Myanmar Travel Tips

Yes, you can visit http://evisa.moip.gov.mm/for more E-Visa info.

The currency in Myanmar is Kyat. Present denominations are in notes: Kyat: 10000, 5000, 1000, 500, 200, 100, 50. Foreign currency such as US Dollar, British Pound, Euro and Singapore Dollar are available to exchange at exchange counters by various private banks throughout the country.

Use of VISA card and Master Card ( Amex Card are not available yet ) are now accepted in major airports, hotels,restaurants and some retails outlets.ATM cash withdrawal is only in Myanmar Kyat.*For a full list of ATMs in Myanmar which accept MasterCard and Maestro/Cirrus-branded cards, please use the ATM Locator tool available on http://www.mastercard.com/. However, many of the shops and hotels in small towns do not accept credit card yet so it's advisable that the clients should bring enough money in US Dollar cash. Kindly bring new US Dollar notes because old / ink stain / damage USD notes are very difficult to use in the market. Euro is not as welcome as US dollar.

We, Unique Paragon Int’l Travel,are very flexible with booking cancellation. But in Myanmar, most hotels apply cancellation charges range from twenty-one ( 21 ) days notice for group travels to seven ( 7 ) days notice for individual travels. Stricter cancellation and deposit policies apply for bookings with river cruises, beach hotels and some small and beautiful boutique hotels.

Myanmar cuisine is established around rice usually served with a variety of curries between meat and fish, along with a dish of vegetables, salads, soup, and condiments. Myanmar curries tend to be less spicy than those served in Thailand. Meals & drinks at International Hotels are considerably expensive. There are many good local restaurants with almost the same quality of food and hygiene as hotels but at more reasonable prices. They serve various dishes of Myanmar, Chinese, European (French and Italian), Thai and Indian cuisine. But roadside small restaurants are not recommended, as it can be risky for health.

The hotels’ accommodations standards in Burma are now vary widely especially in quality and availability. New and refurbished hotels meeting international standards are available in most destinations like Yangon, Mandalay, Bagan, Inle Lake area, Kyaing Tong, Loi Kaw, Ngapali Beach, Ngwe Saung Beach, and Chaung Thar Beach. But only very basic and simple hotels are available in the remote areas.

Myanmar arts and crafts, mostly hand-made, are lovely souvenirs. Lacquer ware, woodcarvings, tapestries, silverware, brassware, silk and cotton fabrics, and shoulder bags are some of the popular items. For jewellery, there are Burmese rubies, sapphires, jade and pearls available at Myanmar gems shops around Bogyoke Market area. All the purchased gems and jewellery should be made through the government licensed dealers, who can give a voucher for export.

There are no compulsory vaccinations for travel to Myanmar (Burma) but it is advisable to take precautions against malaria. Prescription drugs are not widely available in the remote areas of Myanmar so travellers should bring any required medication with them. Insect repellents are highly recommended, especially when travelling to remote areas in conjunction with other measures to prevent mosquito bites. The sun can be remarkably hot so a hat and sunscreen is advisable.

Our GSM system does allow “international Roaming” but not for all phones so your phone may or may not work in our country. But local SIM cards are very common and you can easily buy one at air port or many road side shops. Their internet speed is also quite good.Most important thing is remembering not to use Hotel phone. They all charge very high rate.

It is advisable to purchase travel insurance in your own country. Please choose a reputable insurance company who has agent in Myanmar. This is very important.

All foreign currencies above US $ 2000 in equivalent and jewelleries must be declared to the Burmese Customs at the Airport. Travellers may bring in duty free 200 cigarettes, one quart of wine, and one pint of perfume. Export of Myanmar (Burma) antiques is prohibited. For gems and jewelleries should be purchased at the licensed dealers or who can issue an export permit that allowed to be taken out of Myanmar.

Postal service in Myanmar is unreliable. Letters and postcards sent to overseas sometimes do not reach their destinations.