Airlines Lao Aviation (tel 041/212140), at the airport, southeast of the city centre.

Banks and exchange Lao May Bank, near the town square on Khanthabouli Road, can change travellers' cheques; for cash advances on Visa and Mastercard go to BCEL on Oudomsin Road.

Consulates Thailand: at the Nanhai Hotel on Santisouk Road (Mon-Fri 8.30am-noon & 2-3.30pm; tel 041/212373); the visa costs B300, requires two photos and takes three working days. Vietnam: on Sisavang Vong Road (Mon-Fri 7.30-11am & 1.30-4.30pm; tel 041/212418); visas cost $50, require two photos and take five working days.

Hospitals and clinics A newly built hospital is located on Khanthabouli Road, near the museum; a 24-hour clinic operates on Phetsalat Road, a block south of the Hoongthip Hotel. The biggest pharmacy is on the corner of Oudomsin and Senna roads.

Laundry Fast and cheaply at the shops on Kouvolavong Road, north of the town square.

Post and telephone The GPO is on Khanthabouli Road, a few blocks south of the town square (Mon-Fri 8am-noon & 1-5pm, Sat & Sun 8-11am). The overseas phone and fax service building (daily 8am-10pm) is just behind it.