Myanmar Travel Tips

Banks: 10:00 to 16:00, Monday to Friday
Post Offices: 08:00 to 17:00, Monday to Friday
Department Stores and Shops: 08:00 to 22:00, daily
Museums: 10:00 to 16:00, Tuesday to Saturday
Business Offices: 09:30 to 16:30, Monday to Friday

Any visit to Myanmar comes with an expected set of risks, though most of the risks relate more to locals than to foreigners. The political situation is constantly in flux, and often erupts suddenly into protests and violent crackdowns by the government. There are strict rules on freedom of speech and movement. Visitors should keep up with the current political climate before and during their trip to avoid any clashes between locals and the police.

Be sensitive to where and when you take photos, as many seemingly innocuous shots may be considered off-limits. If things deteriorate during your visit, it pays to have a contingency plan in mind for a quick exit from the country.

On a lighter note, visitors should be aware that petty crime exists in the capital Yangon and larger enclaves such as Mandalay and Bagan. Although rough handling from the police deters most would-be thieves, Myanmar is still a poor nation, and many people resort to theft to make ends meet. Be extra cautious when walking around at night, as this is when most crimes occur.

Police: 199
Electricity: 230V AC, 50Hz; all plugs are round European two-pin types.

Although visitors are not required to have any vaccinations to enter Myanmar, it is suggested that you are inoculated against hepatitis, tuberculosis and Japanese B encephalitis. Malaria also makes occasional appearances in jungle areas, so always wear long pants, socks and insect repellent at dusk or when trekking around the jungle.

All tap water should be considered unsafe to drink. Use only bottled drinking water, which is readily available in every town. Also, pay attention to your food when you are in remote areas. Roadside stalls and street vendors have the least stringent hygiene standards. By checking that your food has been thoroughly cooked, you can avoid stomach upsets. Avoid fresh salads and other uncooked foods.

Should you get a minor illness during your visit to Myanmar, the local pharmacy will be able to assist you. More serious ailments should be treated in Yangon or at one of the larger cities that offers good medical care. There are hospitals and clinics in all the larger towns, but only regional health centres in the outlying areas. It is possible to be treated in neighbouring Thailand if you prefer. It is strongly suggested that you buy some travel insurance to help with any unexpected medical situations.

Ambulance: 192
Yangon General Hospital: +95 1 256122

Myanmar’s official language is Burmese, though more than 100 dialects are spoken throughout the country. Most people who work in the tourism industry or in business circles are able to speak English.

Myanmar’s national currency is the kyat. There are 100 pyas in one kyat. Banknotes come in denominations of MMK1,000, 500, 200, 100 and 90 pyas. Coins come in denominations of MMK1, and 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1 pyas. US dollars are also widely accepted.

The issue of money is something to consider carefully before you visit Myanmar. There are some strict rules concerning currency here, and visitors who don’t come prepared are often left out in the cold. Cash is king in Myanmar. The preferred currency of choice is the US dollar, so it’s best to bring sufficient amounts to cover your trip. Euros are also fast becoming accepted in most cities. Credit cards and traveller’s cheques are not widely accepted, and there are no ATMs in the country. Be sure to carry around a steady supply of small bills in either US dollars or kyat to pay for sundries and the like. Large bills from any nation are hard to change.

All visitors over the age of 17 years can import 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 250 grams of tobacco; 1 litre of alcohol; and 5 litres of perfume without incurring a customs duty. Be sure to declare any cameras, jewellery or expensive electronics upon entering the country. If you neglect to report these items, customs officers at the airport may not let you take them out with you. All gems and jewellery must be purchased from an authorised shop in order to take them out of Myanmar.

The etiquette in Myanmar is similar to that in neighbouring Southeast Asian countries. Courtesy and respect for the Buddhist religion is expected, and a certain muted tolerance for the government is required. Take off your shoes before entering any temple or home, and try to avoid showing the soles of your feet in public as this is considered rude. A handshake is the normal form of greeting, though contact between women and foreign men is still taboo.

Try and dress conservatively during your stay in Myanmar. Shorts and miniskirts should not be worn in public by either men or women. It may be hot, but by wearing long pants and shirts you will garner the respect of the locals. Homosexuality is deemed illegal in Myanmar, so be prepared for a complete suppression of this lifestyle.

Dining Etiquette
There aren’t any particular social rules to know about when it comes to eating in Myanmar. The Burmese enjoy simple eating habits. The concept of service is still in its early stages of development, so don’t expect Western standards in the restaurants. Patience and good sense of humour goes a long way here. A five to 10 percent tip is expected in Myanmar’s restaurants despite the lack of service.

There’s no guarantee anyone you will be approved for a tourist visa for travel to Myanmar. A 28-day tourist visa is normally granted and must be applied for before arrival. Visa applications take from three days upwards, so plan ahead. Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry and extensions are not easily permitted on tourist visas. There is a US$10 departure tax when leaving the country.

The government provides limited tourist information for visitors, and often hotels  are the best source of tourist information.

Myanmar Tourism Promotion Board
Traders Hotel, Level 3, Business Centre
223 Sule Pagoda road
Yangon, Myanmar
Pone: +95 1 242 828, ext. 6462
Website: www.myanmar-tourism.com