The official currency of Myanmar is the Kyat (pronounced Chat). The currency comes is the notes of the following denominations; 10,000, 5,000, 1000, 500, 200, 100, 50.
US Dollars are accepted in most hotels and some tourist shops and restaurants, although it is recommended to carry kyat for other purchases, local restaurants and tipping. Money changers are found in the main tourist cities.
Passport must have a minimum of 6 months validity to remain at the traveling date.
Tourist Entry Visa (Foreign Independent Traveler)You can now apply for your visa online.
The eVisa Online System is currently only available to Tourists for Tourism purposes. For more information and to apply for a Visa please go to http://evisa.moip.gov.mm. The process takes 5 business days and costs 50 USD which must be paid in advance by credit or debit card.
A Tourist Visa allows a stay of 28 days.
For overstaying a fine of USD 3 is charged at immigration counter at the airport.
Overland entry is permitted for Thai tourists with a border pass and for third party tourists with visa at Tachileik and Kawthaung check points along Myanmar-Thai Border; and for Chinese tourists with a border pass and for third party tourists with visa at Muse along Myanmar-China Border.
There is now a GSM Network in Myanmar which many international telephone providers can now access. Your mobile telephone provider will be able to provide you with the necessary information on how to use your phone when traveling in Myanmar. The cost of having access to use your phone in Myanmar may vary widely from provider to provider and we recommend that you shop around. Connection is normally good in Yangon and Mandalay but not consistent with the rest of the country.
Telephone and fax facilities are now available in most of the hotels. Oversea phone calls remain expansive.
Internet is now widely available in most of the hotels. Some hotels, mostly in Yangon and Mandalay propose the Wi-Fi connection. The connection is however very slow and might not be always available in areas as Bagan, Inle or Ngapali.
There is no vaccination required before coming to Myanmar. However you should take adequate supplies of prescription medicines with you as such medicine might not be available while you are touring. Travelers should check with their doctor or a travel immunization clinic regarding the advisability of inoculation against typhoid and hepatitis.
Myanmar International SOS Clinic, Yangon
37, Kaba Aye Pagoda Road
Tel: 01 667 871, 01 667 877, 01 667 879, 01 667 897
Insect repellents are recommended, especially when traveling to remote areas, in conjunction with other measures to prevent mosquito bites. The sun can be remarkably hot, so a hat and sun block cream is advisable.
Burmese cuisine uses rice or noodles as staple dishes, usually served with a variety of side dishes: curries with meat or fish, vegetable, salads, soup, condiments etc. Curries tend to be less chilly-hotter than Thai versions. Chinese, Thai and Indian restaurants are also found in major cities, but European cuisine is mostly confined to major hotels at present. Travelers are advised against eating from street or market stalls.
Myanmar has three “seasons”: – (1) Hot Season (March to May), (2) Rainy Season (June to September), (3) Cool Season (October to February). The ideal time to visit Myanmar is during the cool season.
Cotton clothing and a light wrap on evening during winter season (between Oct and Feb) are recommended. When visiting temples, pagodas or other places of religious worship, it is necessary to dress modestly, as any kind of revealing clothing’s is frowned upon in Myanmar. Removal of all footwear and socks is necessary before entering all places of religious worship.
Take plenty of film, as locally available supplies are not always reliable. Photography in airports, railway stations and near any military installation is forbidden. For close-up shots of people always ask first.
Always keep your Passport and money in secure places, especially when traveling by train or bus. Report all losses to the nearest-Police Station as well as to your Embassy.
The voltage in Myanmar is 220-230 Volts AC, running at 50 Hz.
Most of the international hotels have their own generators which provide a stable, continuous electricity supply.
Many other places experience power cuts and voltage fluctuation which can damage equipment like computers. It is therefore recommended that you carry with you a surge protector to ensure the integrity of your electrical items.
Most of the major hotels utilize the British 3 pin rectangular blade plug, although you may find the Old British round 3 pin plug or the European round 2 pin plug.
Widely practiced, in addition to hotel and restaurant service charges are shown on bills. Porters expect approximately 300 Kyat per bag, slightly more at airports.
Best buys include lacquer wares, silver, wood and stone carvings, handwoven silks and cottons, gems, ‘Kalaga’ embroidered tapestries, traditional puppets and tribal handicrafts. All gems and jewelery purchases should be made through a government authorized dealer. Please ask licensed voucher from shop to show at the airport at departure time. (This voucher will also guarantee for real gems). Bargaining is essential for all souvenirs shopping.
Valuable items as jewelry, electrical goods should be declared on arrival as well as antiques bought in another country with a certificate of origin. Gems, jewelry or antique objects should be purchased with an official receipt from the shop dealer. Export of Buddha Images and archeological items is strictly prohibited. A limit of 200 cigarettes and 1 liter of wine or spirit purchased at duty free is allowed. All luggage is going through X-Ray on arrival and departure.
The domestic airport tax (1000 Kyats) and the international airport tax (10 USD) are included in the air ticket and is not needed to be paid at the airport when checking in.
It is essential to purchase a medical insurance before to travel to Myanmar. We strongly advise that you purchase a comprehensive travel insurance policy to cover all aspects of your tour; including the loss of deposits through cancellation, loss of baggage and personal items, personal injury and illness. A waiver must be signed if insurance is declined.