General Information For Tourists
1. Airport Tax
Any passengers departing Myanmar on international flights will need to pay a departure tax of US$ 10.00 per person.
2. Duty Free Allowance
Two bottles of liquor; two cartons of cigarettes; 100 cigars; 1.5 lbs. of tobacco; and one pint bottle of perfume or eau de cologne.
3. Currency
The monetary unit in Myanmar is the Kyat (pronounced ‘chat’). Visitors are not allowed to bring in or take out Kyats. Foreign currency must be exchanged only at authorized money changers at the airport, hotels, and banks. International credit cards and traveler’s checks are not widely used, except at major hotels and restaurants.
4. Foreign Exchange Certificate (Fec)
The FEC requirement has been removed. You no longer need to exchange $200 for FEC’s. Traveling to Myanmar gets easier and easier day by day for the foreign tourists.
5. Time Zones
Myanmar is GMT + 6.5 hours
6. Electrical Power
230 Volts AC and also 50 HZ. You can use the 3-prong European style plug or the 2-prong European style plug, and in a few hotels, the standard U.S. 2-prong plug.
7. Clothing
Casual and light clothing is recommended, preferably natural fibers year-round, but bring a sweater or jacket for the higher hill areas, particularly during the winter months (November through February). A windproof jacket is a good idea when touring Inle Lake during the winter months. A light raincoat is ESSENTIAL if you’re visiting during the monsoon months (June through September).
8. Dress Code
Remember this is a Buddhist country and always dress modestly. Shorts and tank tops for men and women should be avoided. When entering religious site and pagodas, it is required to removes shoes and socks. It is also customary to remove your shoes when entering someone’s home, so bring along shoes that are easy to slip on and off. You’ll notice that the Burmese generally wear thong-style sandals as they are very convenient!
9. Tipping
Tipping is widely practiced, so if a service charge is not included, tip for good service. Be sure to ask your guide the appropriate amount. It’s easy to forget the economic differences.
10. Security
Myanmar is not known for crime and it’s quite safe to travel everywhere. The area of the Myanmar/Thai border is one area to exercise some caution, and also any area that is crowded or on trains and buses (like anywhere in the world). Keep your Passport and money in a safe place when in these situations. In the unlikely event of a loss, it must be reported to the nearest police station and embassy immediately.