I was wondering about how much was the average income in Laos. When I was there it seemed like there were some really wealthy people and then there were some really poor people. I even saw a new mercedes benz being driven on pot hole filled roads while an old lady was pulling a wooden cart. The difference seems so drastic. People have what they call "mae bahn" or mother of the house, but we would call that maids or live in house keepers. I've heard they make from $50-80 US a month. Seems like jobs are hard to come by that pay decent money. I would like to know more about daily life there and how much things would cost to live there such as rent, eating out, buying a car or bike, cost of school, clothing, food, etc. since I will be going there in about a year to live for a while. How do people afford to live off of $50 a month there, sort of puzzles me. What are the higher paying jobs and what are the requirements, fluency in english and laos? Are there any websites that post job ads for Laos?

In this day and age, the maids are called "mae bahn" because the term "khon hup sai" in the past makes them feel like they are being looked down.

Jobs are very easy to find in Vientiane that pays around $50 - $80 US per month.  To earn a decent amount of money, people need to work in a very high-skilled job or own a business.

Those who earn around $50 a month usually live with their parents so they don't have alot of expenses.

Many people earn multiple incomes. For example, they might earn $50 from their job and they might sell things and earn extra income. Some people earn commission from property owners when they refer buyers to them.

Just wondering if in Laos they have accounting firms.  From what I understand almost everything government owes.  I mean I don't mind start an accounting firm over there. Do some auditing, financial statements for the some private companies. Any info. is appreciated. I know Laos has come along way.  I hope it is not a dumb question. Again I left Laos 1978.  It has been more than 30 years.  I know a lot have changed.  Thanks in advance.

They have accounting firms in Laos. The government doesn't own everything, it depends what you do. Independent businesses are owned by an individual. Alot has changed, and alot also needs changing.

Does anyone know of the major companies that exist in Laos. Where would be a good place to work for someone like us who come from north america and speak both english and laos and have some education. I saw a japanese company there but not sure what they did. I know there is a laos telecom company there, are there any major international companies there perhaps?

Beerlao is the biggest company in Laos. Dao-Heuang is also a well known company.

Foreigners can work in Laos but they probably also need some skills too, and not just know how to speak English and Lao.

Wow, beerlao is the biggest company in Laos, that sure tells you something, hehe.

Beerlao is also the major sponsor of the SEA Games in Vientiane.


http://www.laopride.com/pictures/laopride281.jpg





http://www.laopride.com/pictures/laopride282.jpg