Frequently Asked Questions
HOW DO I ORGANISE MY VISA?
The user-friendly E-visa service, found at http//evisa.moip.gov.mm is open to all tourists from many countries and grants entry to Myanmar at Yangon International Airport, Mandalay International Airport and many other entry points from border areas.DO I NEED TRAVEL INSURANCE?
It is highly recommend buying an adequate travel insurance policy to cover medical and accident in your own country.
HOW DO I DRESS UP IN MYANAR?
The proper dress is needed in accordance with destination and weather. It is advisable to wear kinds of cotton and linen clothing during summer time. Light raincoat or umbrella is needed during raining season. It is recommended to take warm clothes to travel hilly region like Shan state and Northern part of Myanmar. It is VERY IMPORTANT to wear decently during your visit to religious compounds.
HOW ABOUT LOCAL TIME?
Myanmar Standard Time OR local time is GMT + 6 1/2 hoursHOW ABOUT THE WEATHER?
Myanmar has a monsoon climate with three different seasons as follows…
- Monsoon : June to October
- Winter : November to February
- Summer : March to May
According to the time you visit, it is advisable to bring relevant clothes and item.
(e.g., The sun lotion, repellence, raincoat, umbrella and hat are advisable to bring with you.)
HOW IS THE ELECTRICITY?
Myanmar has 220 Volt 50 HZ. Both two pins and three pins plugs are use. If your devices are 110Volt, you may need for adapter, available upon request at most hotel. Power blackouts can be at any time, therefore it is advisable to bring a torch light, not only for the room but also for while walking in the city. Some Bigger hotels organize their electricity supply via generators.
HOW CAN I STAY CONNECTED?
Myanmar does have international roaming access and internet through three service providers like MPT, Telenor, Ooredoo are available at Yangon International Airport upon arrival and numerous street reseller on the street in downtown area. WIFI is freely available in Hotels and big restaurants.
WHAT CAN I EAT IN MYANMAR?
Myanmar´s kitchen is a major food consumption for both local and visitors along with European, Thai, Chinese and Indian cuisine. Traditional food of Ethnicity is also available now in bigger cities.
Bigger hotels also offer food of western and Asia, Beer bar (can or bottle, local or imported) is abundantly available. Although Myanmar has not a wine drinking culture, the country has now wines of its own from two vineyards near Taunggyi and Inle lake in Shan State. Imported wines and other liquors are also available.
Travelers are also advised not to drink tap water. Purified bottled water is readily available everywhere in Myanmar and some hotels provide complimentary.
WHAT IS THE CURRENCY IN MYANMAR?
The Myanmar currency is Kyats. We recommend visitors to bring US Dollars cash (small denomination notes) which are widely accepted throughout Myanmar and are easily exchangeable for the local currency although ATM is available in big cities. Check the exchange rate(buy/sell) at airport upon arrival or internet before your visit.
HOW ABOUT BUSINESS HOUR?
Government offices open from 9:30 am to 16:30 pm, Monday to Friday.
Both Private and Public, banking hours are from 10:00 am to 15:00 pm on weekdays. However, ATM is available 24 hours in bigger and commercial cities. Therefore Credit and Debit cards are widely use.
Shopping centers and super markets open daily from 9:00 am to 09:00 pm. But the most famous Bogyoke (Scott) market opens from 10:00 am to 17:00 pm and closes on Monday and gazette holidays. Public Museums are closed on Monday as well.
WHAT DO I NEED FOR HEALTH?
Travelers are generally not required to vaccinate protective vaccination for travel to Myanmar (Burma) unless you enter the country from a region with an infected area of a country. It is best to bring your own small first-aid kit including medication.
Travelers are earnestly advice to consult with their GP before starting the journey to Myanmar. Any unexpected emergency come arise regarding health issue while in Myanmar, we will assist as much as possible within available services.
Travelers those who have chronic disease and taking medicines to bring enough medicines of their own for continue consumption as may be not available in Myanmar.
DO I NEED TO TIP?
Tipping is practice in Myanmar and much appreciated.
WHAT ARE THE IMIGRATION AND CUSTOM RULES?
Any foreigner who brings any foreign currency exceeding the equivalent of USD 10,000, jewelry, cameras, video cameras, and professional recording equipment should be declared on your customs declaration form upon arrival.
Exports of antique and archaeologically valuable items are prohibited.
However, foreigners can bring any foreign currency into Myanmar not in excess of US$ 2000 or its equivalent without making a declaration to Customs on arrival. Only gems and jewelries purchased at the licensed dealers, or who can issue an export permit are allowed to be taken out of Myanmar.
http://www.iatatravelcentre.com/MM-Myanmar-customs-currency-airport-tax-regulations-details.htm
http://www.yangonairportonline.com/Myanmar-Immigration-Customs.aspx
WHAT IS THE DO & DON’T IN MYANMAR?
- Shoes and socks are to be off before entering any religious and sacred compound and buildings.
- Some places in the religious and sacred compound are restricted to woman and lady from entering, climbing up and even offering of gold leaf.
- Clothing has to be in decent manner in any religious and sacred building, monuments and compound.. At least to cover your knees for both sexes, to have sleeve to cover your shoulder for ladies or scarf over your shoulder.,
- Asked permission before taking picture.
- Calling people with your fingers down (its polite manner in Myanmar)
- Don’t climbed up on stupas or temples, or any high building if you have vertical’s phobia
- Do not put Buddha statues or images on the floor or some inappropriate places, holding upside down as well.
- Don’t touch sacred object with disrespect. Hold them in your right-hand, or with both hands.
- Don’t offer food to a monk, nun, or a novice after noon time.
- Women should not touch a monk.
- Don’t offer your hand to shake hands with a monk or a nun.
- Don’t visit school at teaching periods.
- Don’t buy any items sold by school age during school time.
- Don’t point with your foot.
- Don’t touch anyone on head.
- Don’t kiss in public.
- Don’t disturb people while praying or meditating.
- Don’t calling with your fingers up ( its mean calling for a challenge)
- Don’t go where you are advice not to go
- For more information visit - http://tourism.gov.mm/do-and-dont/
- http://www.myanmartourism.org/dosanddont.htm
- http://tourism.gov.mm/en_US/information/do-and-dont/