policy. LAK is the ISO code used in international exchange-rate records, while the kip is divided into 100 att in the formal currency description. The country name and code matter because neighboring economies use different currencies in daily commerce, and a local price may be discussed alongside Thai baht, U.S. dollars or Chinese yuan.
- ISO code
- LAK
- Symbol
- ₭
- Region
- Asia Pacific
- Currency type
- Fiat currency
- Exchange system
- Lao Kip operates under the reviewed managed exchange-rate framework arrangement.
- Last reviewed
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Quick facts
LAK at a glance
Currency profile
How LAK works
The Lao kip is the national currency of Laos and the unit used for domestic prices, accounts and payments. The Bank of the Lao P.D.R. is the country's monetary authority and the institution associated with kip issuance and monetary policy. LAK is the ISO code used in international exchange-rate records, while the kip is divided into 100 att in the formal currency description. The country name and code matter because neighboring economies use different currencies in daily commerce, and a local price may be discussed alongside Thai baht, U.S. dollars or Chinese yuan.
Bank of the Lao P.D.R. administers LAK within a managed exchange-rate framework system.
- The kip is the established national currency of Laos and is administered by the Bank of the Lao P.D.R.
- The reviewed cash profile records LAK 500, LAK 1,000, LAK 2,000, LAK 5,000, LAK 10,000, LAK 20,000, LAK 50,000, LAK 100,000 for banknotes and the officially documented circulation coin series for coins.
Context
Why this currency matters
The kip developed as Laos established its own monetary system after the colonial and wartime periods, and the Bank of the Lao P.D.R. now manages the national currency framework. Modern cash use is concentrated in kip banknotes, while smaller fractional units may be less visible in everyday transactions. The central bank's monetary and payment responsibilities cover the stability and operation of the currency system, not just the publication of a single exchange number. For visitors and businesses, LAK conversion is most useful when the rate date, direction and provider source are recorded together. The kip is the monetary unit behind Lao domestic prices and cash records, while LAK is the label used in international systems. A conversion result is easier to interpret when it keeps the country, code and rate date together. That combination is more reliable than relying on a symbol or a translated currency name by itself.
Monetary framework
Exchange arrangement
Lao Kip operates under the reviewed managed exchange-rate framework arrangement.
CurrencyHub shows daily reference rates. Banks, card networks, ATMs and transfer providers may apply different exchange rates, fees or spreads.
History timeline
Key dates for LAK
Royal kip introduced
Laos introduced a national kip during the final years of the French colonial monetary system.
Bank of the Lao P.D.R.Liberation kip adopted
A new kip replaced the royal issue after political transition.
Bank of the Lao P.D.R.Current Lao kip established
The current kip replaced the liberation kip at one new kip to one hundred old kip.
Bank of the Lao P.D.R.
Usage and economy
How LAK is used
- LAK denominates public accounts, wages and most domestic prices in Laos.
- Kip comparisons are relevant for Mekong-region trade, travel and cross-border household payments.
Banknotes and coins
LAK currency units
The issuing authority documents the reviewed LAK banknote denominations used in the current cash system.
The issuing authority documents the circulation coin system for LAK.
One Lao Kip unit is recorded with 2 decimal places and uses Att as its minor unit.
Related currencies
Currency relationships
Explore currencies connected through regional use, trade comparisons or monetary relationships.
FAQ
LAK questions
Who manages the Lao kip?
The Bank of the Lao P.D.R. is the country's monetary authority responsible for the kip and the monetary framework.
Why might a Laos price also be shown in another currency?
Businesses may compare prices with neighboring or widely used currencies, but those displays never change the kip's role as Laos's national currency.
What changed for LAK in 1952?
Laos introduced a national kip during the final years of the French colonial monetary system.
Sources
Data and editorial review
Rate source: Frankfurter
Last reviewed:
Currency identity and cash information is checked against central-bank, government, ISO and official international sources.