Travel Tips

Passport & Visa

All visitors must have a valid passport with tan EVT (Entry Visa for Tourist) to enter Myanmar. EVT can be obtained at any Myanmar Embassy / Consulate office abroad with validity for 28 days. Visa-on-Arrival can also be arranged.

Visa on Arrival

For a pre-arranged visa on arrival, please provide us the following documents (30) days in advance.

Please take note visa on arrival is especially for these counties where there is no Myanmar embassy and a scanned copy of passport (font page which consists of your particulars)

1. Full name in your passport
2. Passport No.
3. Father’s Name
4. Date of Birth & Place of Birth
5. Place of Issuance / Expiry date,
6. Nationality & Sex
7. Date of arrival & Flight in/ot no.
8. Current Address
9. Occupation
10. Purpose visit to Myanmar
11. Religion
12. Photo copy sent by email to be required
13. Passport size photo (s) to be sent by email

Then, we will apply for a visa on arrival. This process takes 30 working days. As soon as authorities approve your visa we will send you a copy of approved by email. However, approval for visa on arrival depends on the authorities. Upon arrival you will get your visa stamped in your passport at airport immigration counters.

Visa fee will cost US$20 for single entry visa. Please do not forget to bring 3 passport size photos. Please be aware that we need at least 3-4 working weeks for visa on arrival arrangements and this service is especially for those countries where there is no Myanmar Embassy.

Airport Tax

An international airport tax of 10 USF pre person is payable cash in USD or FEC (Foreign Exchange Certificates) when departing Myanmar on an international flight. No airport tax will be charged on domestic flghts.

Currency Exchange

The currency in Myanmar is called Kyat. US Dollar is the most useful currency to carry and it can be exchanged into local currency.

Credit card are not widely used. Traveler’s cheques can currently NOT be used or exchanged in Myanmar. It is absolutely necessary to bring enough cash in USD. Other foreign currencies are diffcult to change. (Foreign Exchange Certificates) known as FEC are officially used as an equivalent of USD. However, only 1,5,10 and 20 FEC notes have been circulated.

Electricity

Myanmar uses 220-250V, 50Hz, power-cuts are quite common but most hotel have their own generators.

Religion

Everyone in Myanmar has their independent right in religion. Theravada Buddhism is the predominant religion with over 80% of the total population. There are also Christians, Muslims and Hindus.

Clothing

Visitors are required to dress decently when going to religious buildings. Ladies should not wear shorts, briefs or bra-less T-shirt on Shwedagon Pagoda. Shoes and socks or Stockings must be removed at Pagodas and Monasteries.

Custom's Formalities on Arrival

All foreign currencies in excess of US$2,000, Traveler’s Cheque and jewelry, cameras and electronic goods etc, must be declared on the customs form which may be checked on departure.

Shopping

You cannot post parcels home, although some 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 imaged even if they were made a week ago, as the Custom Officers may not allow its export. Buy jewellery only form authorized dealers and be sure to get a receipt which must be shown at Customs checkpoint at the airport.

Comfort & Care

Mosquito repellent and sunscreen are highly recommended, especially when traveling to remote areas. Please bring medicines which you normally take. It is advisable to take precautions against malaria. Please bring medication you would normally use in emergencies, such as antibiotics etc.

Try to avoid going out in the midday sun when it’s very hot. Drink only boiled water such as green tea or bottled water of reputable brands. Better to avoid ice cubes in the streets stalls.

Food

Basic Myanmar food or Indonesia is mainly rice and curry. Myanmar curries tend to be less spicy than those serves in Thailand. Sea foods are abundant in Myanmar. Crabs, prawns, lobsters and other shellfish are among the popular dishes available at the most Myanmar and Chinese restaurants in Yangon and other tourist destinations.

There are many good local restaurants with almost the same quality of food and hygiene as hotels at reasonable prices. They serve various dishes of Myanmar, Chinese, European (French and Italian), Thai and Indian cuisine. But, roadside small restaurants are not recommended, as it can be risky for health.

Myanmar has variety of vegetables and fruits, some for seasonal and some for all year round. The most common ones are mango, banana, durian, Jackfruit, avocado, grapefruits, grapes, mangosteen, papaya, pamelo, pineapple, watermelon, orange and apple.