The following are some practical notes that anyone visiting Burma needs to know in order to have a safe and comfortable trip:
€ The national currency in Burma is the Kyat (1 US dollar=6.53 Kyat). Most hotels and shops accept US dollars and Euros. It is better that you carry small dollar bills because sometimes you will be given your change in Kyat or old dollar bills, that are accepted almost nowhere in Burma.
€ There are NO ATMs in Burma so be sure to carry enough money with you. If you carry more than 2,000 dollars (per person) when entering the country. you should declare it to the authorities. Credit cards and traveler's checks are accepted only in very few big hotels.
€ Tipping waiters etc is not common and may be received as an insult. However, small €donations€ may be needed in occasions like entering a temple.
€ Small towns in Burma may have limited time of power supply (e.g. no electricity after 10p.m.). However, hotels usually have a generator running 24 hours a day.
€ As in other Southeast Asian countries, local taxi drivers may inform you that the hotel you have chosen is no good, or even closed. Insist that they take you there since usually they are just trying to take you to another hotel where they get commission from.
€ Avoid talking about politics with the locals. Burma is under military dictatorship and talking about politics may get you and the local person in trouble.
€ You need a visa to travel to Burma. It costs 30 dollars and you can either get it on arrival or apply online at http://www.myanmarvisa.com. However visa regulations change every few years so you better check again before your visit.
€ Malaria still exists in some rural areas of Burma. Bring mosquito repellant and long sleeve shirts to protect yourself. Malaria pills are not suggested since they have side effects. It's best that you ask the department in charge for more information.
€ Burma is among the countries that have the most deaths from snake bite. Watch your step and wear closed shoes in rural areas.
€ Avoid getting close to stray dogs or monkeys since rabies is not yet extinct in the country.
The above make Burma seem like a difficult destination. So the last fact that everybody needs to know before visiting, is that it is in general a very safe country with very low to zero criminality levels. Be prepared and enjoy your travel at most!
€ The national currency in Burma is the Kyat (1 US dollar=6.53 Kyat). Most hotels and shops accept US dollars and Euros. It is better that you carry small dollar bills because sometimes you will be given your change in Kyat or old dollar bills, that are accepted almost nowhere in Burma.
€ There are NO ATMs in Burma so be sure to carry enough money with you. If you carry more than 2,000 dollars (per person) when entering the country. you should declare it to the authorities. Credit cards and traveler's checks are accepted only in very few big hotels.
€ Tipping waiters etc is not common and may be received as an insult. However, small €donations€ may be needed in occasions like entering a temple.
€ Small towns in Burma may have limited time of power supply (e.g. no electricity after 10p.m.). However, hotels usually have a generator running 24 hours a day.
€ As in other Southeast Asian countries, local taxi drivers may inform you that the hotel you have chosen is no good, or even closed. Insist that they take you there since usually they are just trying to take you to another hotel where they get commission from.
€ Avoid talking about politics with the locals. Burma is under military dictatorship and talking about politics may get you and the local person in trouble.
€ You need a visa to travel to Burma. It costs 30 dollars and you can either get it on arrival or apply online at http://www.myanmarvisa.com. However visa regulations change every few years so you better check again before your visit.
€ Malaria still exists in some rural areas of Burma. Bring mosquito repellant and long sleeve shirts to protect yourself. Malaria pills are not suggested since they have side effects. It's best that you ask the department in charge for more information.
€ Burma is among the countries that have the most deaths from snake bite. Watch your step and wear closed shoes in rural areas.
€ Avoid getting close to stray dogs or monkeys since rabies is not yet extinct in the country.
The above make Burma seem like a difficult destination. So the last fact that everybody needs to know before visiting, is that it is in general a very safe country with very low to zero criminality levels. Be prepared and enjoy your travel at most!
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