emergency Assistance

Victims of Crime

If an American is a victim of crime in Laos, he or she should contact the police in his or her local area to report the incident and request a police report. Victims of crime will generally report the crime to local police, who will create an incident report, which is then taken to the tourist police, who will create an English incident report and report of loss of any items stolen. The tourist police can be reached in Vientiane by calling 021-251-128.

In such situations, Americans may also need to seek medical attention. The Embassy generally advises American citizens to seek medical attention in Thailand, as medical care in Laos does not meet western standards.

While the consular section will do all it can to assist victims of crime, it is not required for Americans who are victims of crime in Laos to contact the Embassy.

Arrest and Detention
If an American citizen is detained by Lao authorities, the Embassy does all it can to assist. If you are arrested, you should ask the authorities to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately, as there is often a long delay between detention of an American citizen, and notification to the U.S. Embassy. The U.S. Embassy cannot get you out of jail (when you are in a foreign country, you are subject to its laws). However, the Embassy can work to protect your legitimate interests and try to ensure that you are not discriminated against. The Embassy can try to obtain relief if you are held under inhumane or unhealthful conditions. The Embassy will visit you, inform you generally about local laws, and contact family and friends on your behalf. Consular officers can transfer money, food, and clothing to the prison authorities from your family and friends.
Emergency Funds
Sending Money Overseas
The fastest and most efficient method to send money internationally, including to Laos, is via Western Union. Although slower than Western Union, the U.S. Department of State can assist relatives in the U.S. who wish to send money in an emergency. The Consulate cannot cash checks. If for some reason an American citizen becomes destitute in Laos, the ACS Unit can assist in contacting family members or friends who can send money.
What are the different methods for my friends and family to send
emergency funds to Laos?
OCS Trust
An OCS Trust can be used to send money to a U.S. citizen in an emergency financial situation. When one uses this service, a Department of State trust account is established in the recipient’s name in order to forward funds overseas. There is a $30 processing fee. The person sending the funds must transfer the money to the Department of State via Western Union, bank wire, or cashier’s check. Upon receipt, the Department of State sends a telegram to the appropriate U.S. Embassy or Consulate abroad authorizing next workday disbursement. The recipient must contact the Embassy or Consulate to arrange receipt. Depending on the method used to transfer funds to the Department of State, it can take 3-10 business days to complete the transfer to the recipient overseas.

Western Union
In light of the time required to process an OCS Trust transaction, many prefer to work directly with Western Union to send money overseas. Western Union operates in Laos in partnership in partnership with local banks. The money transfer information is sent through the company's international computer network. The recipient can collect the funds a few minutes after the transaction is complete. Western Union charges a 0.5% service fee. They have several locations in Vientiane.

MoneyGram
Similar to Western Union, MoneyGram transfers funds electronically through its network of over 50,000 international agents. However, unlike Western Union, which charges a flat fee, MoneyGram’s fee is based on the origination and destination cities, amount of money sent, and the desired speed of transaction. MoneyGram has many locations in the Vientiane Capital Area.

What if no one can send me money?
In certain emergency cases, the consular section may be able to help a destitute American return home. However, applicants must meet strict criteria in order to qualify for a loan, and will not be permitted to leave the U.S. again until they repay the full amount of their loan. Assistance cannot be provided to pay existing debts.

Contact Information:
OCS Trust
Room 4811
Department of State
2201 C St. NW Washington, D.C. 20520
8AM - 10PM weekdays 9AM - 3PM Saturday
202-647-5225

Western Union
1-800-325-6000
www.westernunion.com

In Vientiane:
Krungsri Ayuthaya Bank
Lanexang Ave., Ban Hatsady, Chanthabouly District
Vientiane, Laos (across from Morning Market)
Tel (856-21) 21 4575; 21 3521
Fax (856-21) 21 3520
(Working hours: 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., money transfers can be immediate)
For a list of Western Union Agents throughout Laos, click here and choose Laos from the country drop-down list.

MoneyGram
1-800-MONEYGRAM
(1-800-666-3947)
1-800-926-9400
www.moneygram.com

Lao Commercial Bank (BCEL)
Address: No. 1 Pangkham Street, P.O. Box 2925,
Vientiane, Laos (between the river and the fountain square)
Tel (856-21)-21 3200-01, 22 3243-44, 21 7899;
Fax (856-21)-21 3202, 21 4944
(Funds transferred within one day, payable in U.S. dollars, changeable into Kip or Baht)

For a list of MoneyGram Agents throughout Laos, click here.

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emergency Assistance

Victims of Crime

Sending Money Overseas

What are the different methods for my friends and family to send emergency funds to Laos?

What are the different methods for my friends and family to send
emergency funds to Laos?