16/03/2021: New 5 Rial Polymer Banknote Introduced
A new polymer banknote with a denomination of 5 rials was introduced, enhancing durability and security features of the currency.
01/01/2021: Digitalization of the kip
The Bank of the Lao PDR introduced digital payment systems and promoted cashless transactions to modernize the use of the kip in the digital era.
14/10/2013: Kip exchange rate liberalized
Laos liberalized its exchange rate regime, allowing the kip's value to be determined by market forces, leading to fluctuations in its value.
15/01/2003: New Omani Rial Banknotes Issued
New series of Omani rial banknotes were introduced, featuring enhanced security features and updated designs.
02/07/1997: Lao kip devalued
Amidst the Asian financial crisis, the Lao government devalued the kip by approximately 20% against the US dollar.
12/06/1994: Smaller Denomination Coins Issued
Small denomination coins, including 5, 10, 25, and 50 baisa coins, were issued in order to facilitate everyday transactions.
17/03/1986: 200 Baisa Coin Introduced
A new 200 baisa coin was introduced, becoming the highest denomination coin in circulation at that time.
02/05/1980: Revaluation of the kip
The Lao government initiated a revaluation of the kip, resulting in the exchange rate of 1 new kip to 100 old kip.
02/12/1976: Kip becomes the sole legal tender
The Lao kip was declared as the sole legal tender in Laos, replacing the use of other currencies within the country.
11/11/1975: 1/8 Rial Copper-Nickel Coin Introduced
A new 1/8 rial coin made of copper-nickel was introduced, representing a fractional value of the rial currency.
02/03/1973: Rial Oman Pegged to US Dollar
The Omani rial was officially pegged to the United States dollar, with an exchange rate of 1 OMR = 2.895 USD.
27/07/1970: Rial Oman is Introduced
The Omani rial was introduced, replacing the Gulf rupee at a rate of 1 rial = 2.6008 rupees.
01/01/1952: Currency reform
Laos implemented a currency reform that replaced the French Indochinese piastre with the new kip, at an exchange rate of 100 new kip to 1 old piastre.
12/10/1945: Lao kip introduced
The Lao kip was first introduced as the official currency of Laos following the country's liberation from French colonial rule.