Parksonmall, Vientiane, Laos: the most popular places to exchange money for travelers | Exchange rate comparison and tips

When traveling to Vientiane, Laos, it can make a big difference where you exchange your money, as each bureau offers slightly different exchange rates. Based on my first-hand experience in Vientiane, I'd like to share some tips for exchanging money at Parksonmall.

Parksonmall is one of the largest shopping malls in Vientiane, and it's a great place to find the best exchange rates because it's home to a number of private money changers. Walking around the mall, comparing rates, and making an educated choice based on the day's exchange rate is a great way to save money on your trip. I've compared a few exchange offices at Parksonmall and have put together a list of tips that I hope will help you.

1. Parksonmall: Vientiane's premier mall and currency exchange mecca

Parksonmall is the newest and largest shopping mall in Vientiane, Laos. It's easily accessible from Vientiane's city center and has a wide variety of shops and restaurants, making it a must-visit for travelers. One of the best things about Parksonmall is that it's home to several private currency exchange agencies. This makes it a great place to save time and find the best exchange rate, as you can compare multiple bureaus at once.

Malls also have a wide range of amenities inside, including clothing, electronics, restaurants, and more, so you can get everything you need for your trip in one place, in addition to currency exchange. You can browse the mall, shop for your favorite items, and enjoy a delicious meal, making it a great place to take a break from your travels.

2. Currency exchange comparison: small differences make a big difference

There are several currency exchange offices in Parksonmall, and I've compared them and found that the exchange rates vary slightly. Depending on the exchange office, the exchange rate varied between 2.2 million and 2.3 million kip. You might think it's a small difference at first, but a difference of more than 100,000 kip per $100 can have a significant impact on the actual cost of traveling. Especially in Laos, the exchange rate fluctuates daily from exchange office to exchange office, so it's important to check the exchange rate information the day before you exchange money and choose the one that offers the best deal on the day.

3. Exchange 129 offers the best exchange rate at Parksonmall

The best exchange rate in Parksonmall during my visit was at Exchange Office 129. This is one of the best exchange rates in Paxson Mall, and it offered much more favorable terms compared to the other bureaus. On the day I visited, they were offering 2.33 million baht per $100, which was better than the other bureaus I compared.

Among the many currency exchange bureaus in Paxson Mall, Bureau 129 has a good reputation among travelers, and many people come here to exchange money. However, the exchange rate fluctuates daily, so it's always a good idea to check the current rate before you go. Doing your research is a must in order to get the best deal.

4. Western Union used to have the best exchange rate, but now it's gone?

In the past, the Western Union exchange in Parksonmall was known for offering the best exchange rates, especially for Korean travelers, but things have changed. Nowadays, exchange bureaus 129, 138, and 139 offer better exchange rates than Western Union. Although Western Union still plays a role as a currency exchange center, the number of visitors has decreased due to the competition in exchange rates.

Therefore, rather than relying solely on Western Union, it's much more beneficial to compare multiple currency exchanges in Paxson Mall. We recommend that you focus your search on bureaus 129, 138, and 139, as they often offer better deals.

5. Another option: Exchange 138 and 139

Often compared to Paxson Mall's No. 129, Paxson Mall's No. 138 and 139 are also two of the best currency exchanges in Paxson Mall, but their rates vary slightly from day to day, so it's always a good idea to compare them before exchanging money.

In particular, exchange bureaus 138 and 139 are known for their competitive exchange rates within Paxson Mall. They compete with each other and offer slightly different exchange rates every day, so it's always a good idea to compare both before you go to get the best deal. When exchanging money, it's a good idea to shop around for the best rate, rather than just checking one place.

6. What to look out for when exchanging money on Parksonmall

When exchanging money at Parksonmall, it's important to keep in mind that the exchange rate fluctuates on a daily basis. If possible, set a time to exchange money in advance to find the best rate for the day, as the exchange rate can change several times a day. You should also be mindful of security when dealing with large amounts of money. It's important to keep an eye on your belongings and keep your cash safe when exchanging money in a crowded mall.

7. Advantages and disadvantages of private currency exchange

Private money changers in Parksonmall often offer better exchange rates than banks, but the Lao government has tightened regulations on private money changers, so you should be careful when choosing one.

If you're looking for a good exchange rate, you're better off choosing a private exchange, but if you're looking for safety, you should also consider exchanging money at the airport or at a bank.

8. Be aware of security when exchanging money

While security in Southeast Asia has improved a lot, you should always be cautious when handling large amounts of cash. It's important to keep a close eye on your belongings, especially in crowded shopping malls like Paxson Mall, and keep your money in a safe place. It's always better to be cautious to avoid any unexpected situations while traveling.

9. Parksonmall, the best place to exchange money

In conclusion, to find the best exchange rate in Vientiane, it's best to focus your comparison on exchange offices 129, 138, and 139 in Parksonmall. Parksonmall is a great place to shop, dine, and exchange money while traveling. The large number of bureaus makes it easy to compare, and it's a great place to shop around for the best exchange rate of the day.

If you're planning to exchange money in Vientiane, Parksonmall is a must-stop. You can compare multiple currency exchanges to find the best deal and save money on your trip by making smart currency exchange choices.