Money Guide

How to Receive Money from the USA to Laos

Family can send you money from the USA within minutes. Here are the best options, compared honestly.

Fastest option: Western Union cash pickup

If you need money today, Western Union at BCEL Bank is your best option. Family sends from the US app, you pick up cash at the branch in minutes. Bring your passport.

Best Money Transfer Options

Western Union

Minutes

Fastest cash pickup. Available at BCEL Bank branches across Laos. No bank account needed.

Fee: $5–15 per transferPickup: Cash pickup at BCEL Bank, Talat Sao branch

Wise (formerly TransferWise)

1–2 days

Lowest fees for large amounts. Requires a Lao bank account to receive.

Fee: 0.5–1.5% of amountPickup: Direct to BCEL or LDB bank account

Remitly

Minutes to 1 day

Easy app for family to use. Good exchange rates. Both cash pickup and bank deposit.

Fee: $2–4 flat feePickup: Cash pickup or bank deposit

Xoom (PayPal)

Minutes

Good if family already uses PayPal. Cash pickup available.

Fee: $4–8 per transferPickup: Cash pickup at partner agents

How to Pick Up Western Union in Vientiane

1Have your family send money via the Western Union app or website
2They will receive a tracking number (MTCN) — get that number from them
3Go to BCEL Bank, Talat Sao branch (open Mon–Fri 8:30am–3:30pm)
4Bring your passport and the MTCN number
5Fill out the receive form at the counter
6Receive your cash in LAK or USD

Opening a Bank Account in Laos

To receive bank transfers (Wise, Remitly bank deposit), you need a Lao bank account. The easiest to open:

BCEL Bank

Most branches. English-speaking staff at main Vientiane branch. Requires passport and 50,000 LAK minimum deposit.

LDB (Lao Development Bank)

Also widely available. Similar requirements to BCEL. Good for rural areas.

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