Visa-free

• Several ASEAN nationals can visit Myanmar without a visa for up to 14 days if entering via Yangon, Mandalay or Naypyidaw International Airport. This includes citizens of Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, the Philippines and Thailand.
• Vietnamese and Singaporean nationals can stay in Myanmar without a visa for up to 30 days.

Visa-on-arrival

Nationals of China, Hong Kong and India are eligible to apply for a visa-on-arrival. The visa-on-arrival permits visits of up to 30 days for tourism purposes only. Travellers must enter/exit via the international entry/exit gates at an international airport. Visa extensions will not be permitted.

The following documents are required to obtain a visa-on-arrival:

• A completed visa-on-arrival form (to be obtained at the airport on arrival);
• Two colour photos (1.2 x 1.5 inches);
• Visa-on-arrival fee of USD 50 per person;
• Passport valid for at least six months with two or more blank pages.

Please note: Holders of passports with less than six months validity will not be permitted entry and they will be required to return immediately with the same airline they arrived with.

E-visa

All other travellers must obtain a valid visa prior to arriving in Myanmar. Most nationals can apply for an e-visa online. The visa allows single entry for 28 days and must be used within 90 days. The processing time for an e-visa is three to four working days. For the most up-to-date information, visit the website of Myanmar’s Ministry of Immigration at: https://evisa.moip.gov.mm

Documents required for an e-visa:

• Passport valid for at least six months with two or more blank pages;
• One colour passport-sized photo (4.6 cm x 3.8 cm) taken within the last three months;
• Return ticket or proof of onward travel;
• Confirmed hotel booking in Myanmar. Tourists are required to stay in a registered property;
• Health insurance document;
• Visa fee payable online by credit card.

Health insurance

Time zone

Language

Official language: Burmese

There are an estimated 80 different dialects spoken across the country. Many people, especially in the major tourist destinations, speak good English and can engage in basic communication with tourists.

What to pack

• Light cotton clothing is recommended for Myanmar’s tropical climate;
• Smart evening wear may be required for dining at hotels and high-end restaurants (please check the dress code for specific venues with your Asian Trails guide);
• Clothing that covers the arms and legs are recommended to protect against mosquitos;
• A lightweight raincoat may be useful if travelling during rainy season;
• A light fleece jacket can be handy if visiting the hill stations or Inle Lake, especially during the colder months (between November and February);
• Please note the following items of clothing are prohibited when visiting temples: sleeveless shirts; sportswear; tights/leggings; shorts; short skirts; three-quarter length trousers; swimwear/beachwear; and shirts with offensive texts or images;
• Sandals are recommended as it is customary to remove shoes when entering a temple or private home;
• An umbrella can offer shade from the strong sun and/or rain;
• Reusable water bottle;
• Sun hat and sunscreen;
• Insect repellent;
• Universal plug adaptor.

Electricity

Phone & internet

Do

• Support local businesses and shop at fair-trade stores or social enterprises (ask Asian Trails for recommendations);
• Choose to dine at locally-owned restaurants serving local cuisine;
• Switch off the air-conditioning and lights when you leave your hotel room;
• Donate to local charities and NGOs if you would like to support local people and nature (ask Asian Trails for recommendations);
• Ask permission before taking photographs of people;
• It is customary to remove shoes when entering a religious place or private home.

Don’t

• Avoid using single-use plastic bags or cups to minimise the problem of plastic waste;
• Don’t buy from children selling souvenirs on the streets, and don’t give them money or sweets, as this encourages them to stay out of school;
• Don’t take home religious objects such as Buddha images or other sacred items;
• Don’t buy wildlife products or items made from animal skins;
• Don’t point your feet at others and avoid touching people on the head as this is considered bad manners;
• Women should avoid touching male monks as this goes against their religious beliefs;
• Avoid wearing sleeveless shirts and short skirts or clothing that is too revealing. As Myanmar is a conservative country, make sure shoulders and knees are covered, especially when visiting temples;
• Avoid overt public displays of affection.

Currency

Official currency of Myanmar: Myanmar kyat (MMK)

US dollars are commonly accepted at shops, restaurants and hotels throughout the country. It is advisable to carry small denominations of cash to pay drivers and vendors who may not carry large amounts of change.

ATMs have been introduced, but are not widespread in Myanmar. Reports of erroneous transactions when using ATMs are common, so it is recommended to check all transactions carefully. Cash should be exchanged at an authorised bank or financial institution, but some exchange bureaux will also provide the service. Please note that ripped, torn or old US dollar bills will not be accepted.

Banking hours

Usual banking hours are Monday to Friday, 9.30 am to 3 pm.

Credit cards

Tipping

Domestic flights

Local and regional airlines offer convenient and fast connections between Myanmar’s major cities. These are not daily for some destinations.

Trains

Myanmar’s public railway system offers a fascinating perspective of the country and allows visitors to interact with locals, although services may be slow and unreliable.

Boats

A scenic and eco-friendly way to travel, river cruises offer a unique perspective of local life, with a range of budget to high-end options to explore the Mekong and Chindwin Rivers. Local boats are also available for journeys across Inle Lake.

Taxis

Taxis are inexpensive and plentiful in most towns and cities. Rides can also be booked through the Grab mobile app.

Bicycles

Myanmar’s rural landscapes offer the perfect backdrop for two-wheeled adventures.

Religion

Buddhism is the dominant religion in Myanmar with nearly 85 per cent of the population followers of this faith. An appreciation of Buddhism and its history in Myanmar is advantageous for visitors wishing to better understand the mind of the majority of the population. The monastery is the traditional focal point in Myanmar and every Buddhist boy in Myanmar is expected to spend time as a monk.

Major cities, such as Yangon, have some of the most ornate and important Buddhist temples on the planet. Other religious faiths include Christianity, Islam, Hinduism and followers of animist faiths.

Food

Common local dishes:

• Mohinga – Myanmar’s most popular breakfast dish features fine rice noodles served in a hearty, herbal fish-and shallot-based broth;
• Tea leaf salad (la phat thoke) – A kind of salad made from tea leaves and mixed with shredded cabbage, tomatoes, nuts, peas, pepper and garlic;
• Shan noodles – Served as a soup or a salad, this dish is made using rice noodles marinated with chicken or pork, juicy tomatoes and toasted sesame or garlic oil;
• Burmese curry – A curry-based dish with pork, fish, shrimp, beef or mutton served with sides such as rice, salad, fried vegetables, soup, herbs and various dips.

Shopping

In Yangon, the historic Bogyoke Aung San Market is the best place for authentic souvenirs. The market sells antiques, handicrafts, clothes, jade jewellery, paintings, lacquer ware, wood carvings, tapestries, silverware, brassware and silk and cotton fabrics. It is common to bargain when buying items from a market stall. Remember to keep the conversation light-hearted and fun (a smile really does help!)

What to buy:

• Lacquerware;
• Wood and stone carvings;
• Jade, silver and bronze pieces;
• Rattan crafts;
• Traditional silk longyis;
• Hand-woven textiles.

Vaccinations

There are currently no other vaccine requirements, although it is advisable to be up-to-date with standard inoculations, such as:

• Typhoid;
• Cholera;
• Hepatitis A and B;
• Japanese encephalitis;
• Polio, diphtheria and tetanus;
• Malaria and dengue (especially if travelling to remote areas).

Consult your doctor for the most appropriate medical advice. If you require a particular medication, ensure that you pack an adequate supply, as it may not be available locally.

Drinking water

Avoid drinking tap water in Myanmar. Bottled mineral water is easy to find at convenience stores around the country. Ice cubes are usually safe if served at a hotel or restaurant, but best avoided at street stalls and in remote parts of the country.

Safety

• Don’t take pictures of the police or military;
• Never leave items unattended;
• Maintain a firm grip on bags and wallets, especially in crowded places and on busy streets;
• Leave expensive jewellery at home and store valuables in the hotel safety deposit box or in-room safe;
• Avoid engaging with touts who approach you in the street.

Insurance

Emergency numbers

• Police 199
• Fire 191
• Ambulance 192