Frequently Asked Questions
Airport Tax
Is there any airport departure tax in Myanmar?
Yes, an international departure tax is payable by all travellers leaving Myanmar. It is not included in the price of your flight ticket. It is currently USD 10 per person (for adults and children older than 2 yrs '“ infants are exempt) payable in US Dollars and must be purchased at the airport before departure, so keep some cash on hand.
For domestic flights taxes are already included in the price of your ticket.
Yes, an international departure tax is payable by all travellers leaving Myanmar. It is not included in the price of your flight ticket. It is currently USD 10 per person (for adults and children older than 2 yrs '“ infants are exempt) payable in US Dollars and must be purchased at the airport before departure, so keep some cash on hand.
For domestic flights taxes are already included in the price of your ticket.
Getting There
How can I get to Myanmar by air?
There are still few direct flights from Europe or other countries to Myanmar. The best and most frequent connections are from Bangkok (Thailand) with up to 5 flights per day. Qatar Airways flies to Yangon direct from Doha. Exotissimo Travel will generally not be able to offer you attractive intercontinental fares and you will be much better off consulting your local travel agent for routings, fares and availability on flights to Myanmar or by making an internet search. However we are able to offer attractive regional flight arrangements once you are already in Vietnam, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia and Myanmar.
Major airlines flying to Yangon are:
What are the land border-crossing points to Myanmar?
Myanmar has land borders with Thailand, India, China, Laos and Bangladesh but only two are open to foreigners: Tachileik to/from Thailand and Muse from/to China and you need to have your visa in advance as none are issued on arrival. Any other border crossing would require extensive paperwork and special permits and will most probably be refused unless you have a very special reason. Note that you can get a day-pass on the spot at the Tachileik border (from Thailand) but it does not allow you to go further into Myanmar than Tachileik.
There are still few direct flights from Europe or other countries to Myanmar. The best and most frequent connections are from Bangkok (Thailand) with up to 5 flights per day. Qatar Airways flies to Yangon direct from Doha. Exotissimo Travel will generally not be able to offer you attractive intercontinental fares and you will be much better off consulting your local travel agent for routings, fares and availability on flights to Myanmar or by making an internet search. However we are able to offer attractive regional flight arrangements once you are already in Vietnam, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia and Myanmar.
Major airlines flying to Yangon are:
- Bangkok Airways (PG)
- Thai Airways (TG)
- Myanmar Airways International (8M)
- Phuket Air (9R)
- Malaysia Airlines (MH)
- Silk Air (MI)
- Qatar Airways (QR)
What are the land border-crossing points to Myanmar?
Myanmar has land borders with Thailand, India, China, Laos and Bangladesh but only two are open to foreigners: Tachileik to/from Thailand and Muse from/to China and you need to have your visa in advance as none are issued on arrival. Any other border crossing would require extensive paperwork and special permits and will most probably be refused unless you have a very special reason. Note that you can get a day-pass on the spot at the Tachileik border (from Thailand) but it does not allow you to go further into Myanmar than Tachileik.
Health
Do I need to have any vaccinations to enter Myanmar?
No vaccinations are required except for yellow fever if you are coming from an area where the disease is present. However, as a precaution, you should be inoculated against typhoid, cholera, hepatitis A & B, tetanus and polio. Malaria is present in Myanmar and it is advisable to take precautions especially if travelling off the beaten track. Medical facilities are rather limited in Myanmar (the best are found in Yangon) and it is essential to take out a good medical insurance policy covering medical evacuation flights before travelling. You must consult your doctor for up-to-date information and prescriptions for vaccinations, anti-malarial requirements and any reasonably foreseeable illnesses before travelling to Myanmar. Some vaccinations courses may need time to be completed. We recommend that you carry with you any personal medical requirements (including a spare pair of glasses).
No vaccinations are required except for yellow fever if you are coming from an area where the disease is present. However, as a precaution, you should be inoculated against typhoid, cholera, hepatitis A & B, tetanus and polio. Malaria is present in Myanmar and it is advisable to take precautions especially if travelling off the beaten track. Medical facilities are rather limited in Myanmar (the best are found in Yangon) and it is essential to take out a good medical insurance policy covering medical evacuation flights before travelling. You must consult your doctor for up-to-date information and prescriptions for vaccinations, anti-malarial requirements and any reasonably foreseeable illnesses before travelling to Myanmar. Some vaccinations courses may need time to be completed. We recommend that you carry with you any personal medical requirements (including a spare pair of glasses).
Money - Currency
What is the local currency in Myanmar?
The currency in Myanmar is the Myanmar Kyat (pronounced tcheeat). The kyat is used only in Myanmar and is not convertible if taken out of the country, so change only as much as you need and use it up before you leave. US Dollars (and increasingly but to a lesser degree Euros) are accepted as payment in hotels, some restaurants and some shops. Banks are open Monday to Friday and some are open Saturday morning but will change at an official rate only and are basically useless for travellers.
The best places to change are at money changers and your guide will advise and help you with it. It is important to bear in mind the following special points in Myanmar:
Bank notes: 10; 20; 50; 100; 200; 500; 1,000.
Coins: None
Current exchange rate as per June 2006: USD 1 = 1,250 Kyats
Is it better to use Myanmar Kyat or US Dollars?
For everyday expenses, we recommend carrying a mix of US Dollars and Kyats in cash. For larger items or when the exchange rate works in your favour, use US Dollars. For trishaws, local food stalls and small purchases, it's best to use kyats. As the biggest kyat note is roughly equivalent to 1 USD any bigger amount changed will have you carrying a big stack of note. In either case, make sure you always have a stock of small notes so that you don't have to worry about change.
Are Travellers' Cheques accepted in Myanmar?
Traveller cheques are currently not accepted in Myanmar.
Can I use credit cards in Myanmar?
Credit Cards are currently not accepted in Myanmar. Some restaurants and hotels might accept payment with credit card if pressed and with a surcharge, but it is best is to rely on cash when travelling to Myanmar.
Where can I withdraw cash?
There are no ATMs or cash machines in Myanmar and you can currently not withdraw any money once in Myanmar. However Exotissimo Travel will help you out should you be in need or encounter an emergency.
The currency in Myanmar is the Myanmar Kyat (pronounced tcheeat). The kyat is used only in Myanmar and is not convertible if taken out of the country, so change only as much as you need and use it up before you leave. US Dollars (and increasingly but to a lesser degree Euros) are accepted as payment in hotels, some restaurants and some shops. Banks are open Monday to Friday and some are open Saturday morning but will change at an official rate only and are basically useless for travellers.
The best places to change are at money changers and your guide will advise and help you with it. It is important to bear in mind the following special points in Myanmar:
- Do NOT change at the exchange booth at the airport just after passport control. Whatever is said, there is no compulsory exchange rule anymore.
- Avoid 100 USD notes with series numbers starting with CB. They are not accepted in Myanmar due to persisting counterfeit rumours.
- Bring US Dollar notes of the new type, where the presidents have 'big heads' as opposed to the old 'small' heads.
- You get a slightly better exchange rate for $100 and $50 notes than for smaller denominations
Bank notes: 10; 20; 50; 100; 200; 500; 1,000.
Coins: None
Current exchange rate as per June 2006: USD 1 = 1,250 Kyats
Is it better to use Myanmar Kyat or US Dollars?
For everyday expenses, we recommend carrying a mix of US Dollars and Kyats in cash. For larger items or when the exchange rate works in your favour, use US Dollars. For trishaws, local food stalls and small purchases, it's best to use kyats. As the biggest kyat note is roughly equivalent to 1 USD any bigger amount changed will have you carrying a big stack of note. In either case, make sure you always have a stock of small notes so that you don't have to worry about change.
Are Travellers' Cheques accepted in Myanmar?
Traveller cheques are currently not accepted in Myanmar.
Can I use credit cards in Myanmar?
Credit Cards are currently not accepted in Myanmar. Some restaurants and hotels might accept payment with credit card if pressed and with a surcharge, but it is best is to rely on cash when travelling to Myanmar.
Where can I withdraw cash?
There are no ATMs or cash machines in Myanmar and you can currently not withdraw any money once in Myanmar. However Exotissimo Travel will help you out should you be in need or encounter an emergency.
Safety
How safe is Myanmar?
Myanmar is a very safe country to visit. Nevertheless, never leave your belongings unattended and always maintain eye contact or a firm grip on cameras and shoulder bags. Ask your guide for advice on the do's and don'ts on a case by case basis.
Myanmar is a very safe country to visit. Nevertheless, never leave your belongings unattended and always maintain eye contact or a firm grip on cameras and shoulder bags. Ask your guide for advice on the do's and don'ts on a case by case basis.
Telecommunications
How can I get in touch with my family, workplace and friends?
Telephone: Mobile phones will NOT work in Myanmar, as there are no international mobile communication agreements. If you have to bring it, it is best is to keep it in your hand luggage or in the hotel safe during your trip. Most hotels now have IDD phones in rooms and it is possible to send faxes from hotels and post offices. Be warned these services are expensive and you might be charged even if no communication has been established or receiver did not pick up the phone. Please check clearly beforehand with the hotel or post office about the charges and the conditions. In remote areas, away from the major cities it may not always be possible to make international calls.
Internet: Major hotels throughout Myanmar have a Business Centre with PCs connected to the Internet. Check with the reception for fares and connection facilities. Please note that the connections tend to be slow. Cyber cafes are becoming popular and are easily found in major towns and cities. Fares are reasonable, usually below US$1 per hour. Please note that free web mails like Yahoo or Hotmail are normally not accessible. Therefore should you need to receive urgent emails find out the hotel e-mail addresses in advance our consultants will assist you with this.
Mail: Postcards can be bought at all the main tourist sites and stamps are available from post offices and some hotel reception desks (but not common). As a guideline, a postcard stamped to Europe costs approx. KTS 4,000 and takes 10 days to two weeks to reach the country of destination.
Telephone: Mobile phones will NOT work in Myanmar, as there are no international mobile communication agreements. If you have to bring it, it is best is to keep it in your hand luggage or in the hotel safe during your trip. Most hotels now have IDD phones in rooms and it is possible to send faxes from hotels and post offices. Be warned these services are expensive and you might be charged even if no communication has been established or receiver did not pick up the phone. Please check clearly beforehand with the hotel or post office about the charges and the conditions. In remote areas, away from the major cities it may not always be possible to make international calls.
Internet: Major hotels throughout Myanmar have a Business Centre with PCs connected to the Internet. Check with the reception for fares and connection facilities. Please note that the connections tend to be slow. Cyber cafes are becoming popular and are easily found in major towns and cities. Fares are reasonable, usually below US$1 per hour. Please note that free web mails like Yahoo or Hotmail are normally not accessible. Therefore should you need to receive urgent emails find out the hotel e-mail addresses in advance our consultants will assist you with this.
Mail: Postcards can be bought at all the main tourist sites and stamps are available from post offices and some hotel reception desks (but not common). As a guideline, a postcard stamped to Europe costs approx. KTS 4,000 and takes 10 days to two weeks to reach the country of destination.
Time
What is the time difference in Myanmar?
Myanmar is GMT + 6h30 and does not operate daylight-saving system.
Myanmar is GMT + 6h30 and does not operate daylight-saving system.
Transportation
Can I rent a car and drive myself?
Burmese laws do not allow foreigners to rent and drive a car by themselves and you would also find it very difficult to get around without speaking the language. It is highly advisable to rent a car with a driver.
How are the roads and the cars in Myanmar?
The road infrastructure is under-developed. While it is fine in the major towns it is of variable quality between towns and on overland trips (patchy asphalt, gravel and sand on the road, narrow lanes...) Exotissimo does not have its own cars but hires cars from private persons. Be advised that due to economic restrictions, cars cannot be imported and therefore the cars in Myanmar are rather old - most vehicles are an average of 10 yrs old. Nevertheless they are lovingly kept and well-maintained and air conditioned.
Can the driver speak English and act as a guide?
In Myanmar drivers are just drivers and guides need to have a license delivered by the National Tourism Authorities to officially guide foreigners especially in tourist sites. However some drivers (if they do speak English) can give you some general practical advice and hints while you are in their car. So, there is no obligation to hire a guide if you do not wish to but do not expect him to be your guide.
Burmese laws do not allow foreigners to rent and drive a car by themselves and you would also find it very difficult to get around without speaking the language. It is highly advisable to rent a car with a driver.
How are the roads and the cars in Myanmar?
The road infrastructure is under-developed. While it is fine in the major towns it is of variable quality between towns and on overland trips (patchy asphalt, gravel and sand on the road, narrow lanes...) Exotissimo does not have its own cars but hires cars from private persons. Be advised that due to economic restrictions, cars cannot be imported and therefore the cars in Myanmar are rather old - most vehicles are an average of 10 yrs old. Nevertheless they are lovingly kept and well-maintained and air conditioned.
Can the driver speak English and act as a guide?
In Myanmar drivers are just drivers and guides need to have a license delivered by the National Tourism Authorities to officially guide foreigners especially in tourist sites. However some drivers (if they do speak English) can give you some general practical advice and hints while you are in their car. So, there is no obligation to hire a guide if you do not wish to but do not expect him to be your guide.
Visas
Do I need to get a tourist visa for Myanmar?
All visitors to Myanmar require a visa to enter the country.
How long is a tourist visa to Myanmar valid?
A tourist visa is valid for 28-days for a single entry and can be extended once (in Yangon only) for an additional 14 days. Overstaying visitors have to pay a fine of USD3/day.
How do I apply for a Myanmar visa?
There are 4 ways to obtain a visa:
1. Individual visa
This visa is issued by a Myanmar Embassy or Consulate click here for a complete list of Myanmar representations abroad). You don't need an invitation letter and it usually takes 3-5 working days to be issued. It is not anymore required anymore to change 200USD on arrival into FECs for the holder of an individual visa.
2. Package Tour visa
This visa is issued by a Myanmar Embassy or Consulate and is given if Exotissimo Travel has sent a letter of invitation. Usually it takes 3-5 days to issue the visa. With the confirmation of your booking Exotissimo Travel will send the letter to the Embassy. We need the full names, passport numbers, nationality and the country where you will be applying in. A copy of the letter will be send to you by fax or e-mail.
3. Visa on arrival
If the country you are living in doesn't have a Myanmar Embassy, you can either send your application to the closest country with a Myanmar Embassy or ask Exotissimo Travel to arrange a visa upon arrival.
Update valid from 1st October 2005
Exotissimo Travel Myanmar can arrange for a visa to be delivered on arrival in Myanmar for clients residing in countries where there is no embassy or consulate of Myanmar.
For pre-arranged visas on arrival (VOA), please provide:
After getting the approval letter from the authorities, Exotissimo will send you a copy of this authorization letter to be presented at the check-in counter of the airline.
Clients are requested to bring with them the copy of the authorization letter, 2 passport size pictures and the amount of 20 USD in cash for payment of their visa fee on arrival. This amount can be included in the package payment on request.
Exotissimo's service fee to arrange a Visa On Arrival: USD 10/passport (billed in package price). Please bring a supply of passport size pictures for any eventuality when travelling in the region (min. 6 photos).
For more information and questions please contact 4. E-Visa
A new way to obtain your Myanmar Visa is via the internet. Log in to www.visa.gov.mm, and follow the instructions on the site. Completing the Visa application form is quite easy and the applicant is only requested to give name, address, passport number and other basic details. The approved applications are returned via E-mail. Travellers will have to show a print-out of the approved application form at the airline check-in counter before flying to Myanmar and at the Immigration counter upon their arrival in Myanmar. The fees are detailed on the page and applicants can pay the charges directly to the Immigration officers upon arrival. Should you encounter problems with this online method please revert to one of the other options.
NOTES:
What are the immigration procedures on entering Myanmar?
To enter Myanmar all visitors must complete an entry/exit form including a customs declaration. All this is easily done on the plane ride when these papers are distributed.Although it is required to declare mobile phones and laptop computers on the form, it is not checked or enforced. Your guide will be waiting in the arrival area after the customs counter with a signboard with your name on it.
All visitors to Myanmar require a visa to enter the country.
How long is a tourist visa to Myanmar valid?
A tourist visa is valid for 28-days for a single entry and can be extended once (in Yangon only) for an additional 14 days. Overstaying visitors have to pay a fine of USD3/day.
How do I apply for a Myanmar visa?
There are 4 ways to obtain a visa:
1. Individual visa
This visa is issued by a Myanmar Embassy or Consulate click here for a complete list of Myanmar representations abroad). You don't need an invitation letter and it usually takes 3-5 working days to be issued. It is not anymore required anymore to change 200USD on arrival into FECs for the holder of an individual visa.
2. Package Tour visa
This visa is issued by a Myanmar Embassy or Consulate and is given if Exotissimo Travel has sent a letter of invitation. Usually it takes 3-5 days to issue the visa. With the confirmation of your booking Exotissimo Travel will send the letter to the Embassy. We need the full names, passport numbers, nationality and the country where you will be applying in. A copy of the letter will be send to you by fax or e-mail.
3. Visa on arrival
If the country you are living in doesn't have a Myanmar Embassy, you can either send your application to the closest country with a Myanmar Embassy or ask Exotissimo Travel to arrange a visa upon arrival.
Update valid from 1st October 2005
Exotissimo Travel Myanmar can arrange for a visa to be delivered on arrival in Myanmar for clients residing in countries where there is no embassy or consulate of Myanmar.
For pre-arranged visas on arrival (VOA), please provide:
- Full Name as in passport
- Name of father
- Passport Number
- Date of Birth
- Place of birth
- Passport Issuance & Expiration date (passport must be valid 6 months after arrival!)
- Nationality
- Race
- Religion
- Sex
- Occupation
- Home address
- Reason for visiting Myanmar
- Flights in/out
- Scanned passport photo or copy of passport page with photo
After getting the approval letter from the authorities, Exotissimo will send you a copy of this authorization letter to be presented at the check-in counter of the airline.
Clients are requested to bring with them the copy of the authorization letter, 2 passport size pictures and the amount of 20 USD in cash for payment of their visa fee on arrival. This amount can be included in the package payment on request.
Exotissimo's service fee to arrange a Visa On Arrival: USD 10/passport (billed in package price). Please bring a supply of passport size pictures for any eventuality when travelling in the region (min. 6 photos).
For more information and questions please contact 4. E-Visa
A new way to obtain your Myanmar Visa is via the internet. Log in to www.visa.gov.mm, and follow the instructions on the site. Completing the Visa application form is quite easy and the applicant is only requested to give name, address, passport number and other basic details. The approved applications are returned via E-mail. Travellers will have to show a print-out of the approved application form at the airline check-in counter before flying to Myanmar and at the Immigration counter upon their arrival in Myanmar. The fees are detailed on the page and applicants can pay the charges directly to the Immigration officers upon arrival. Should you encounter problems with this online method please revert to one of the other options.
NOTES:
- Always allow plenty of time to make your visa arrangements to secure a good start of your trip.
- You must have a passport valid 6 months after your planned exit of Myanmar.
What are the immigration procedures on entering Myanmar?
To enter Myanmar all visitors must complete an entry/exit form including a customs declaration. All this is easily done on the plane ride when these papers are distributed.Although it is required to declare mobile phones and laptop computers on the form, it is not checked or enforced. Your guide will be waiting in the arrival area after the customs counter with a signboard with your name on it.
Weather
What is the weather like in Myanmar?
Myanmar has three seasons similar to much of Southeast Asia. The Southwest monsoon starts at the end of May and lasts until the end of September. This season brings frequent and heavy downpours of rain, mainly in the afternoon and evening especially in Yangon and on the coast, the rest of the country is dryer. In the rainy season the weather is more humid and that can make travelling less comfortable. The rains give way to dry weather in October and the temperatures are generally lower and more pleasant at this time. In March the temperatures start to climb again leading up to the next rainy season at the end of May. Temperatures between March and May can be very hot - over 35oC in some places.
For live weather forecasts, click here
When is the best season to travel to Myanmar?
You can travel to Myanmar all year round. While October to March is preferred because of the lack of rains and the cooler temperatures, it is perfectly possible to travel outside these months. The monsoon rains are active from May to September and this period will see some heavy rains especially along the coast and in Yangon. The rest of the country will be much less affected and the sun will still be out in force for parts of the day.
For beach holidays and the Rakhine province (Mrauk U) best is to avoid mid-May to September. Hotel and airline tariffs are lower from May to September and you can easily get free upgrades at hotels just by asking. The Burmese New Year is celebrated around mid-April and it will affect your trip as land transport rates double and many restaurants and shops will be closed. You will also most probably be splashed with water, the traditional way to wash away the old year, and although colourful and fun can be quite annoying for your photo and video equipment.
Myanmar has three seasons similar to much of Southeast Asia. The Southwest monsoon starts at the end of May and lasts until the end of September. This season brings frequent and heavy downpours of rain, mainly in the afternoon and evening especially in Yangon and on the coast, the rest of the country is dryer. In the rainy season the weather is more humid and that can make travelling less comfortable. The rains give way to dry weather in October and the temperatures are generally lower and more pleasant at this time. In March the temperatures start to climb again leading up to the next rainy season at the end of May. Temperatures between March and May can be very hot - over 35oC in some places.
For live weather forecasts, click here
When is the best season to travel to Myanmar?
You can travel to Myanmar all year round. While October to March is preferred because of the lack of rains and the cooler temperatures, it is perfectly possible to travel outside these months. The monsoon rains are active from May to September and this period will see some heavy rains especially along the coast and in Yangon. The rest of the country will be much less affected and the sun will still be out in force for parts of the day.
For beach holidays and the Rakhine province (Mrauk U) best is to avoid mid-May to September. Hotel and airline tariffs are lower from May to September and you can easily get free upgrades at hotels just by asking. The Burmese New Year is celebrated around mid-April and it will affect your trip as land transport rates double and many restaurants and shops will be closed. You will also most probably be splashed with water, the traditional way to wash away the old year, and although colourful and fun can be quite annoying for your photo and video equipment.
