Travel Tips

There are many customs that visitors must be aware of when visiting a country like Myanmar. In order to be culturally sensitive and avoid offending the locals, here are a few tips:

FEET

Remember to take off your shoes and socks before you enter a temple, pagoda or as a guest in a private house. Remember the golden rule: Keep your feet on the ground at all times. Keep them off tables and chairs and try not to wave them around. Also try to remember not to point your feet directly at anybody and try to walk around a person rather than step over them. As a sign of respect, the Myanmar will also try to avoid stepping on a monk's shadow.

HANDS

As in most Asian countries try to remember to use your right hand when giving and receiving. Better still, the most gracious way to give and receive is to use both hands.

NAMES

People in Myanmar place an honorific in front of names to show respect for age or position.

A passport with validity of at least six months is required for entry into Myanmar. Visa-free travel for 14 days is permitted for all ASEAN passport holders except Malaysian passport. Citizens from Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, and Macau are permitted visa-free travel for up to 28 days. Chinese and Indian passport holders can get visa on arrival, visa on arrival is also available for Italian, Spanish, Australian, Swiss, German and Russian tourists from 01 October 2019. For e-Visa, please visit the website, htps://evisa.moip.gov.mm

CLOTHING

Light cotton clothing is most appropriate for the long hot summer months. Do not wear shorts, miniskirts or sleeveless shirts when visiting religious sites. While the Myanmar make no demands, it is a mark of respect to dress modestly and neatly.

ELECTRICITY

220V, 50 Hz, Britsh 3 fat pin plugs

WATER

Don't drink the tap water. Make sure your water is boiled, or better yet, buy it bottled. Go easy on the ice cubes.

BANK & MONEY CHANGERS

The local currency is the kyat (MMK). Circulating denominations are 50, 100, 200, 500, 1,000, 5,000 and 10,000. The exchange rate is around 1,500 kyats to US$1. The banks open from 9:30 am to 3 pm on weekdays. Hotels and private money changers can change money for guests.

TELEPHONE

International dial code: 001

SHOPPING

Note that you are not allowed to export antiques or religious items.

TAXI

To the airport from Yangon city takes about 45 minutes.

WATCH THE SUN

In the plains around Bagan, the sun is ferocious and can be tiring. Follow the lead of the Myanmar and visit temples and parks in the early morning and later in the afternoon, resting in your hotel in the heat of the day. Don't forget to drink plenty of water, use sunscreen and bring a hat. Or buy traditional Myanmar thanaka. Bring mosquito repellent and use it.

Basics

Numbers

 Time

Bus and train, ship and plane

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