Yangon Travel Tips

Banks: 10:00 to 16:00, Monday to Friday
Government Offices: 09:30 to 16:30, Monday to Friday
Department Stores and Shops: 10:00 to 17:00, daily
Business Offices: 09:30 to 17:30, Monday to Friday; 09:00 to 15:00, Saturday

Yangon is considered a safe destination for visitors, as rates of crime are low. Nevertheless, it is advisable to take normal precautions such as keeping valuables out of view and avoiding poorly lit and low-trafficked areas at night. Pick-pocketing is a major problem that tourists face, especially in crowded areas.

There is a significant police presence around the city, partly due to political tensions. Visitors are advised to keep up to date with political developments as violent clashes between the police and democracy supporters have been known to occur. You should avoid any public demonstrations where there may be a risk of violence.

Electricity: 220 volts, 50Hz. Plugs include European-style plugs with two circular pins and British-style plugs with two flat blades and a flat grounding blade.

Visitors are not required to show evidence of vaccination. Diseases that are prevalent in Myanmar include tuberculosis and AIDS. Visitors should take necessary precautions against HIV infection. If you are travelling to the countryside, using an insect repellent to protect against mosquito bites and malaria is recommended. The rays of the sun are very strong here and sunburn can occur quite quickly. Use of sun block whenever you’re outdoors is advised.

The tap water Yangon is not considered potable. Drinking bottled water is recommended. Milk is also not safe to drink, as it isn’t pasteurised. You should boil milk before drinking it. Fish and meats should be well-cooked before eating, and fruits and vegetables should be cooked or peeled.

If you require medical care during your visit, payment will be required at the time services are rendered. For this reason, having travel insurance is recommended, so that you can apply for reimbursement once you have returned to your home country.

In Yangon, a number of clinics and hospitals are operated by the Ministry of Health. There are also a few privately owned and operated clinics, which are preferable. Many internationally qualified physicians practice in Yangon, but there is a considerable range in the quality of services offered.

Yangon General Hospital: +95 1 241722

Emergency: 199

The official language of the country is Burmese, and over 100 dialects are spoken. English is spoken more widely in Yangon than in other parts of the country, although you may encounter people who do not speak or understand the language at all. Anyone working in businesses or providing services to tourists is likely to be proficient in English.

Myanmar’s currency unit is the kyat, abbreviated as MMR. One kyat equals 100 pyas. The government has linked the kyat to the US dollar, with an official exchange rate of approximately MMR6 to US$1. Banknotes are found in denominations of MMK1,000, 500, 200, 100; and 90 pyas; and coins in denominations of MMK1 and 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1 pyas. From time to time, the government declares certain denominations to be invalid, in an attempt to combat black market trading in the currency.

Previously, foreign visitors were required to exchange their currency into Foreign Exchange Certificates (FECs) for use during their stay in the country. FECs are still accepted in the country for purchases, but visitors are recommended to use cash instead. Make sure you bring some US dollars, as it can be difficult to exchange other currencies once you’re in country.

Foreign currency can be changed at your hotel. You’ll find that traveller’s cheques aren’t always accepted and that ATMs aren’t available. It’s a good idea to have enough cash on hand to cover expenses that haven’t been prepaid. Money can be exchanged at banks, private money exchange outlets. Visitors are advised not to change money on the black market. Some of the larger, more upscale hotels accept Visa credit cards. It’s likely that a surcharge of up to 10 per cent will be imposed on payments made using Visa.

Goods that may be brought into the country duty-free include: two litres of alcohol; 200 cigarettes, 100 cigars or the equivalent in loose tobacco; and half a litre of perfume. Foreign currency in excess of US$2,000, valuable jewellery and electronic items must be declared on arrival, as failure to so could result in these items being confiscated when you leave Myanmar. Items that cannot be taken out of the country include antiques and important archaeological artefacts.

Hand-shaking is the normal greeting in Yangon, as it is throughout the country. People are addressed using their full name, preceded by the title U if the person in question is an older adult or well-respected male. Ko is the general title for adult males; Aung is used for young men; and Daw is used for women. Visitors are expected to respect religious practices and sites, and local traditions. Shoes should be removed before entering a temple and when entering someone’s home.

Monks should always be treated with respect, even if they are very young. Women should not address monks directly or touch them. It’s considered very rude to point at anything with your foot, or to touch someone’s head or to sit with your back facing a Buddha image. It is uncommon for people to show public displays of affection here and any such display will likely be met with disapproval.

Dining Etiquette
Locals often eat using the fingers of their right hand, rather than using utensils. An exception to this practice is with food that is liquid or otherwise messy, in which case a spoon is used. When eating in a restaurant, you’ll probably notice that other diners tend to speak quietly and it is considerate for you to do likewise.

If someone invites you to their home for a meal, it’s appropriate to bring along a small gift. The gift isn’t essential, but a souvenir from your home country is considered thoughtful and will be appreciated by your host. Locals are hospitable, even though they may seem reticent at first. This is likely due to discomfort in speaking English. If you are offered food or drink, it is considered rude to refuse the offer.

Foreign visitors to Myanmar require a visa, which must be obtained in advance. Tourist visas are valid for 28 days from the date of entry, but you should be aware that visas are only valid for only three months from the date they are issued. You can apply for a visa at a Myanmar embassy or consulate in your home country. Visa processing time ranges from one to two weeks. If you’re planning to be in Bangkok for at least a week before visiting Myanmar, it is possible to arrange your visa through the Myanmar embassy there.

The main tourist information office in Yangon is located in the city centre, directly opposite Sule Pagoda. There’s an information desk at Yangon International Airport as well. The information offices provide city maps and basic information only. For the most up-to-date information, tour operators and hotel staff are likely to be a better bet. The main Tangon Tourist Information office is located at 77-91 Sule Pagoda road; phone: +95 1 252859.