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Here is a quick overview on Myanmar |
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Bounded by China, Laos, Thailand, Bangladesh and India, Myanmar is about as Asian as you can get. The people here are primarily farmers and irrigated farming is practiced throughout central Myanmar, and fruit, vegetables and citrus crops thrive on the Shan Plateau, but much of the land and mountains are covered by subtropical forest. The Indian Ocean in the west and south give the country some nice cooling breezes and the beauty of the country makes it one you would long remember. |
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Passport and Visa Information
A passport that is valid
for at least 6 months beyond date of intended departure required by all. Visas
are required by all except for transit passengers continuing their journey by the same or first connecting
aircraft provided holding valid onward or return documentation and not leaving
the airport. Holders of Taiwanese
passports are advised to contact the embassy prior to traveling. separate visa is
required for each child over 7 years of age even if traveling on their parent's
passport. Tourist visas
are valid for 2 months (or 3 months for those on package tours) from the date of
issue for stays of 28 days in Myanmar. Business visas (which require the
recommendation of the Myanmar government) are valid for 3 months from date of
issue for stays of 10 weeks, extendable up to 3-12 months on an individual
basis.
Here are the application requirements
for a Myanmar visa:
Tourist Visa - (a) 1 application form. (b) 2 passport-size photos. (c) Package tour
confirmation from travel agent. (d) Valid passport. (e) Fee (cash accepted if
applying in person; check or postal order only if applying by post). (f) Return
ticket. (g) Self addressed, stamped enveloped for postal applications with
sufficient postage (registered post is recommended).
Individual Tourists - (a through g above) and US$200 (or equivalent in other
currency) which must be exchanged into local currency on arrival.
Business Visa - (a) 2 application forms (can be photocopied). (b) 2
passport-size photos. (c) Letter from sponsoring body, firm or department
stating detailed reasons for the applicant's visit and the name of the Myanmar
government department, corporation or agency to be contacted; the letter must
state the precise nature of the business to be conducted and indicate the
financial status of the applicant. (d) Valid passport. (e) Fee (cash accepted if
applying in person; check or postal order only if applying by post). (f) Return
ticket. (g) Self addressed, stamped enveloped for postal applications with
sufficient postage (registered post is recommended).
For any other information, contact the appropriate tourist information office or counsel.
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Customs and Duty
Free
The following goods may be taken into Myanmar by persons
over 17 years of age without incurring customs duty: 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g tobacco; 2
liters of alcohol; 0.5 liters of perfume or eau de cologne.
Items that are prohibited include: laying cards, gambling equipment, antiques, archaeological items and pornography are prohibited.
Restricted items include: Jewelry, electrical goods and cameras which must all be declared. Failure to do so may result in visitors being refused permission to export them on departure. Video cameras will be held in safe custody at the airport and will be returned on departure.
All gems, jewelry and silver ware purchased from authorized shops can be taken out of the country.
I have found that it helps to know at least a little bit of the language as I travel in other countries. You do not have to be able to be a fluent speaker, but knowing a few key words and phrases will really help. I have found that, although almost everywhere I go I can find someone who speaks English, knowing just a few words of the local language can really be a help. And, it lets others know I am at least interested in their language. Visit the Getting Away Language Learning Center where you can find out how to learn another language, or where to purchase books, dictionaries, electronic translators, software and more
Click here for language helps, dictionaries, electronic translators, language software and other helps for learning a foreign language. Being able to speak at least some of the language in the country you are visiting will help you have a better time and enjoy your trip more. Jim.
Health Matters
I would strongly suggest purchasing a good health care insurance
policy prior to your visiting Myanmar. There are hospitals and clinics in cities and
larger towns, and regional health centers in outlying areas. It is advisable to
carry a remedy against minor enteric upsets. Here are some health items and
regulations you should be aware of.
Cholera - Following WHO (World Health Organization) guidelines issued in 1973, a cholera vaccination certificate is no longer a condition of entry to Myanmar. However, cholera is a serious risk in this country and precautions are essential. Up-to-date advice should be sought before deciding whether these precautions should include vaccination.
Malaria - Malaria risk (predominantly in the malignant falciparum form) exists below 1000m in the following areas: (a) throughout the year in Karen State; (b) from March to December in Chin, Kachin, Kayah, Mon, Rakhine and Shan States, in Pegu Division, and in Hlegu, Hmawbi and Taikkyi townships of Yangon; (c) from April to December in rural areas of Tenasserim Division; (d) from May to December in Irrawaddy Division and rural areas of Mandalay Division; (e) from June to November in rural areas of Magwe Division and in Sagaing Division. The falciparum strain is reported to be highly resistant to chloroquine and resistant to sulfadoxine/pyrimethamine. A certificate is not required.
Polio - Although there have not been any recent outbreaks, special precautions should be taken.
Typhoid - There have not been any recent reports of typhoid, but special precautions should be taken.
Yellow Fever - Special precautions should be taken and a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from all travelers arriving from infected areas. Nationals and residents of Myanmar are required to possess certificates of vaccination on their departure to an infected area.
Other health risks might include:
Diarrhea and
amoebic and bacillery dysentery may be present. Japanese encephalitis may
be caught via mosquito bites, particularly in rural areas between June and
October. A vaccine is available, and travelers are advised to consult their
doctor prior to departure. Filariasis and dengue fever are also
present. Cases of poliomyelitis continue to be reported. Trachoma
is present. Hepatitis A, B and E are present.
The WHO advises that foci of plague are present in Myanmar. Further
information should be sought from the Department of Health or from any of the
hospitals specializing in tropical diseases.
Rabies is present. For those at high risk, vaccination before arrival
should be considered. If you are bitten, seek medical advice without delay. For
more information you may want to contact the
appropriate
tourist information office or counsel.
As regulations and requirements may be subject to change at short notice, you are advised to contact your doctor well in advance of your intended date of departure. You may also want to contact an authorized travel agency or counsel.
All water should be regarded as being potentially contaminated. Water used for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice should have first been boiled or otherwise sterilized. I would suggest you always use bottled water. Milk is unpasteurized and should be boiled. Powdered or tinned milk is available and is advised, but make sure that it is reconstituted with pure (bottled) water. Avoid dairy products which are likely to have been made from unboiled milk. Or better yet, just avoid all dairy products. Only eat well cooked meat and fish, preferably served hot. Pork, salad and mayonnaise may carry increased risk. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled.
If you need medical care while you are away, it is best to be aware that medical providers may not accept payment through your insurance company and that you will therefore to pay in full for your treatment and file a claim with your insurance company for reimbursement. Therefore you should have access to cash, either from a credit card or by wire transfer. If you need assistance contact the country's local embassy or representative. For compensation, you must be treated by licensed medical personnel and provide your insurance company with proper documentation and receipts. It is advisable to always ensure you have a comprehensive travel insurance policy which covers you for repatriation to your home country. Visit the Getting Away Health and Safety Tips for Travelers page for additional information about insurance.
Money Matters
Currency - The Kyat (Kt) = 100
pyas and is the local currency. Notes are in denominations of Kt1000, 500, 200, 100, 90, 45, 20, 15, 10, 5
and 1, and 50 pyas. Coins are in denominations of Kt1, and 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1
pyas. Kt100,000 is known as a lakh, and Kt10 million as a crore.
Kyat is pronounced like the English word 'chat'. To combat the black market and
limit the financial power of dissident groups, currency denominations are
occasionally declared invalid without prior notice so you may want to check
ahead to make sure you have the right denominations. Limited refunds are usually
allowed for certain sectors of the population.
Currency Exchange - Individual
tourists are required on arrival at Yangon international airport to exchange a
minimum of US$200 into FECs (Foreign Exchange Certificates). Any unused foreign
exchange certificates out of this amount will not be converted (though FECs in
excess of US$300 can be reconverted on departure).
Visitors on a package tour (I really recommend going on a package tour. Especially if this is your first visit there.) are not subject to this requirement, but if they wish to spend extra money in Myanmar, they can also exchange US Dollars or Pound Sterling for FECs. FECs, which are printed in China, are Myanmar's second legal currency and are issued by the Bank of Myanmar specifically for visiting tourists. They come in denominations equivalent to US$20, 10, 5 and 1. Payment for FECs is only accepted in US Dollars or Pounds Sterling in the form of cash, travelers checks and credit cards (although credit cards may, at times, not be accepted). One US Dollar equals one FEC (the Pound Sterling equivalent fluctuates according to the Pound-Dollar variance).
FECs can be spent anywhere in the country. FECs can be exchanged into kyats at officially authorized banks, bureaux de change, hotels and Myanmar Travel and Tour offices. Cash payments can also be made in US Dollars, but only at establishments (eg, hotels, railway stations, airlines) that have an official license allowing them to accept dollars. The FEC system (and the possibility to pay in US Dollars at numerous establishments) largely eliminates the necessity to exchange national currencies into kyat. It is advisable to carry small change as large notes may be difficult to change.
Credit & Debit Cards - Visa, Diners Club, American Express, JCB and MasterCard are accepted by airlines, major hotels and supermarkets. Check with your credit, or debit, card company for details for merchant acceptability and other services which may be available. I would recommend using your credit card for everything except small purchases such as in restaurants, markets or shops.
Travelers Checks - To avoid additional exchange rate charges (which can be quite high), travelers are advised to take travelers checks in US Dollars or Pounds Sterling.
Currency Restrictions - The import and export of local currency is prohibited. There are no import limits on foreign currencies, but any amounts in excess of US$2,000 must be declared on entry and the declaration certificate kept safe. Upon departure, foreign currencies are checked with the amounts declared on entry. There are regular customs checks at Yangon airport, aimed at curbing black-market activities and this makes it essential to keep all receipts in order to account for money spent while in the country. Just another reason why I believe you should visit this country on an organized tour. CCurrency Exchange - Get your currency needs managed in advance! Many airports, railroad stations, bus depots, and other points of entry have no currency exchange. When currency exchange is available in airports, lines can be long and rates can be "sky high". These long waits and usurious fees can be a nightmare. Order in advance from All Foreign Currency right online. It's fast, easy, and you save time and money! The can also provide you with Travelers' checks, bank drafts, and transfers. U.S. dollars are not accepted everywhere and rates can be atrocious! Current Exchange Rate: Check Today's Exchange Rate
Customs and
Social Profile
Handshaking
is the normal form of greeting. Full names are used, preceded by U
(pronounced oo) in the case of an older or well-respected man's name, Aung
for younger men and Ko for adult males. A woman's name is preceded by Daw.
Courtesy and respect for tradition and religion is expected. For example, shoes and socks must be removed before entering any religious building and it is customary to remove shoes before entering a traditional home. However, as of late, this custom is no longer done in most modern residences except in bedrooms. When sitting, avoid displaying the soles of the feet, as this is considered offensive. Small presents are acceptable and appreciated, although never expected.
Shorts and mini-skirts should not be worn.
It is usual to tip 5-10 per
cent on hotel and restaurant bills. Taxi drivers do not expect a tip.
Climate
There is a relatively tropical monsoon climate with three main seasons. The hottest
period is between February and May, with little or no rain. Rainy season exists
from May to October and dry, cooler weather from October to February. I would
suggest you take light clothing such as lightweight
cottons and linens throughout most of the year. A light raincoat or
umbrella is needed during the rainy season. Warmer clothes are advised for
coolest period and some evenings.
Geography
Myanmar is a
diamond-shaped country extending some 575 miles from east to west and about
1,300 miles from north to south. It is bounded by China, Laos and Thailand on
the east, by Bangladesh and India in the north and by the Indian Ocean in the
west and south.
The Irrawaddy River runs through the center of the country and spreads to form a delta on the south coast and Yangon stands beside one of its many mouths. North of the delta lies the Irrawaddy basin and central Myanmar, which is protected by mountains rising to over 10,000 feet. These mountains can create dramatic climatic effects. To the west are the Arakan, Chin and Naga mountains and the Patkai Hills. The Kachin Hills are to the north and to the east lies the Shan Plateau, which extends to the Tenasserim coastal ranges.
Intensive
irrigated farming is practiced throughout central Myanmar, and fruit, vegetables
and citrus crops thrive on the Shan Plateau, but much of the land and mountains
are covered by subtropical forest.
Travel Warning
Travel Warnings are issued to
describe long-term, protracted conditions that make a country dangerous or
unstable. A Travel Warning is also issued when the U.S. Government's ability to
assist American citizens is constrained due to the closure of an embassy or
consulate or because of a drawdown of its staff. The countries listed below
meet those criteria. Additionally, the State Department issues
Country Specific Information for every
country of the world with information on such matters as the health conditions,
crime, unusual currency or entry requirements, any areas of instability, and the
location of the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate in the subject country. Check with the U.S. State Department for
Travel Warnings, Consular Information Sheets & Public
Announcements.
Contact Addresses
for Additional Information
Myanmar Tourism Promotion Board
5 Signal Pagoda Road, Dagon Township, Yangon, Myanmar
Tel: (1) 2436 3943. Fax: (1) 245 001. E-mail:
info@myanmartourismboard.com
Website:
www.myanmar-tourism.com
Myanmar Travels and Tours
77-92 Sule Pagoda Road, Yangon, Myanmar
Tel: (1) 283 997 or 252 859. Fax: (1) 289 588 or 254 417.
E-mail: mtt.mht@mptmail.net.mm
Website: www.myanmars.net/mtt or
www.dps.com.mmn
Embassy of the Union of Myanmar
19a Charles Street, London W1J 5DX, UK
Tel: (020) 7499 8841; Fax: (020) 7629 4169.
Opening
hours: Mon-Fri 1000-1300 (applications) and 1500-1600 (visa collections).
British Embassy
80 Strand Road, Box No. 638, Yangon, Myanmar
Tel: (1) 281 702 or 295 300. Fax: (1) 289 566 or 295 306.
Embassy of the Union of Myanmar
2300 S Street, NW, Washington, DC 20008, USA
Tel: (202) 332 9044/5. Fax: (202) 332 9046. E-mail:
thuriya@aol.com
Embassy of the United States of America
Street address: 581 Merchant Street, Yangon,
Myanmar
Postal address: PO Box 521, Yangon, Myanmar
Tel: (1) 282 055-6 or 282 181. Fax: (1) 280 409.
Embassy of the Union of Myanmar
85 Range Road, Suite 902, Ottawa, Ontario K1N 8J6
Tel: (613) 232 6434. Fax: (613) 232 6435. E-mail:
meott@magma.ca
Website: www.myanmar.com
General Information
Area - 261,218 sq miles.
Capital - Yangon (Rangoon).
Government - Socialist
Republic since 1974. Power assumed by the army in 1988.
Language - The official
language is Myanmar (Burmese). There are over 100 dialects spoken in Myanmar.
English is spoken in business circles.
Religion - 87 per cent
Theravada Buddhist. The remainder are Hindu, Muslim, Christian and Animist.
Time - GMT + 6.5.
Electricity - 220/230 volts
AC, 50Hz. Converters and adapters are recommended.
Communications -
Telephone: IDD telephone service is
available to the main cities. The country code is 95 and the outgoing international
code 00.
For emergencies, dial 199 (police), 191 (fire) and 192 (ambulance). There is a
limited public internal service and in only the larger cities can you dial
direct within Myanmar. Smaller towns still use manual switchboards and callers need to
ask the operator to connect them to a specific town operator. The Central
Telephone & Telegraph (CTT) office on the corner of Pansodan and
Mahabandoola Streets is the only public place in the country where international
telephone calls can be conveniently arranged. The office is open Mon-Fri
0800-1600 and weekends and holidays 0900-1400.
Mobile telephone: GSM 900
network is operated by Myanmar Posts and Telecommunications. Fees are
high and coverage limited. At the Central Telegraph Office on Mahabandoola Street
and at the Post and Telecommunications Corporation in Yangon are additional
facilities.
Internet/E-mail: ISPs
include the Ministry of Post and Telecommunication (website:
www.mpt.net.mm). Set-up fees are high.
Press: The only
English-language newspaper is The New Light of Myanmar. Myanmar Travel
& Tours also publishes a tourist publication, Today, in English.
Locally published magazines in English include Golden Myanmar, Myanmar
Chronicle and Myanmar Perspective, which are all available from
bookshops.
