Lost in Laos
American expat in Laos
Forum posts
29
Contacts
1
About me
American
Speaks Spanish, Russian, Japanese, English
Registration: 16 January 2012
International schools in Vientiane.? by antpb
Hi. Does anyone have any recent experience with the international schools kis, vis or ais? Recommendations for a 7 year old from UK? Also any advice for piano or violin lessons? Thanks
AIS is a relatively new school. I have heard little about it even though I have been teaching in Vientiane for a couple of years. I think it is still around though. But if your looking for a school for children there are some really good schools ... Read More
Getting married in Laos by Armand
Hi all, We invite all the ones who got married in Laos or who are about to get married in Laos to participate in this thread :) What are the formalities to get married in Laos? Is it the same for a couple of foreigners of for a mixed couple ...
The best and easiest way is to marry out of the country then register the marriage with the Lao Embassy there. When you come to Lao the deed is done and at only the cost of air fare etc...I just heard the other day in Vtn it is up to 5000 to marry ... Read More
Public transportation in Laos by Armand
Hi all, What do you think about the means of transportation in Laos ? Is the network of means of transportation well developed? What modes of transport are available? Do you use them? How much is a fare? Are they relatively ...
I guess we agree to disagree on this one Stumpy. The Tuk Tuks are somewhat out of control in my opinion. But I have a car now and just park at my father in laws house in Silom and get around on motorbike. For Somsaveth, I don't speak, read or write ... Read More
salary vs living cost!!?? by AYMENTN1
Hi all , i want to ask if we can live in vientiane with 1500 usd salary for a single man ???!!!
melia69 I would have to answer your question with NO! We have a school in Luang Prabang and we pay almost double that. Our teachers struggle. Remember it is a tourist area and it has both high and low seasons but it is a pricy environment. I would ... Read More
Public transportation in Laos by Armand
Hi all, What do you think about the means of transportation in Laos ? Is the network of means of transportation well developed? What modes of transport are available? Do you use them? How much is a fare? Are they relatively ...
I use public transport all the time. I live 30Km north of the capital and take a songtail and bus (new green and white) both are 5000 Kip but the songtail will take you to your door if you ask them too. The old grey buses still run and used to be ... Read More
salary vs living cost!!?? by AYMENTN1
Hi all , i want to ask if we can live in vientiane with 1500 usd salary for a single man ???!!!
I know many that do and many that just survive. Your personal lifestyle will dictate much of that. However, as of right now the country and in Vientiane proper is pushing a huge development program aimed at attracting tourist. This said, it is ... Read More
A good international school for girls (ages 12 & 10)
Hi, I would also recommend Kiettisack School. The overall population is greater in girls compared to boys. It has a large Korean population as well but there are also many expats from Canada, US, UK, Pakistan, India, Vietnam, China, Philipines, ... Read More
Looking for work in Laos by joebbowers
I'm a 30 year old American man with 7 years of experience teaching English in China. I feel I've learned enough about China that it's time to move on, and I've set my sites on Laos. I will be arriving in Laos in a few days to begin looking for ...
[Moderated: Please post in Jobs in Laos section] Read More
Residency visa Laos by stumpy
I have heard that it may be possible to get aresidnecy visa for Laos. I am interested in finding out more about this as I am married, living in Vientiane and will eventually settle there fulltime. Anyone have any info on this !!!
You got it. I hope that people realize inspite of all the hassels you encounter here in Lao, it is far easier to live, work or do business than in Thailand. Read More
Residency visa Laos by stumpy
I have heard that it may be possible to get aresidnecy visa for Laos. I am interested in finding out more about this as I am married, living in Vientiane and will eventually settle there fulltime. Anyone have any info on this !!!
Samsanuk, Well, said....Oh, and by the way I am not Lao. But as time goes by and I know more people it seems to be easier. But I can not agree more with what you said above. Stay clean, respectful, and don't cause problems. Be prepared to pay the ... Read More
Residency visa Laos by stumpy
I have heard that it may be possible to get aresidnecy visa for Laos. I am interested in finding out more about this as I am married, living in Vientiane and will eventually settle there fulltime. Anyone have any info on this !!!
Robert, they do exist. I have two coworkers that have them and my brother in law from China has one. The permanent residentcy is tied to family needs and/or business self-owned and operated. Most here are talking about work and the residentcy visa ... Read More
Looking for work in Laos by joebbowers
I'm a 30 year old American man with 7 years of experience teaching English in China. I feel I've learned enough about China that it's time to move on, and I've set my sites on Laos. I will be arriving in Laos in a few days to begin looking for ...
If anyone is interested I need teachers at my school in Vientiane. Grade 4 immediately as of Sept 3 and still open. Possible other openings coming also. Message me here. Read More
Residency visa Laos by stumpy
I have heard that it may be possible to get aresidnecy visa for Laos. I am interested in finding out more about this as I am married, living in Vientiane and will eventually settle there fulltime. Anyone have any info on this !!!
Forgive my spelling errors in the above post. It is 3am. Read More
Residency visa Laos by stumpy
I have heard that it may be possible to get aresidnecy visa for Laos. I am interested in finding out more about this as I am married, living in Vientiane and will eventually settle there fulltime. Anyone have any info on this !!!
The house registration basically shows ownership if my wife died and ties me to the support of my children (all adopted Lao). The residentcy give me all the rights of a Lao except voting rights which are not an issue anyway due to my spouse being ... Read More
Residency visa Laos by stumpy
I have heard that it may be possible to get aresidnecy visa for Laos. I am interested in finding out more about this as I am married, living in Vientiane and will eventually settle there fulltime. Anyone have any info on this !!!
My friend and coworker was quoted 5k for residentcy in Vientiane. But he had a friend that tried to do his work in Savannaket and got it done without going through Vientiane. He got his registration on his house for 500 dollars and residentcy for ... Read More
Getting married in Laos by Armand
Hi all, We invite all the ones who got married in Laos or who are about to get married in Laos to participate in this thread :) What are the formalities to get married in Laos? Is it the same for a couple of foreigners of for a mixed couple ...
I used TDS a few years ago and it only cost me 1500 US. But it seems greed is the norm now. I also heard that it now cost 5000 US not 15000 US. When Lao speak in numbers get them to write them down. they are used to Kip in the thousand place value. ... Read More
Residency visa Laos by stumpy
I have heard that it may be possible to get aresidnecy visa for Laos. I am interested in finding out more about this as I am married, living in Vientiane and will eventually settle there fulltime. Anyone have any info on this !!!
And you will have to pay 5,000 US unless you can by pass all the middle men. One of my fellow teachers just met all the requirements and the first thing said to him was Hah Paan Dollar. Read More
International schools in Vientiane.? by antpb
Hi. Does anyone have any recent experience with the international schools kis, vis or ais? Recommendations for a 7 year old from UK? Also any advice for piano or violin lessons? Thanks
Well, enrose we all have our opinions and you make valid points as do all. The IB program has been the latest fad in education. I have been teaching for 31 years abroad and I have been in many aspects of the programs offered. I can say that the IB ... Read More
International schools in Vientiane.? by antpb
Hi. Does anyone have any recent experience with the international schools kis, vis or ais? Recommendations for a 7 year old from UK? Also any advice for piano or violin lessons? Thanks
For information to all potential parents of children. The Ambassador of a country does not have the authority nor the qualifications to give accreditation to a school they may can certify but that is just acknowledgement. I have been on ... Read More
International schools in Vientiane.? by antpb
Hi. Does anyone have any recent experience with the international schools kis, vis or ais? Recommendations for a 7 year old from UK? Also any advice for piano or violin lessons? Thanks
To the above poster. I think right now you will hear a lot of different things. ...research. How do you say far better? What is your criteria. New schools are hot at the start and seek a level of operation during the first two years. Quality will ... Read More
Train from Bangkok to Luang Prabang by HCE
Dear fellow expats, Would you all be kind enough to give me advise as to how to go about taking a train ride from Bangkok to Luang Prabang or anywhere nearest Vientaine. I've tried searching this on the web but can't really get how it is. I am ...
i have used the train many times. Two leave Bangkok between 6pm and 9pm. Sleeper cars are available for about 700 baht first class, reclining sleeper in 2nd class a little cheaper, and third class are hardwood benches that do not recline and is very ... Read More
International schools in Vientiane.? by antpb
Hi. Does anyone have any recent experience with the international schools kis, vis or ais? Recommendations for a 7 year old from UK? Also any advice for piano or violin lessons? Thanks
I honestly have to say that both KIS and PIS are a flip of the coin. Both offer about the same quality but a different management style. Each one has experienced exceptional growth with tells you something about the local opinion or assessment of ... Read More
Looking for work in Laos by joebbowers
I'm a 30 year old American man with 7 years of experience teaching English in China. I feel I've learned enough about China that it's time to move on, and I've set my sites on Laos. I will be arriving in Laos in a few days to begin looking for ...
I can't offer any information outside of the capital area. I just recently accepted a job in Vientiane. I found that there are many jobs for teaching and tutoring but you really need to knock on doors. Don't expect a great salary at first either ... Read More
Organize your move to Laos by Julie
Hi all, we invite you to share your experience about moving to Laos. Here is a list of questions which might help the ones preparing their move to Laos: What would you bring and what would you leave behind? Is it a good idea to bring ...
I would like to know about a car and motorcycle. I was told that motorcycles over 125 cc are illegal in Lao and a car being transferred is taxed very steeply. I have a phantom which is over the 125 cc limit and cars are much cheaper to buy in ... Read More
To know about residency visa in laos by gvnaren
hi , im an indian , i came to know we can get residency visa in 6 months in laos , is that possible , how could i approach for that , did i need to pay some money for that , kindly i wish you to let me know about this details .. thanks in advance ...
Yes, it is possible. I do know it can be done for sure. I would not count on time being constant in anything dealing with beauracracy. However, I am married to a Lao, have a house, and a source of employment. I do not know of a single Indian living ... Read More
Child care in Laos
I agree with stumpy. I also know several very reputable sitters and housekeepers. One in fact is my sister in law. She was the housekeeper/sitter for a European family for many years. Dependable and honest. She can understand English well and can ... Read More
Buying property in Laos by Christine
Hi, can a foreigner buy property in Laos? If so, is it complicated? What is the process of purchasing a property in Laos? Any tips for buying property, such as a check-list of items to verify ? Thanks in advance for ...
Christine; Did you ever get an answer to your question? I am married to a Lao and we bought land. Or should I say she did. A foreigner can not own land but you can own the house on it. However, the downside is that it will cost about 5,000 US to get ... Read More
International schools in Vientiane.? by antpb
Hi. Does anyone have any recent experience with the international schools kis, vis or ais? Recommendations for a 7 year old from UK? Also any advice for piano or violin lessons? Thanks
I also would recommend Kittiesak or Panyathip. Both offer a very good education for a decent fee. I personally know both schools and have no hesitation to recommend either of them. Read More