What to bring
Insect repellent. Sunblock, Sunglasses, Hat, Umbrella. Personal Medical Kit.
Immigration
Jewelleries, electrical goods and cameras must be declared at the airport. Antiques and archaeologically valuable items are not allowed to be taken out. Duty free allowance are 2 bottles of liquor, 2 cartons of cigarettes, 100 cigars, 1.5 lb of tobacco, one pint bottle of perfume or eau de cologne.
What to bring
Light, casual cotton wear because of hot weather.A cardigan or light jerkin, when visiting northern Myanmar in the cold season. An umbrella during the rainy season Sandals or slippers. Quick drying clothes are recommended if you visit during the rainy season or Thingyan.The dress code for pagodas and mon asteries prescribe decent apparel, no footwear is allowed when visiting pagodas and monasteries.
Vaccination
Most traveler will need vaccinations for hepatitis A, typhoid fever, and polio, as well as medications for malaria prophylaxis and travelers’ diarrhea. Other immunizations may be necessary depending upon the circumstances of the trip and the medical history of the traveler. Insect repellents are recommended, in conjunction with other measures to prevent mosquito bites. All travelers should visit their personal physician 4-8 weeks before your trip. The sun can be remarkably hot and a hat and high-factor block cream is advisable.
Health & Insurance
Health officials require certification of immunization against cholera, and against yellow fever if you have travelled ir stay at AFFECTED areas within nine days before your arrival Myanmar date. Proof of smallpox vaccination is no longer required. There are several hospitals and clinics in Yangon, some of which are under the Ministry of Health and some are privately owned. The Pun Hlaing International Hospital is the first international hospital in Myanmar. As such it is only in developing stage for insurance of travelling and travellers. Coverage amount may not realized to full expense. Tourists are strongly suggestible to make insurance policies at one’s country or from international institutions. Even though your tour operator at Myanmar does not ask you for details of your travel insurance coverage,you should inform them the contact point regarding insurance matters in case of such urgency occurs; and your indentification at insurance company.
Visa Requirement
Myanmar requires a visa for all foreigners visiting the country. It is valid for 28 days starting from the day you enter the country, three months from the date of issue. You can obtain a visa from Myanmar Embassies in the various countries. The international points of entry and exit Myanmar are Yangon International Airport and Mandalay International Airport.Show your passport (with valid entry visa) and disembarkation card on arrival to the Immigration officer at the International Airport (Yangon or Mandalay).A valid passport with Entry visa is required for all tourists & businessmen, applicable at any Myanmar Embassies and Consulate General Offices abroad.
Types of Visa
– A Tourist Visa allows a stay of 28 days, extendible for an additional 14 days.
A Business Visa allows a stay of 28 days, extendible up to 12 months on a case by case basis.
Visa on Arrival is granted to Package Tourists who have booked prepaid package tour from one of licensed travel and tour companies. This arrangement requires minimum of two weeks lead time for the tour companies to prepare.
Currency
Foreigners are recommended to bring US Dollars into Myanmar because they are easily exchangeable for Foreign Exchange Certificate (FEC) at authorised money changers, who can also exchange directly into Kyat. Euros may also be exchanged into FEC at authorised money changer. Please be warned that torn, dirty and stained notes might not be able to accepted.Only a few restaurants and hotels accept Credit cards, and the service charges may vary from 20 to 40 percent.Myanmar currency is known as “Kyat” which comprises 100 Pyas.
Credit Cards and Travellers’ Cheque
Visitors are recommended to bring US Dollars cash. Currently credit cards and travellers cheques cannot be used in Myanmar. So please make sure you bring enough United States dollars in cash for your intended purchases and avoid disappointments. Generally, travellers should obtain expense money in Yangon or Mandalay before going to more remote areas of the country.
Comfort and Care
Mosquito repellent and sun screen are a must. Try to avoid going out in the midday sun when it’s very hot. Don’t forget to bring medication you would normally use in emergencies, such as antibiotics etc. Most medicines are available but maybe not the brand you normally use.Drink only pre-boiled water such as green tea or bottled water of reputable brands. Better to avoid ice cubes in the street stalls.Avoid eating shellfish in hot weather, if you are not actually on the beach.
Clothing
Light cotton clothing, slip-on shoes or sandals, a sun hat, maybe a light jacket for cooler evenings of hilly regions.
Shopping
Shopping in Myanmar is a lot better now with the acceptance of free-market kyat as an exchange currency. In the larger town areas, you can usually get good bargains at public market places known as zei or zay, in Myanmar. Another known as zeigyo (also spelt zei-gyo or zay-cho) is the main central market. It is natural that other markets will be named after the district or township where they are located.Nowadays the number of super markets and departmental stores are rising, so its very convienent for any tourists to shop around. The stores have a variety of daily consumer products and other useful products.
Power
The voltage in Myanmar is 220-230 VoHs AC. Most of the hotels have their own generators. You may experience power cuts and voltage inconsistence which can damage equipment like computers. Please travel with required protection for your electrical items.
Telecommunications
Mobile phones from other countries will not work in Myanmar. Telephones and fax facilities are available in most hotels but charges are quite expensive.
Travel Insurance
Currently foreign visitors can buy travel insurance in Myanmar with local currency (Kyats).
Gratuities & Tipping
Myanmar people are genuinely happy to help foreign visitors and don’t expect anything in return. But if your guide as any other person during your trip was especially kind and helpful a gratuity would be a generous gesture and greatly appreciated.
Airport Tax
Airport tax is US$10 per person on international departure.
