A visa is required in advance. Tourist visa for Myanmar can be obtained from any Myanmar Embassy or Consulate world-wide. Please see our list of Embassies and Consulates below. Travelers who plan to arrive via Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore or Hong Kong can sometimes obtain their tourist visas within one working day. Tourist visa are valid for a stay of up to 28 days.
IMMIGRATION & CUSTOMS FORMALITIES
Your valuables ( jewelry, cameras, electronic equipment, etc.) should be declared on your customs declaration form upon arrival. Receipt of purchase and an export permit voucher for locally bought goods such as gems and jewelry may be required upon departure.
INSURANCE
We recommend all clients to obtain the necessary personal baggage, medical and accident insurance before arrival. 24 hour on call service for emergency evacuation and medical assistance.
LANGUAGE & CURRENCY
We recommend visitors to bring US Dollar in cash only – larger notes receiving a better rate in exchange. Exchange of other foreign currencies such as Euros, Yen and Pounds Sterling are maybe time consuming and difficult. Authorized money changer throughout Myanmar will usually only accept US Dollars. The FEC (Foreign Exchange Currency) used in Myanmar as currency next to the local currency Kyat (pronounced “Chat”) is equal to the US Dollar (1=1) and can easily been used for payment of purchases throughout the country.
Languages : The majority of the people speak Myanmar (Burmese) and English is widely used.
EATING, DRINKING & SHOPPING
Dining in Yangon can be both pleasurable and exciting. As food is generally inexpensive, one can easily sample different dining options as food choices abound the city. The city's cuisine is influenced mainly by the neighboring countries and has therefore inspired various dishes: Burmese , Chinese, Asian, Western...
Drinking : Only drink purified bottle water. Bottled water is readily available and some hotels provide complimentary. Carry a bottle with you throughout the day.
Shopping : Yangon is definitely the destination for alternative shopping. The city boasts of unique, very reasonably-priced items that one may not find even in its close neighbors. Some of its attractions include:
Precious Stones & Jewelry visitors can go crazy buying stones in Yangon: from precious birthstones to finer jades, sapphire and rubies.
- Lacquerware perhaps the most popular buy is Myanmar lacquerware. This attractive work of art, mostly coming from upcountry Bagan, is easily a collectible. Shoppers may choose from a wide variety of colours, shapes and sizes, although one may also find pleasure in the antique lacquerware pieces found in any major shop in town.
- Tapestry unique tapestries that equal Myanmar lacquerware in terms of popularity. These woven fabrics are normally handmade using gold and silver thread, with silver and metal finish.
- Antiques another popular buy in Yangon. Collectibles include statues, brass animal shapes, wooden fixtures, old clocks, and the like.
- Fabrics shoppers may go in a buying frenzy with all these colourful traditional longyi. Prices are very reasonable and are available in almost every market and store in town.
- Woodcraft from small items such as figurines and wooden canes to as heavy as home furniture. One would surely find pleasure in going through a wide variety of good quality woodcraft.
The most popular places for bargain-hunting includes Bogyoke Aung San Market (Scott Market) where one can go through countless options of souvenir items sold at significantly low prices. Shoppers would enjoy haggling for discounts as most of the items are sold without price tags. Other places for good buys include downtown Chinatown and shopping centers around the city.
HEALTH
No inoculations or vaccinations are required unless coming from or passing through an infected area. Clients should bring sufficient medication with them if required and should check for updated health recommendations before your departure to Myanmar regarding hepatitis, malaria, typhoid, etc. Please contact us if you would like detailed information on emergency health services available.
WHAT TO BRING
Sun hat, sun glasses, sun protection for your face and body, prescription medicines, insect repellent and an umbrella April to October (rain or shine). An antibiotic cream for minor cuts and scratches, extra pair of prescription glasses, a small flashlight, extra passport photos, decaffeinated coffee (if you require). 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 drop to near freezing 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. |