Typical Character
- Friendly, helpful, honest, but proud.
- Treat everyone with respect and you will be respected.
- Speaking
- When addressing people, don't leave out U (which stands for Mr) or Daw (which
stands for Ms/Mrs).
- Speak slowly and clearly.
Manners
- Not always necessary to shake hands.
- Don't hug or kiss in public.
- Don't touch any adult on the head.
- Don't step over any part of a person, as it is considered rude.
- Accept or give things with your right hand.
- In Myanmar, unlike the Indian continent, nodding means YES, and shaking head
means NO.
Eating
- For hygiene reasons, eat only in decent restaurants. When not available, always
eat heated food.
- Don’t eat food purchased from street vendors.
- Don't drink tap water.
- Drink only bottled water and soft drinks that haven't been opened yet.
- Let the oldest be served first.
- Chinese food is common and suggested.
- Myanmar food are often complained as 'oily'.
- To try good Myanmar food, go to decent restaurants in Yangon area, where they
cook Myanmar food according to international standards.
Shopping
- When buying gems, sculptures, or any expensive souvenir, make sure it comes with
an export permit.
- Buy arts from authorized dealers only and get a certified receipt.
Safety
- Don't leave expensive items in your room. Use safe deposit box.
- Beware of cheats, swindlers, imposters.
Health
- Stay away from narcotic drugs.
- Carry some medicines for diarrhea.
- If sick, don't worry. All doctors are English literate.
- Health insurance is not available.
Traveling
- Accept that facilities may not be the best.
- On trains, keep windows shut.
- Speed or distance descriptions are in miles, not kilometers.
- Carry toilet paper in your bag.
Visiting
- Most Myanmar do not wear shoes in their homes. Take off when visiting.
Moving About
- Don't jay walk. Watch where you walk and what you step on.
- If driving, city speed limit is 30 mph. Drive on the right side.
Religion
- At religious places, remove footwear, but to remove headwear is not necessary.
- Avoid shouting or laughing.
- Avoid being a nuisance when taking photographs.
- Treat Buddha images with respect.
- Tuck away your feet. Don't point it toward the pagoda or a monk.
- Don't play loud music in these areas. Note that Buddhist monks are not allowed
to listen to music.
- Do not put Buddha statues or images on the floor or somewhere inappropriate.
- Don't touch sacred objects with disrespect.
- Hold them in your right-hand, or with both hands.
- Leave a donation when possible.
- Show respect to monks, nuns, and novices (even if they are children).
- Don't offer your hand to shake hands with a monk.
- Sit lower than a monk and elders.
- Don't offer food to a monk, nun, or a novice after noon time.
- A woman should not touch a monk.
|
Myanmar Tour Highlights
Copyright ©2007 by Myanmar Tourism Services Co.,Ltd. (Myanmar Travel
Agent)