Any passengers departing Myanmar on international flights will need to pay a departure tax at the prevailing rate. As of March 2002 the fee is US$ 10.00 per person.
CLIMATE & WEATHER
Myanmar has three seasons. *Cool Season - October through February with average temperatures 20-24 C *Hot Season - March through May with average temperatures 30-35 C *Wet Season - June through September with average temperatures 25-30 C The ideal time to visit Myanmar is during the cool season. However, even during the wet 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
Major hotels, airlines and some international shops and restaurants usually accept credit cards. Master Card is not currently accepted in Myanmar. Some establishments may require a minimum purchase amount and may also charge a service fee for credit card use. Banks are closed on Saturdays, Sundays and all public holidays.
CURRENCY
We recommend visitors bring US Dollars cash only - small denomination notes are preferable. US Dollars are easily exchangeable for Foreign Exchange Certificates (FEC's) at authorized money changers throughout the country. Other foreign currencies such as euros, Japanese Yen, and pounds sterling can only be exchanged into FEC's at the Currency Exchange Counter inside Immigration at Yangon International Airport on arrival. Authorized money changers throughout Myanmar will usually only accept US Dollars. They will also exchange your FEC's into the local Myanmar currency "kyat" ( pronounced "CHAT") US Dollars or FECs can be easily used for payment of purchases throughout the country. One FEC = I USD.
DOMESTIC AIRLINES & FLIGHTS
Air Mandalay and Yangon Airways 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.
DRINKING WATER
Only drink purified bottle water. Bottled water is readily available and some hotels provide complimentary. Carry a bottle with you throughout the day.
DUTY FREE ALLOWANCE
Two bottles of liquor, two cartons of cigarettes or 100 cigars and half litre of perfume are allowed per person. Yangon Airport arrival hall has a selection of duty free shops with a full range of items at a good price.
FESTIVALS
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.
GRATUITIES & TIPPING
Myanmars 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.
HEALTH
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.
IMMIGRATION & CUSTOMS FORMALITIES
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.
INSURANCE
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.
LANGUAGE
The majority of the people speak Myanmar (Burmese) and English is widely used.
MOBILE PHONES
Hand Phones or Mobile Telephones from other countries currently do not operate in Myanmar. Customs will hold your telephone upon arrival and you can collect on your departure.
MONOSODIUM GLUTAMATE - (MSG) ALERT
Throughout most Asian countries including Myanmar MSG (Monosodium Glutamate) - known locally as 'AJINOMOTO' - is still used in food preparation in some restaurants. Some travellers 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.
POWER & ELECTRICITY
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.
RELIGION
The majority of the people of Myanmar are Buddhist although Christianity, Islam and Hinduism are also practiced.
TELECOMMUNICATONS IDD
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.
TRAVELLERS CHEQUES
Travellers Cheques may be very time consuming to transact. You must bring the original purchase agreement for the travellers cheques with you as proof when cashing your cheques.
VISA REQUIREMENTS
A visa is required in advance. A tourist visa for Myanmar can be obtained from any Myanmar Embassy or Consulate world-wide. See our list of Embassies and Consulates below. Travellers who plan to arrive via Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore or Hong Kong can sometimes obtain their tourist visas within one working day. Visas are valid for 28 days. Tourists who will be travelling to Myanmar on a Package Tour should present a copy of their confirmation of travel arrangements when applying for the visa. You will then receive a Entry Visa for Package Tourist. ( E.V.T.) Holders of this visa need not exchange US$ 200.00 to Foreign Exchange Certificates (FEC) 200.00 upon arrival at Yangon International Airport.
VOLTAGE
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.
WHAT TO BRING
Sun hat, sun glasses, 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, decaffeinated coffee (if you require). WHAT TO WEAR 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.
