Time Zone

• GMT + 6 hours 30 minutes

Religion

• As a Buddhist country, respect for temples and all that implies is important. Removing shoes and accepting this (rather than making a fuss) goes a long way when travelling around the country.

• Remember to comment favourably about famous Buddhist sites, like the Shewadagon, when speaking with Burmese people. Do not be direct with a monk nor touch a monk or nun (especially women), even accidentally.

Currency

• The local currency in Myanmar is the kyat (pronounced “chat”).

• The official exchange rate is approximately US$ 1.00 = 6.75 Kyats. The actual value of the Kyat when buying goods, however, is approximately US$ 1.00 = 1000 Kyats. Therefore, it is best to carry lots of US Dollars in smaller notes (denominations of US $1, 5, 10 and 20 if possible) for spending. Currencies you may exchange are: US Dollars, Hong Kong Dollars, Pound Sterling, Malaysian Dollars, Euros and Australian Dollars.

Money Matters

• Only a few hotels in Myanmar accept credit cards. It will, therefore, be necessary for you to pay in cash everywhere. We suggest you carry US Dollars.

• The import and export of the Burmese kyat is forbidden, and the export of foreign currency is limited to the amount declared upon entry.

Tipping

• We recommend US $3-8 per person per day for the guide and US $1.50-4 per person per day for the driver. If giving a monetary tip please put it in an envelope. In hotels, porters expect gratuity. Give them US $0.50 per checked baggage. You are not expected to tip restaurant waiters and taxi drivers.

Weather

• For full details on climate, please see Best Time to Go.

Clothing

• Select modest and practical clothing for travelling. People in Myanmar are not accustomed to revealing clothes – conservative shorts are acceptable. Lightweight clothing is recommended, cotton or cotton/synthetic mixtures are the most comfortable. 

• As you will be doing a lot of walking, a sensible pair of shoes (two pairs is actually better in case one gets muddy or damaged) is essential.

Health

• If you are using prescribed drugs and medicine, make sure that you carry sufficient medication. 

• Anti-malaria precaution is necessary, especially if you are traveling during March through November. 

• Cholera inoculations are recommended. 

• Medicines are very limited in Burma, so please bring enough supplies. We recommend that you carry a small medical kit. 

• Please note that it is not safe to drink tap water in Myanmar.

• For up to date information on latest health and vaccination recommendations, please contact your doctor.

Electricity

• The current is 220 Volts/50 cycles and uses 2 flat pin plugs (US style). Converters should be taken into Myanmar as they may not be available. 

• A torch/flashlight is highly recommended in the event of power cuts.

Photography

• It is essential that you have plenty of film and camera batteries with you as it may sometimes be difficult to obtain them in Myanmar. You should not photograph any defence related services or airports. You are allowed to bring video cameras into Myanmar, but please be clear about guidelines for their use when in the country.

• Photographs of local Burmese people are not problematic, but it is best to have your local guide ask the person’s permission before photographing them. The Burmese are among the friendliest of Asian people and photography usually does not present any problems.

Arrival and Departure Formalities

• All visitors to Myanmar must have a valid visa to enter the country. The validity is 28 days and can be obtained through the Burmese Embassy in your home country or through a visa service. Please remember that your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the date of your departure from Myanmar.

• The Myanmar Exchange Control Currency Declaration Form (FEC 1) must be completed. Please be honest in your declaration as Burmese customs are strictly enforced. You must declare all notes and coins in your possession as well as any travellers cheques, bank drafts, L/C and personal cheques. You are permitted to bring 400 cigarettes, 100 cigars or 250 g tobacco, as well as one quart of alcohol into Myanmar. Artifacts cannot be taken out of the country unless they have authorised supporting documentation. Buddha images may not be taken out of Burma under any circumstances.

• There is an international airport departure tax of US $10.00 per person when leaving the country.

Local Customs

• It is important to remember that first and foremost you are a guest in Myanmar and like any good guest, you must exercise discretion and sensitivity to the country you are visiting. This is especially true in Myanmar due to its rigid government and Buddhist traditions.

• While we may pride ourselves on our openness and forthright expression of thought, these are not traditions held in high esteem in by the Burmese people. Remember respect, deference and patience are key characteristics when travelling and interacting with the Burmese.

• Losing your temper is considered highly rude and boorish – patience is a virtue in Burma. Remember to respect the concept of “face”, and give that person the respect he or she should be accorded.

• As the government of Myanmar is a military dictatorship and highly sensitive to criticism please do not engage your guide or driver in a discussion about democracy and the shortcomings of the Burmese government. Do not discuss the opposition party nor its leader unless the guide brings these topics up voluntarily (and even then you should be careful with what you say).

• The Burmese are highly superstitious people and put great store in auspicious symbols such as lucky days and religious objects. Respect these beliefs and do not get into a debate about these with your guides.

Local Food

• Burmese cuisine combines influences from India and China. It is not, however, one of the most notable cuisines of Southeast Asia. Burmese cuisine is less piquant than Thai and less varied than Vietnamese. Dishes tend to include coconut and curry bases but are somewhat heavier than the curries of neighbouring countries. Rice is the staple food and is normally served steamed to complement vegetable, meat and fish dishes.

• Please note that tap water is unsafe but bottled water is available as are the following beverages: tea, coffee (although outside hotels not good), soft drinks, beer (Myanmar Beer is especially recommended), fresh juices and imported wines.

Local Handicrafts

• There are a variety of interesting items to be bought in Myanmar. Shops and markets throughout the country feature lovely sarongs, textile weavings, lacquer alms bowls (for monks) woodcarvings and exquisitely embroidered kalagas hangings.

• The government-run state shops are considered very expensive and it is recommended that you concentrate on local shops and free markets where bargaining is encouraged.

• Please note that credit cards and travellers cheques ARE NOT ACCEPTED IN BURMA so you will need to prepare cash for payment.

• Please be clear about the export laws when contemplating any expensive art purchase.

Other Notes

• Cellular telephones can now be taken into Myanmar. However they will not work and should not be declared on the Customs form.