 |
|
| Passport / Visa |
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 in Myanmar are Yangon International Airport and Mandalay International Airport.
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 both FTSs and Package Tourists on prior arrangement with the Ministry of Hotel and Tourism.
Show your passport with valid entry visa, disembarkation card on arrival to the Immigration officer at the International Airport (Yangon or Mandalay).
Foreign Independent Travelers (FITs) are required to exchange 200 US$ for Foreign Exchange Certificate (F.E.C) on arrival at the counter of Myanmar Foreign Trade Bank (MFTB).
A valid passport with Entry visa is required for all tourists & businessmen, applicable at Myanmar Embassies and Consulate General Offices abroad.
|
| Customs |
Foreign currencies in excess of U.S $2,000, jewellry, camera, video camera and electronic goods should be declared at the customs' counter at the airport on arrival.
|
| Airport tax |
Departure tax for international flights is US$-10 per person, payable in US dollar.
|
| Restricted Areas |
1) Authorized Travels and Tours Companies arranging Package Tours to Mogoke must contact and arrange through the Union of Myanmar Economic Holdings Ltd.
2) Myanmar Travels and Tours of the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism can make its own arrangements for its Package Tours to Mogoke.
3) Tours to Hpakant is not allowed
4) International tourists and foreign visitors are not allowed to tour round in any areas of Chin State and Kayah State.
International tourists and foreigners coming in through the Border Checkpoints with Border Pass are allowed to travel to the areas mentioned bellow:
|
| Northern Shan State |
1) Visitors from China with Border Pass are allowed to enter through Muse, Namkhm, Kyu Koke and Kun-Lone Checkpoints and then proceed up to Lashio by car.
2) Visitors coming in with Border Pass through Lwe-je checkpoint are allowed to proceed on to Bamaw Township as Package Tours being arranged by authorized Travels and Tours Companies.
|
| Southern Shan State |
1) Visitors entering from Thailand with Border Pass are allowed to Tachilek.
2) Visitors entering through Wun Pone with Border Pass are allowed to travel as far as Tachilek.
3) For the time being, visitors entering through Mai Lar with Border Pass are not allowed to Kyaing Tong. Consideration will be given in the future.
International Tourists and foreign visitors with Valid Visas entering through the Border checkpoints are allowed to the areas mentioned below.
a) Package Tours with Valid Visas; arranged by the authorized Travels and Tours Companies are allowed to enter through Muse, Namkham, Kyu Koke and Kun Lone checkpoints and proceed on to Mandalay and Yangon via Lashio either by air, road, or rail.
b) Package Tours with Valid Visas; arranged by the authorized Travels and Tours Companies are allowed to enter through Lwe-je checkpoint and proceed on the Mandalay and Yangon via Bamaw either by air or water.
|
| Loikaw |
Loikaw the capital of the Kayah State is situated about 130 miles south-east of Kalaw. Many ethnic groups live in harmony. A very unique feature of this state is the Padaung Women (Giraffe Women) whose necks are elongated with layers of brass rings. The beautiful and pleasant surroundings of the Law Pi Tah Hydroelectric power plant and the Balu Chaung fall are not far off. It can be reached by road and air. Although it is restricted area at the moment if on the relaxation of the restrictions it will definitely be a tourist attraction.
|
| Clothes |
Light casual wear preferably cotton is suitable for all year round. A cardigan or light sweater for the cool season especially when visiting Northern Myanmar in the cool season. An umbrella will be useful during the rainy season. Cotton clothing and a light warp for the evenings during the cool season are recommended. If possible dress modestly at all times. Sandals or slippers are convenient, as all footwear must be removed before entering temples and pagodas. Visitors are required to dress decently on the precincts of religious buildings. Ladies should not wear shorts, briefs or bra-less T-shirt in such places. Shoes and socks or stockings must be removed at Pagodas and Monasteries.
|
| Electricity |
When you plan to bring some electronic devices, make sure that these work with our domestic power A.C 220 - 250V 50Hz.The Power Line is 440V.
|
| Food |
Myanmar food is a cross between Chinese and Indian with traditional Myanmar curries and soups being the local favorites. Visitors will more commonly be offered Chinese cuisine because it is better suited to the Western palate. However, you can choose Myanmar specialties from menus at international hotels and local restaurants.
|
| Tap water |
in Myanmar is not safe to drink, likewise ice may be contaminated. Bottled water is readily available at many tourist sites.
Tea is usually provided free at restaurant tables. While not flavorful, it is boiled water, and so safe to drink (do not drink plain water - even in restaurants - unless it is bottled water).
|
| Health |
The same precautions as anywhere else. Drink only bottled water. Do not eat raw vegetables; only eat fruits that you can peel or cut yourself. Be wary of eating food from street stalls. Use insect repellent to keep malaria, dengue fever and the like at bay. Use sunscreen literally when exposed to the intense, tropical sun. A 24-hour, medical clinic, with internationally trained medical staff and health insurance is now available in Yangon. Health risks: cholera, dysentery, hepatitis, malaria, rabies, typhoid.
|
| Inoculation & vaccination |
Medical certificates of inoculations are essential especially for visitors coming from an infected area or yellow fever zones. Vaccination certificate is not necessary.
|
| Communication |
Overseas calls can be made through International direct dial phones available at Telephone offices and hotels. Internet interactive service is currently not available in Myanmar however e-mail can be available at most hotels and internet cafés in Yangon. Once you are in up country excess via email is getting limited however IDD fax service is available at most hotels in up country. At present the local GSM network does not support global network therefore using your global mobile phone is not possible in Myanmar. If you brought your mobile phone into Myanmar then you just have to leave with the custom department upon your arrival and reclaim before departure.
|
| Shopping |
Bargaining is an art long-practiced in Asian countries including Myanmar. So feel free to ask for a proper discount when shopping in places where prices are not marked. Myanmar arts and crafts, mostly pure handmade, are best souvenirs and prices are very reasonable. Lacquer-ware, wood and ivory carvings, tapestries, silverware, brassware, silk and cotton fabrics and shoulder bags are some of the favorite items. Finest Myanmar ruby, sapphire, jade and pearl are available at Myanmar gems shops.
|
| Souvenir |
Best buys include lacquer-wares, silver, wood and stone carvings, hand-woven silk and cotton garment or fabrics, gems, 'Kalaga' embroidered tapestries, traditional puppets and tribal handicrafts. Jewelry is generally up to international standards for design and workmanship. All gem and jewelry purchases should be made through a government-authorized dealer who must issue an official receipt, which is required for taking out of the country for such items. Bargaining is essential when shopping on the street.
Taxi & bus - Private taxis are easily available in Yangon but there is no meter. The fare must be negotiated before beginning the trip. While in the up country there is no taxi available. Public buses are plentiful and offer a cheap albeit crowed alternative. The only problem knows just where the bus is going.
|
| Business hours |
Banks open at 10:30 till 14:00, Monday through Friday. Government offices open at 09:30 till 16:30 Monday through Friday. Most private offices open at 09:30 till 17:00, Monday through Friday and 09:30 till 12:00 on Saturday.
|
| Tipping |
Its common to tip drivers and guides, waiters at local restaurants and also usually hotel porters. The following suggestions on tipping are meant as general guidelines. For exceptional service travelers may wish to give more.
Hotel porter: In general, if a porter carries bags to the room, a tip of about US$ 0.50 - $1.00 <either in US$ or equivalent to kyat> would be appropriate, depending on size, weight etc.
|
|
