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.
01/01/2020: New Currency Symbol
A new currency symbol for the dobra, resembling the letters 'STD' with horizontal lines through them, was introduced for official use.
24/05/2018: Dobra Pegged to Euro
The dobra's exchange rate was pegged to the euro, aiming to stabilize the currency and boost economic cooperation with the European Union.
01/01/2016: Introduction of Polymer Banknotes
São Tomé and Príncipe started issuing polymer banknotes as a means to enhance durability and reduce counterfeiting of the dobra.
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.
01/01/2010: Currency Redenomination
The third dobra was introduced, with 1 new dobra equalling 1,000 old dobras, aiming to simplify transactions and boost confidence in the currency.
02/07/1997: Lao kip devalued
Amidst the Asian financial crisis, the Lao government devalued the kip by approximately 20% against the US dollar.
01/01/1997: Introduction of the New Dobra
A new currency, the 'second dobra,' was introduced at a rate of 1,000 to 1 to combat hyperinflation and stabilize the economy.
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.
24/12/1979: First Currency Devaluation
The first devaluation of the dobra occurred, reducing its value by 53% as a result of economic instability and inflation.
30/06/1977: Introduction of the Dobra
The São Tomé and Príncipe dobra was introduced as the official currency of the country after gaining independence from Portugal.
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.
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.