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.
23/03/2020: COVID-19 Pandemic Impact
The rand experienced significant volatility and depreciation as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, affecting the country's economy and trade balance.
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.
15/12/2008: Global Financial Crisis Impact
The rand plunged against major currencies due to the global financial crisis and concerns about South Africa's economic stability.
09/11/2001: Rand Weakens to Record Low
The rand weakened to an all-time low against the US dollar, due to global economic uncertainty and domestic political concerns.
02/07/1997: Lao kip devalued
Amidst the Asian financial crisis, the Lao government devalued the kip by approximately 20% against the US dollar.
01/01/1995: Establishment of Reserve Bank Independence
The South African Reserve Bank gained independence, allowing it to have more control over monetary policy.
27/04/1994: First Democratic Elections
The first democratic elections were held in South Africa, marking the end of apartheid and bringing political stability, positively affecting the rand's value.
01/08/1982: Currency Decimalization
The rand was decimalized, with 1 rand being equal to 100 cents.
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.
14/09/1961: Introduction of the Rand
The South African rand was introduced as the official currency, replacing the South African pound.
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.