'Exclusive Travel Experience with Myanmar Tourism Services'

Airport Tax
Any passengers departing Myanmar on international flights will need to pay a departure tax of US$ 10.00 per person.


Climate 
Temperate and cool during the months of November to February and the best time to come visiting. Warm to scorching from March to May in the Dry Zone but moderate on the Shan and Kachin States. It is monsoon season from June to October in Yangon and the coastal regions, so plan to go to Bagan and Mandalay during this time.


Credit Cards
Credit Cards are only accepted at a very few major hotels, airlines and some international shops and restaurants. We suggest to bring a sufficient amount of cash for personal expenses. The exchange of traveler cheques as well is very difficult and time consuming. Banks are closed on Saturdays, Sundays and all public holidays.


Currency
Myanmar currency is called Kyat, and comes in notes of 1000, 500, 200, 100, 90, 50, 45, 20, 10, 5 and 1 Kyat.


Drinking Water
Only drink purified bottle water. Bottled water is readily available and some hotels provide complimentary. Carry a bottle with you throughout the day.


Duty Free Allowance
Two bottles of liquor, two cartons of cigarettes or 100 cigars and half liter of perfume are allowed per person. Yangon Airport arrival hall has a selection of duty free shops with a full range of items at a good price.


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.


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. SOS Worldwide has a local representative office in Yangon with a 24 hour on call service for emergency evacuation and medical assistance.


Language
The majority of the people speak Myanmar (Burmese) and English is widely used.


Mobile Phones
Hand Phones or Mobile Telephones from other countries currently do not operate in Myanmar. Customs will hold your telephone upon arrival and you can collect on your departure.


Religion
The majority of the people of Myanmar are Buddhist although Christianity, Islam and Hinduism are also practiced.


Telecommunications IDD
Telephones & fax facilities are available in most hotels in Yangon and Mandalay but charges are quite expensive. E mail facilities are now available at many hotels and local businesses in Yangon and Mandalay.


Travelers Cheques
Travelers Cheques may be very time consuming to transact. You must bring the original purchase agreement for the traveler’s cheques with you as proof when cashing your cheques.


Voltage
The voltage in Myanmar is 220-230 Volts AC. Most of the international hotels have their own generators. Other places may experience power cuts and voltage fluctuation which can damage equipment like computers. Please travel with the required protection for your electrical items.


Clothing
Mosquito repellent and sunscreen 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.


Shopping
You cannot post parcels home, although come shops will do the shipping for you. Ask first before you buy anything bulky. You cannot take back antiques. Better to avoid buying old-looking Buddha Images even if they were made a week ago, as the Custom Officers may not allow its export. Buy jewellery only from authorised dealers and be sure to get a receipt which must be shown at Customs checkpoint at the airport.