Myanmar Travel Guide
TRAVEL WARNING
Country-specific safety instructions
Travel in the country
In parts of Kachin State and northern Shan State, armed conflicts between rebel armies and the Myanmar military continue, which also resulted in deaths. Many people are on the run, and some of the border crossings to China have been closed.
The situation remains tense in some border regions where armed rebel groups operate (parts of Chin State and Sagaing Region, parts of Shan, Mon, Kayin, Karen and Kayah States). Particular caution is required here. Unmarked minefields pose an additional threat.
There are always ethnically motivated clashes in Rakhine State. The state of emergency in the entire Rakhine State has been lifted. However, in some parts there are curfews in the evening.
It is currently not recommended to travel to the above regions.
Air traffic
The safety of civil air traffic within Myanmar can in individual cases be impaired by outdated or poorly maintained aircraft belonging to local airlines. The charter company FMI has recently started using small, newly acquired jet planes, most of which are flown by foreign pilots.
Risks due to political tension
Politically motivated acts of violence cannot be ruled out. Blast attacks are repeatedly carried out in Myanmar, which also result in deaths and injuries.
During demonstrations in larger cities in the country there is always the risk that they will be violently broken up by security forces. It is therefore recommended that you stay away from any protests and demonstrations. Even initially peaceful protests can suddenly end in violent clashes.
Natural disasters
As a country located in Asia according to internetsailors, Myanmar is located in a region in which earthquakes and seaquakes can be expected. Cyclones occur in the coastal regions during the monsoons (May to October).
During the monsoons, flooding and disruptions in transport links can occur across the country due to heavy rainfall. In particular, country roads in the mountains or near rivers, but also rail connections, can be impassable for days.
MONEY
Currency
1 kyat = 100 pya. Currency abbreviation: K, MMK (ISO code). Banknotes are in circulation in denominations of 10,000, 5,000, 1,000, 500, 200, 100, 90, 50, 45, 20, 15, 10, 5 and 1 K and 50 Pya. Coins worth 100, 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1 pya. To stop the black market and weaken the financial situation of the dissident groups, certain banknotes are occasionally declared invalid without warning. US $ are only accepted in newer and undamaged bills, in some areas Singapore dollars are also accepted as a method of payment.
Credit cards
Credit cards are increasingly being accepted in shopping centers and hotels, but you have to expect high extra fees.
Cash withdrawals with credit cards are possible with Visa and Master Card at ATMs of the CB Bank and the Kanbawza Bank in Yangon, Mandalay, Bagan, Taungoo and Pyinmana. Details from the issuer of the credit card in question.
Foreign tourists have to pay for certain services such as flights, train tickets, entrance fees, boat trips and hotel bills in cash.
Attention: Since November 1st, 2015 hotels, restaurants and souvenir shops are no longer allowed to accept foreign currency. The Federal Foreign Office strongly recommends that you bring sufficient cash, preferably in US dollars, with you.
ATMs
ec / Maestro card / Sparcard
Attention: Travelers who pay with their bank customer card abroad and want to withdraw money should find out about the options for using their card from their bank prior to departure.
Withdrawing money with debit cards is not possible at all ATMs in Myanmar. You can usually withdraw money in larger cities in large supermarkets, hotels, airports and tourist markets. Before traveling, you should find out whether you can withdraw money with your own bank card.
Bank opening times
Mon-Fri 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Foreign exchange regulations
The national currency may neither be imported nor exported. No restrictions on the import of foreign currencies, obligation to declare all means of payment from a sum of US $ 10,000. The declaration must be kept, as the export is limited to the amount declared upon entry. Personal jewelry should be declared when entering the country in order to avoid difficulties when leaving the country. Regular controls take place at the airport in Yangon. Therefore, all receipts should be kept as evidence of the sums spent in the country.
Currency Exchange
Attention: Since November 1st, 2015 hotels, restaurants and souvenir shops are no longer allowed to accept foreign currency. Nevertheless, the Federal Foreign Office recommends that you bring enough foreign currency with you, preferably in US $.
In Rangoon, the euro (new, unused banknotes) is exchanged in exchange offices. We strongly advise against exchanging items on the black market because of attempted fraud. Large bills offer the best exchange rate.
LANGUAGE
Overview
The official language is Burmese, and over 100 different languages and dialects are spoken. English is spoken in business circles.
DUTY-FREE SHOPPING
Overview
The following items can be imported into Myanmar duty-free (people aged 17 and over):
400 cigarettes or 100 cigars or 250 grams of tobacco;
2 l spirits;
150 ml of perfume or eau de toilette.
Export restrictions
Antiques may not be exported. The export of precious stones, jewelery and silver is only possible on presentation of the purchase receipt from a state dealer.
Import regulations
Portable computers (laptops) can be imported without prior authorization, but they must be declared. However, an import permit is required to import all telecommunications equipment (including modems and fax machines). This can be requested from the Information & Technology Department (Kaba Aye Pagoda Road, Mayangone Township, Yangon, Tel. (00951) 65 08 90, Internet: www.mpt.net.mm). Theoretically, cell phones have to be deposited with customs until they leave the country, but in practice this is rarely enforced.
Prohibited exports
Weapons, pornographic materials, playing cards and objects that show the state flag of Myanmar and / or the image of Buddha or Myanmar pagodas may not be imported.
