GENERAL INFORMATION
PRIVATE TRAVEL IDEAS
- Myanmar Showcase, 7 days
- Myanmar in Depth, 10 day
SMALL GROUP DEPARTURES
- Highlights of Burma, 9 days
- Burma Revealed, 13 days
- Best of Burma, 15 days
PANDAW CRUISES
- Myanmar: The Golden Land, 11 days
- The Irrawaddy, 15 days
Road To Mandalay Cruises
- Road to Mandalay Luxury Cruise,
4 days Bagan to Mandalay - Road to Mandalay Luxury Cruise
8 days Mandalay to Mandalay - General Information on Road to Mandalay Cruises
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Myanmar - Things To Know Before You Go
PASSPORTS & VISAS
All visitors to Myanmar must have a valid passport and it must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the arrival.
Visas are issued at the Myanmar Embassies or Consulates in foreign countries. The fees for the visa are approximately US$ 30 for a 28-Day Tourist Visa. Goway can assist in arranging this.
HEALTH
All visitors should seriously consider inoculations for the following diseases: Typhoid, Hepatitis A/B, Tetanus, Tuberculosis and Malaria. It is advised to drink boiled or bottled water. Don't drink water from the tap.
CURRENCY
The local currency in Myanmar is the Kyat (pronounced CHAT). The exchange rate fluctuates between 500 - 800 Kyats per 1 USD. Dollars can be changed into Kyats easily throughout the country. It is recommend visitors to bring US Dollars cash (small denomination notes) as it is accepted and, in many cases, preferred throughout Myanmar, while AUD, EUR, GBP and other currencies are not widely accepted and cannot be relied on. Visitors should take care to have unmarked, clean crisp & new USD notes as wrinkled or folded notes or those of “CB” series are commonly rejected. Previously, due to international sanctions, credit cards were not been accepted. As of 2013, there are now ATMS operating in major tourist hubs and Visa / MasterCard have begun operations in Myanmar.
DOMESTIC AIRLINES & FLIGHTS
Air Mandalay, Air Bagan, Air Myanmar, and Yangon Air are privately operated airlines flying throughout Myanmar. There is a 20 Kilo limit for baggage per person and excess baggage fees may be charged. It is suggest you leave items not needed in Yangon and collect them upon your return.
LANGUAGE
The official language is Burmese though there are dialects spoken in particular regions. English is widely spoken and understood among the educated urban population
TELEPHONES
In all large cities, access to telephones is easy and IDD calls can be made from any major hotel.
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 that can damage equipment such as computers. Please travel with the required protection for your electrical items.
WHAT TO WEAR
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 be quite cold 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.
CLIMATE
Myanmar's climate is tropical. During the cool season from late November to February, temperatures are pleasantly mild ranging from 20°C to 24°C. The hot season is from March to April and temperatures range from 30°C to 35°C. During the rainy season, May to October, short rainstorms are frequent in the late afternoon and temperatures range from 25°C to 30°C.
GRATUITIES & TIPPING
Myanmar's citizens 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.
DRINKING WATER
It is advised to drink bottled or boiled water. Do not drink water from the tap.
