Is it possible to have black and white film developed in Vientiane?  Or to even purchase film?  Or do I need to invest in a digital camera before moving there...

Yes, black and white films can be developed, and films are sold in Vientiane.

But everybody uses digital photography these days. It's best to invest in a digital camera, or you can purchase one in Laos.

Does Laos have any high tech gadgets for sale?
I'm not talking about those cheap $5 Chinese knock-offs! But more about the better performed Japanese templates.

I also heard that the price tag for authentic devices in Laos is comparble to the West. I also heard they are sold in proper stores (not in the flea markets). No bargaining! Is this true?

Not every gadgets sold in Laos are imported from China.

How about answering questions in the second paragraph?

Is it true or what?

The authentic devices in Laos are probably not as good as identical devices sold in the West.

Items comes in grades. A grade items are shipped to western countries, while C and D grade items are imported into Laos, which is why electronic gadgets in Laos tend to be cheaper and doesn't last long.

Proper stores or markets are the same because the items come from the same place. As for bargaining, you should always try to bargain with most purchases except in Mini Mart stores. I bargain even when items have a price tag, and they still reduce the price for me.

Admin Saovaluck wrote on 1^st Apr, 2011 at 5:29am:

Items comes in grades. A grade items are shipped to western countries, while C and D grade items are imported into Laos, which is why electronic gadgets in Laos tend to be cheaper and doesn't last long..

That's because they come from China! If they were made in Japan, they would be BETER!

Admin Saovaluck wrote on 1^st Apr, 2011 at 5:29am:

Proper stores or markets are the same because the items come from the same place. As for bargaining, you should always try to bargain with most purchases except in Mini Mart stores. I bargain even when items have a price tag, and they still reduce the price for me.

What's a Mini Mart store? Is it talaat sao?

I heard otherwise, but since you are the official correspondent, your word overrules all others!

How does one bargain in Laos? How does it start? How do you know when you have a deal?

THIS IS A QUESTION THAT I WOULD REALLY LIKE YOU TO ANSWER NANG. ALL THIS INSIDE INFORMATION will COME IN HANDY WHEN I'M BACK IN OUR BELOVED LAOS! :D

It doesn't matter what countries the items come from. Lesser quality goods from China are dumped in Laos, and yes Japanese items are better, but they may have minor flaws and these are also dumped in Laos. The customs in the West are more strict about what goes into their country, and the Chinese and Japanese are aware of this.

A mini mart is basically a small supermarket. Just bargain like you would when you bargain for a house in your country. You know when you have a deal if you are prepared to pay for it, and if you don't want it then just walk away. If they are desperate to sell it then they will lower their price and ask you to come back.

Admin Saovaluck wrote on 1^st Apr, 2011 at 6:49am:

You know when you have a deal if you are prepared to pay for it, and if you don't want it then just walk away. If they are desperate to sell it then they will lower their price and ask you to come back.

Laos sounds more and more cut-throat now.

Just walk away? That's it? Sounds very unLao-Like. :-*

That's what most locals do. They don't say "thank you for your time" or "have a nice day".

Just walk away is the norm.

Admin Saovaluck wrote on 1^st Apr, 2011 at 9:53pm:

That's what most locals do. They don't say "thank you for your time" or "have a nice day". Just walk away is the norm.

Why is this funny to me? ;D

It just sounds very unLao-like. ;D

Admin Saovaluck wrote on 1^st Apr, 2011 at 9:53pm:

That's what most locals do. They don't say "thank you for your time" or "have a nice day". Just walk away is the norm.

I know in China sometimes you get yelled at if you take a long time to decide on what items you want to purchase.  But, indeed we do need to get our Lao people to work on customer service.  

Well, the customer won't buy from them if they are yelled at.

Where's the best place in Vientiane to buy fish from?
This is a serious question, with no pun intended. I don't mean fish fished from the Mekong too. Imported fish.

You probably need to go to the supermarket at Lao ITECC to buy imported fish. The outdoor markets sell fish from the Mekong.

This is what our people need to consume more of. Forget about the cats and dogs. More fish! That's why we lack the brain power. This is no bs, but I just saw a documentary the other day that ascertains the fact. All the great civilizations that ever existed were setup around the sea. Look at Japan and all the sushi they eat. We all know how smart they are! We need more fish!

                                           Tell that to the 'Commies'. ;D

Japan is fortunate to be surrounded by sea, so they can eat as many fish as they like.

Yes they are; we're not. That, however, isn't an excuse! The 'Commies' should make it a priority to start importing more fish from overseas. That alone would do more for our people in the long run, than all these foreign investments. Off course it's not going to kick in over night, but I'm thinking ahead for our grandchildren's generation. I'm deviating to far from the main issue now, and am turning this into a political issue. Fish is what we need!

So all you Lao out there: eat more FISH!