Airport Departure Tax
Any
passengers departing Myanmar on international flights will need to pay a
departure tax of US$ 20 per person.(included in your international ticket.)
Business hours
Banks open at 09:30 till
14:00, Monday through Friday. Government offices open at 09:30 till 16:30
Monday through Friday. Most private offices open at 09:30 till 17:00, Monday
through Friday and 09:30 till 12:00 on Saturday.
Comfort and Care
Mosquito repellent and
sunscreen are a must. Don't forget to bring medication you would normally use
in emergencies, such as antibiotics etc. Most medicines are available but may
be not the brand you normally use.
Drink only pre-boiled water such as green tea or bottle water of
reputable brands. Better to avoid ice cubes in the street.
Culture
Myanmar lies between two great civilizations, that of Indian China, but it has
developed its own distinctive culture. Buddhism has a great influence on the
daily lives of the Myanmar people. The people have preserved the traditions of
the close family ties, respect for elders and simple native dress. Myanmar
hospitality is legendary.
Currency
We recommend visitors to bring US Dollars cash for easily exchangeable at
authorized money changers throughout the country. Other foreign currencies such
as Deutsche Marks, Japanese Yen, French Francs and Pound Sterling can only be
exchanged into local currency at Yangon International Airport on your arrival.
Authorized money changers throughout Myanmar will only accept US Dollars,
Euros. According to the issue by Myanmar Foreign Trade Bank in 2004, please be
warned that torn, dirty and stained notes are not accepted and some goes for
notes those serial numbers starts with CB. They will also exchange your US
dollars into the local Myanmar currency "kyat" (pronounced
"CHAT") US Dollars can be easily used for payment of purchases
throughout the country. Credit card is available in Myanmar now in some places,
but only few hotels accept Credit cards for their own usage at the hotel.
Credit Card
It is now available in
Myanmar, but a few hotel accept by Credit Card for their own usage at the
hotel.
Dos and Don’ts in Myanmar
Not always necessary to
shake hands. Don't hug or kiss in public. Shoes and socks / stockings must
always be removed at pagoda and monasteries. Visitors are advised to ignore
touts who may approach them to exchange currency, of to sell gems of dubious
quality, such offers, although apparently not to encourage development of this
practice by giving money.
Typical Character
Friendly.
Helpful. Honest. Smiling most of the times and ready to help others.
Treat
everyone with respect and you will be respected.
Speaking
When
addressing people. Don’t leave out U (which stands for Mr) or Daw (which stands
for Ms/Mrs).
Speak
slowly and clearly.
Manners
Not
always necessary to shake hands.
Don't
hug or kiss in public.
Don't
touch any adult on the head.
Don't
step over any part of a person. As it is considered rude.
Accept
or give things with your right hand.
In
Myanmar. Unlike the Indian continent. Nodding means YES. And shaking head means
NO.
Eating
For
hygiene reasons.
Eat
only in decent restaurants. When not available. Always eat heated food.
Don’t
eat food purchased from street vendors.
Don't
drink tap water.
Drink
only bottled water and soft drinks that haven't been opened yet.
Let
the oldest be served first.
Chinese
food is common and suggested.
Myanmar
food is often complained as 'oily'.
To
try good Myanmar food. Go to decent restaurants in Yangon area. Where they cook
Myanmar food according to international standards.
Shopping
When
buying gems. Sculptures. Or any expensive souvenir. Make sure it comes with an
export permit.
Buy
arts from authorized dealers only and get a certified receipt.
Safety
Don't
leave expensive items in your room. Use safe deposit box.
Beware
of cheats. Swindlers. Imposters.
Health
Stay
away from narcotic drugs.
Carry
some medicines for diarrhea.
If
sick. Don’t worry. All doctors are English literate.
Health
insurance is not available.
Traveling
Accept
that facilities may not be the best.
On
trains. Keep windows shut.
Speed
or distance descriptions are in miles. Not kilometers.
Carry
toilet paper in your bag.
Visiting
Most
Myanmar does not wear shoes in their homes. Take off when visiting.
Moving About
Don’t
jays walk! Watch where you walk and what you step on.
If
driving. City speed limit is 30 mph. Drive on the right side.
Religion
At
religious places. Remove footwear. But to remove head-wear is not necessary.
Avoid
shouting or laughing.
Avoid
being a nuisance when taking photographs.
Treat
Buddha images with respect.
Tuck
away your feet. Don't point it towards the pagoda or a monk.
Don't
play loud music in these areas. Note that Buddhist monks are not allowed to
listen to music.
Do
not put Buddha statues or images on the floor or somewhere inappropriate.
Don't
touch sacred objects with disrespect. Hold them in your right-hand. Or with
both hands.
Leave
a donation when possible.
Show
respect to monks. Nuns. And novices (even if they are children).
Don't
offer your hand to shake hands with a monk.
Sit
lower than a monk and elders.
Don't
offer food to a monk. Nun. Or a novice after noon time.
Note
: A
woman should not touch a monk.
Duty Free Allowance
Customs all foreign currencies above US$ 2000, gems and valuables,
electrical goods and cameras must be declared to the Customs at the airport.
Exports of antiques and archaeologically valuable items are prohibited. Only
gems, and silverware purchased at the authorized shops are allowed to be taken
out. For visitors' convenience, there are Duty-Free Shops in the airport
arrival and departure lounges. Allowance is 2 Liters of liquor, 400 cigarettes,
and 250g of tobacco, 100 cigars and 1/2 liter of perfumes, Electrical and
electronic goods not more than US$ 500 in value, portable video camera, HD
camera or DV camera and 1 spare set of battery are allowed.
Electricity
Myanmar has 220-240 volts A.C. It is advisable to have torchlight in the hand
baggage as power cuts frequently occur throughout the country. Bringing your
device adapters is the best for challenges.
Festivals
Myanmar is the land of Festivals; a festival for every month of the year.
Majority of the festivals are cultural and religious. Most are celebrations
such as Ananda Pagoda festival, Thingyan (water festival)and Phaungdaw Oo
pagoda festival, etc offer a perfect chance to join the locals as they
celebrate their festivals throughout the year. Contact us for the latest
festival calendar.
Gratuities & Tipping
Myanmar’s are genuinely
happy to help foreign visitors don’t expect anything to 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.
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 official language is Myanmar; the spoken language differs slightly from
their own languages. English is spoken by many and widely understood. Some
Myanmar speaks French, German and Mandarin.
Population
Myanmar has a population of over 52 million and the Bamar make about 70%.
Yangon, the commercial city and gateway to Myanmar, has a population of nearly
6 million
Religion
Over 89.30% of Myanmar
embraces Theravada Buddhism and the rest are Christians (5.60%), Muslims
(3.80%), Hindus (0.5%) and Animists (0.2%).
Shopping
Myanmar arts and crafts,
mostly pure hand-made, are best souvenirs. Lacquer ware, woodcarvings,
tapestries, silverware, brassware, silk and cotton fabrics and shoulder bags
are some of the favorite items.
For jeweler, there
is Burma rubies, sapphires, jade and pearls available at Myanmar gems shops.
All gems and jeweler purchased should be made through the government licensed
dealers, who can give a voucher for export.
Bargaining is
essential for obtaining the reasonable prices. Possible price reductions of up
to 50% are not uncommon.
Telecommunications
There are two types of network CDMA and
GSM networks in Myanmar. Only the MEC Sim card (provided by government is for
CDMA network. Another Sim cards using GSM network. MPT (provided by the
government),Telenor (provided by Norway), Ooredoo(provided video calls as
well by UAE)are available to buy to use the inter and call back to your
country. You could find any type of pre paid top-up everywhere very easily.
Please ask before you buy them to make sure there would be network coverage in
the areas you want to visit. Using internet would be slow and there would be no
network coverage in some places sometimes.
The People
The term Myanmar embraces over 135 ethnic groups living together and speaking
their own dialects. The major ethnic races are Kachin, Kayah,
Kayin,Chin,Mon,Bamar,Rakhine and Shan live in seven States and seven Regions in
Myanmar.
Time
There entire country is 6:30 hours ahead of GMT; (UTC) 0:30 minutes behind
Thailand 1:30 hours behind Singapore, Malaysia and Hong Kong. There entire country is 6:30 hours
ahead of GMT; (UTC), 0:30 minutes behind Thailand,1:30 hours behind Singapore,
Malaysia and Hong Kong.
Travelers Cheque
It is not possible.
Visa
A valid passport
with entry visa is required of all visitors. Your passport validity must have
at least 6 months. A tourist visa allows a stay of 28 days, extendible for an
additional 14days.
A Business visa allows a stay of 28 days and extendible up to 12 months on a
case by case basis. Visa on arrival is granted on prior arrangement with the
Ministry of Hotels and Tourism.
eVisa service is a non refundable. The validity of eVisa approval letter
is 90 days from the issued date. If it’s expired, the entry would be denied.
You will receive an email acknowledgement within one an hour after successful
payment of 50 US$ by Visa, Master, American express or JCB credit cards. It’s
taken 3 working days to complete all the process. If the applicant has Child
(ren) less than 7 years old on the same passport, you have to put the name of
the child, date of birth in the minor section of the application form.
The applicant should
complete individual personal data whether passenger is FIT or package tour.
eVisa is valid only for the single entry.A new visa will be require a Re-entry
again. Currently, passengers with evisa are only permitted to enter via Yangon
International Airport, Mandalay International Airport and Nay Pyi Taw
International Airport. If the decision is not allowed to entry, you may return
by the same flight. If you are visiting to Myanmar via cruise, please contact
to your agent for pre-arrangement visa on arrival. You will not be able to use
eVisa to enter Myanmar via seaport.
43 countries are granted
eVisa for initial -
No.
|
Country Name
|
No.
|
Country Name
|
1.
|
Australia
|
23.
|
Laos
|
2.
|
Bangladesh
|
24.
|
Malaysia
|
3.
|
Belgium
|
25.
|
Nepal
|
4.
|
Brazil
|
26.
|
Netherlands
|
5.
|
Brunei
|
27.
|
New Zeland
|
6.
|
Cambodia
|
28.
|
Norway
|
7.
|
Canada
|
29.
|
Pakistan
|
8.
|
China
|
30.
|
Philippines
|
9.
|
CZECH
|
31.
|
Poland
|
10.
|
Denmark
|
32.
|
Russia
|
11.
|
Egypt
|
33.
|
Saudi Arabia
|
12.
|
Finland
|
34.
|
Serbia
|
13.
|
France
|
35.
|
Singapore
|
14.
|
Germany
|
36.
|
Spain
|
15.
|
India
|
37.
|
Sri lanka
|
16.
|
Indonesia
|
38.
|
Switzerland
|
17.
|
Israel
|
39.
|
Thailand
|
18.
|
Italy
|
40.
|
Turkey
|
19.
|
Japan
|
41.
|
United Kingdom
|
20.
|
Korea, DPR
|
42.
|
United State of America
|
21.
|
Korea, Republic
|
43.
|
Vietnam
|
22.
|
Kuwait
|
24 countries have been added
from 02/October/2014 :
No.
|
Country Name
|
No.
|
Country Name
|
1.
|
Argentina
|
13.
|
Lithuania
|
2.
|
Austria
|
14.
|
Luxembourg
|
3.
|
Bulgaria
|
15.
|
Malta
|
4.
|
Chile
|
16.
|
Mongolia
|
5.
|
Colombia
|
17.
|
Panama
|
6.
|
Croatia
|
18.
|
Peru
|
7.
|
Cyprus
|
19.
|
Portugal
|
8.
|
Estonia
|
20.
|
Romania
|
9.
|
Greece
|
21.
|
Slovakia
|
10.
|
Hungary
|
22.
|
Slovenia
|
11.
|
Ireland
|
23.
|
Sweden
|
12.
|
Latvia
|
24.
|
Venezuela
|
Weather
There are three seasons in Myanmar. The hot season is from March to end of May,
The raining season is from June to end of October and the cold season is from
November to End of February.
