TRAVEL TIPS
Any passengers departing Myanmar on international flights
will need to pay a departure tax of US$ 10.00 per person.
Myanmar has three seasons. *Winter Season - October through
February with average temperatures 20-30 C *Summer Season -
March through May with average temperatures 30-35 C *Raining
Season - June through September with average temperatures 25-35
C. The ideal time to visit Myanmar is during the winter season.
However, even during the raining season, Yangon normally
receives morning and afternoon showers while rainfall in Bagan
and Mandalay is very low. The weather around Inle Lake and in
Shan State is quite pleasant all year round but cold at night
from December to February.
Credit Cards are only accepted at a very few major hotels,
airlines and some international shops and restaurants. We
suggest bringing a sufficient amount of cash for personal
expenses. The exchange of traveler cheques as well is very
difficult and time consuming. You must bring the original
purchase agreement for the traveler’s cheques with you as proof
when cashing your cheque's. Banks are closed on Saturdays,
Sundays and all public holidays.
We recommend visitors to bring US Dollar in cash only –
larger notes (US$ 100 notes) are achieving better exchange
rates. Exchange of other foreign currencies such as Euros, Yen
and Pounds Sterling are maybe time consuming and difficult and
you get e very low exchange rate compared with US$. Authorized
money changer throughout Myanmar will usually only accept US
Dollars. The FEC (Foreign Exchange Currency) used in Myanmar as
currency next to the local currency Kyat (pronounced “Chat”) is
more or less equal to the US Dollar (1=1?) and can easily been
used for payment of purchases throughout the country.
Air Mandalay and Air Bagan are privately operated
airlines flying throughout Myanmar. There is a 20 Kilo limit for
baggage per person and excess baggage fees may be charged. We
suggest you leave items not needed upcountry in Yangon and
collect them upon your return.
Only drink purified bottle water. Bottled water is readily
available and some hotels provide complimentary. Carry a bottle
with you throughout the day.
Two bottles of liquor, two cartons of cigarettes or 100
cigars and half liter of perfume are allowed per person. It is
recommended not to bring those things in as Myanmar shop prices
are generally much below duty free.
ENTRANCE FEES IN US$/FEC is to be paid in some places i.e.
pagodas, museums, parks etc.
Try to arrange your journey to coincide with a festival.
These unique celebrations - such as the annual Phaung Daw Oo
Pagoda Festival around Inle Lake - offer a perfect chance to
visit villages and join the locals as they celebrate their
festivals throughout the year. Click on our FESTIVALS button for
the latest events.
Myanmar's are genuinely happy to help foreign visitors and
don't expect anything in return. But if your guide or any other
person during your trip was especially kind or helpful a
gratuity would be a generous gesture and greatly appreciated.
No inoculations or vaccinations are required unless coming
from or passing through an infected area. Clients should bring
sufficient medication with them if required and should check for
updated health recommendations before your departure to Myanmar
regarding hepatitis, malaria, typhoid, etc. Please contact us if
you would like detailed information on emergency health services
available.
Your valuables (jewelry, cameras, electronic equipment, etc.)
should be declared on your customs declaration form upon
arrival. Receipt of purchase and an export permit voucher for
locally bought goods such as gems and jewelry may be required
upon departure.
We recommend all clients to obtain the necessary personal
baggage, medical and accident insurance before arrival. SOS
Worldwide has a local representative office in Yangon with a 24
hour on call service for emergency evacuation and medical
assistance.
The majority of the people speak Myanmar (Burmese) and
English is widely used.
GMT + 6.5 YANGON 0700 hours on Monday
GMT - 5 NEW YORK 1930 hours on Sunday
GMT 0 LONDON 0030 hours on Monday
GMT +1 PARIS 0130 hours on Monday
GMT +7 BANGKOK 0730 hours on Monday
GMT +8 HONG KONG 0830 hours on Monday
GMT +10 SYDNEY 1030 hours on Monday
Hand Phones or Mobile Telephones from other countries
currently do not operate in Myanmar. It is possible to buy a SIM
card in Myanmar.
Throughout most Asian countries including Myanmar MSG
(Monosodium Glutamate) - known locally as 'AJINOMOTO' - is still
used in food preparation in some restaurants. Some travelers who
may experience swollen feet, hands or headaches will more than
likely have had a good amount of MSG in the food. It is always
best to inform your guide when ordering if you do not wish it to
be added to your food.
Our recommended hotels in Yangon, Mandalay and Bagan offer 24
hour power (with a generator if needed). In other more isolated
areas like Kyaingtong, the Shan Hills, Kalaw, Pindaya, Taunggyi,
Nyaung Shwe and Inle Lake - generated power may not always be
available. Most hotel rooms have screens and mosquito nets.
The majority of the people of Myanmar are Buddhist although
Christianity, Islam and Hinduism are also practiced.
Telephones & fax facilities are available in most hotels in
Yangon and Mandalay but charges are quite expensive. E mail
facilities are now available at many hotels and local businesses
in Yangon and Mandalay.
A visa is required in advance. Tourist visa for Myanmar can
be obtained from any Myanmar Embassy or Consulate world-wide.
Please see our list of Embassies and Consulates below. Travelers
who plan to arrive via Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore or Hong
Kong can sometimes obtain their tourist visas within one working
day.
Visa on arrival: Tourist Visa on arrival can be arranged. Tourist visa are valid for a stay of up to 28
days.
We are also able to apply for visa on arrival, for travelers
arriving at Yangon International Airport. It can take up to 3
weeks to get the approval (normally 10-14days), as all
applications have to be send to Pyinmana / Nay Pyi Taw (the new
capital). As soon as we have the approval we will send you a
message. The airlines are already informed on your arrival, so
nothing else is needed. (Rules changed March 2010).The
Immigration at Yangon International Airport will issue the visa
for you and our representative will be also there to assist you.
Tour Visa tourist visa can be obtained either at the Myanmar
embassies all over the world or we can provide a VISA on arrival
for tourist visa.
In the past, people travel to Myanmar had to change USD 200
into FEC at the airport.
Now things have improved. There is no demand for money change
any more. However, travelers may get confused because an
exchange counter still exist in Yangon airport attracting the
travelers who do not know the latest development to change USD
to Myanmar currency "Kyat ".
This is not compulsory so no need to change if travelers do
not want to change.
The voltage in Myanmar is 220-230 Volts AC. Most of the
international hotels have their own generators. Other places may
experience power cuts and voltage fluctuation which can damage
equipment like computers. Please travel with the required
protection for your electrical items.
Sun hat, sun glasses (available locally), sun protection for
your face and body, prescription medicines, insect repellent and
an umbrella April to October (rain or shine). An antibiotic
cream for minor cuts and scratches, extra pair of prescription
glasses, a small flashlight, extra passport photos.
Shorts, short skirts or revealing clothing are not
appropriate especially when visiting temples or any religious
site. Myanmar is a conservative Buddhist culture and improper
dress can be offensive. Please dress with respect for the local
culture. Lightweight, easy to care clothes of cotton and cool
fabrics are ideal all year round. A winter sweater or jacket and
socks may be needed in the cool season when visiting up country
especially around Inle Lake and Kalaw when the weather can drop
to near freezing during the night. Wear sensible walking shoes
which can be easily removed when required. Sandals, thongs or
flip-flops (available locally) are very convenient footwear.
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