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TRAVEL GUIDE TO MYANMAR
Airport Taxes
The departure tax for international passengers is US$10 collected at
the airport at time of departure.
Baggage
On Domestic flights,
passengers are allowed 44 pounds of luggage per person. On International
flights, passengers are allowed two pieces of checked luggage. Excess
luggage fees will be charged if you check more than the stated
allowances, and these charges are your responsibility. At most
major airports, baggage carts are available for your luggage, usually
for a small additional fee.
Climate
and Clothing
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.
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.
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Communications
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.
Important: 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.
Currency
We recommend visitors to bring US Dollar in cash only – larger notes
receiving a better rate in exchange. Exchange of other foreign
currencies such as Euros, Yen and Pounds Sterling are maybe time
consuming and difficult. Authorized money changer throughout Myanmar
will usually only accept US Dollars. The FEC (Foreign Exchange Currency)
used in Myanmar as currency next to the local currency Kyat (pronounced
“Chat”) is equal to the US Dollar (1=1) and can easily be used for
payment of purchases throughout the country.
Credit Cards are generally not accepted. We suggest to bring a
sufficient amount of cash for personal expenses. The exchange of
traveler checks may be difficult and time consuming as well. Banks are
closed on Saturdays, Sundays and all public holidays.
Customs Regulations
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.
Electricity
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.
Electrical appliances will require an adapter that can change the shape
of the plug prongs, as well as an electrical voltage converter that will
allow a normal 110-volt American appliance to take the 220 Volt current.
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Food and
Water
Tap water is not potable in Myanmar. Only drink purified bottle
water. Bottled water is readily available and some hotels provide
complimentary.
Throughout most Asian countries including Myanmar, MSG (Monosodium
Glutamate) - known locally as 'AJINOMOTO' - is still used in food
preparation in most restaurants. For travelers that may be allergic to
MSG, you should inform your guide when ordering if you do not wish it to
be added to your food.
Heath
Matters
No inoculations or vaccinations are required unless coming from or
passing through an infected area. Travelers 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.
Holidays
Independence Day - Jan 4th
Union Day - Feb 12th
Fullmoon Day of Tabaund - Mar 1st
Peasant’s Day - Mar 2nd
Armed Forces Day - Mar 27th
Thingyan Festival - Apr
Myanmar New Year - Apr
Fullmoon Day of Kason - Apr 29th
World Workers Day - May 1st
Martyr’s Day - Jul 19th
Beginning of Buddhist Lent - Jul 27th
End of Buddhist Lent - Oct 24th
Tazaundaing Festival - Nov 22nd
National Day - Dec 2nd
Christmas Day - Dec 25th
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Passports and Visas
A visa is required in advance for travelers who wish to enter Myanmar.
Tourist visa for Myanmar can be obtained from any Myanmar Embassy or
Consulate world-wide. A new way to apply for visa is the E-Visa service
of the Myanmar government directly via the Internet. Approvals are
usually returned per Email within 24 hrs. Travelers who plan to arrive
via Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore or Hong Kong can sometimes obtain
their tourist visas within one working day. Tourist visa are valid for a
stay of up to 28 days.
Time Difference
Standard Time in
Myanmar is 7.5 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time and 12.5 hours ahead of Eastern
Standard Time, USA.
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.
On tours with private sightseeing, gratuities of $5-$10 for travel
guides, $2-$3 for drivers per person / day is customary.
Transportation
Arrangements for domestic air and ground transportation are included and
made by the ground operator. All ground transportation, airport
transfers and sightseeing, will be provided via private car and guide. Taxis are available from major hotels and the
use of mass public transportation is not recommended.
What to Pack?
Valid Passport.
Travelers Checks. Copy of Your Airline Ticket.
Mosquitoes
repellent. Your Medicines. Departure
documents. Travel alarm clock. Camera(s), batteries & films. Sunscreen/Tan lotion. Pocket size
Kleenex. Extra luggage locks/keys. First Aid kit. Soft, foldable
slippers. Extra set of eyeglasses. Folding Umbrella. Comfortable
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