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» About Myanmar

» Food

» Currency

» Climate

» What to wear

» Shopping

» Visa requirements

» Booking Conditions

» What to bring

» Airport Tax, Immigration & Customs Formalities

 About Myanmar

Area

: 676577 sq km (about the size of United Kingdom and France combined)

Population

: 52 million

Capital

: Yangon (Changed from Rangoon in 1989)

Language

: Myanmar (English is widely used)

Local Time

: GMT+6.30 hours

Security

: One of the safest countries in the world

Religion

: Over 85% of the Myanmar People embrace Theravada
  Buddhism. Others follow Christianity, Islam, Hinduism
  or Animism.

Photography & Video

: Myanmar is a very photogenic country. Recommended
  to bring lots of film or video tapes with you.

Electricity

: 220~240 V, 50Hz.

Telecommunications

: IDD Telephone & Fax facilities are available at most
  hotels in Myanmar.
  E-mail facilities are now (Country Code - 95) available
  at some hotels and companies in Yangon and
  Mandalay.

  Situation

: Myanmar, known as Suvanna Bhumi (The Golden Earth) in the olden days for its fertile land and rich natural resources and it's the largest country in South – East Asia Peninsula sharing borders with Bangladesh, India, China, Laos and Thailand. With a total land area of 676,577 sq.km, it is about the size of Texas and the size of United Kingdom and France combined. The country stretches over 2090 km from north to south and over 925 km east to west. It has a 2832 km long coastline on the Indian Ocean. Over 50 percent of the total land area is covered with forests. 

Climate

Currency

 
Myanmar has tropical weather with three seasons. The Dry Season runs from mid-February to mid-May. The Rainy Season which comes with the South-West Monsoon lasts from mid-May to mid-October. The Cold Season from November to February. But dry zone like Mandalay and Bagan do not get much rain even in the rainy season. The best time to visit Myanmar is from October to February when the temperature is moderate and dry. In summer, the temperature raises to about 40 Degrees Celsius with much sunshine.the rainy season. The best time to visit Myanmar is from October to February when the temperature is moderate and dry. In summer, the temperature raises to about 40 Degrees Celsius with much sunshine.
 

FIT (Foreign Independent Travelers) are required to exchange US$200 for FEC (Foreign Exchange Certificate) on arrival at the airport. FEC can be changed into Myanmar kyats at markets of Authorized Money Changers.
1 US$ = 1 FEC
FEC notes: 1, 5, 10, 20
Kyat notes : 1, 5, 10, 15, 20, 45, 50, 90, 100, 200, 500, 1000
Payments can be made in FEC (US$) for Trains, Flight, Hotels, some Restaurants and Entrance Fees. …………….

Food

What to Wear

Many good restaurants in Yangon. Myanmar food and Chinese food are popular throughout the country. Myanmar food is influenced by the Indian and Chinese cuisines. European food is available in most tourist centers and hotels. Eating at street stands is not recommended.

Light cotton clothing is most appropriate especially for the long hot summer months. Long sleeve sweaters, light jackets are suitable in Hill stations like Pyin Oo Lwin. Sandals are suitable. Myanmar is a conservative Buddhist culture and improper dress can be offensive. Please dress with respect for the local culture. Remember to take off your shoes and socks before entering into temples and pagodas.
 

What to Bring

Airport Tax

Sun hat, sun glasses, sun protection for your face and body ,prescription medicines, insect repellent and an umbrella(rain or shine).An antibiotic cream for minor cuts and scratches, extra pair of prescription glasses, a small flashlight, extra passport photos, decaffeinated coffee (if you require) and camera film.
 

Any passengers departing Myanmar on international flights will need to pay a departure tax at the prevailing rate. As of November 2000 the fee is US$ 10.00 per person.

Shopping

Immigration and Customs Formaities

Many different arts, crafts and antiques are available throughout Myanmar. Hand-Crafted Lacquer ware, mostly produced in Bagan, comes in all shapes and sizes. Embroidered Cottons and Wood Carvings also make good souvenirs. Myanmar is, of course, renowned for its precious stones, particularly rubies. You should only buy from government licensed shops which must issue an official receipt.
 

 
Your valuables (jewelry, cameras, electronic equipment, etc.) should be declared on your customs declaration form upon arrival. Receipt of purchase and an export permit voucher for locally bought goods such as gems and jewelry may be required upon departure.

Visa Requirements

Booking conditions

A visa is required in advance. A tourist visa for Myanmar can be obtained from any Myanmar Embassy or consulate world-wide. Travellers who plan to arrive via Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore or Hong Kong can sometimes obtain their tourist visas within one working day. Visas are valid for 28 days. if Myanmar embassy is difficult to be found in your country, we may be able to arrange for a visa on arrival in Yangon. Contact our office for application and charges. But inform us one month in advance before your departure.
 

Booking will be confirmed after making a deposit of 25 % payment of the program in advance. However, the balance of 75 % needs to settle on your arrival in Myanmar. After starting your program, the payment will be refunded neither in full nor in part for the services which will not be utilized.