Neighboring Countries: bordered on the northeast by China, on the east by Laos and Thailand, on the southwest by the Andaman Sea and the Bay of Bengal and on the northwest by Bangladesh and India.

Area: 676,578 km²

Population: 53.37 million (2018)

Capital: Nay Pyi Daw

Religion: Buddhist (87.9%), Christian (6.2%), Muslim (4.3%), Hindu (0.5%), Animist (0.8%) and others (0.2%)

Language: Burmese

Currency: Myanmar Kyat (1 US$ = 1459.40 Kyat, Jan 2020)

At present the following Kyat banknotes are in use: K 50, K 100, K 500 and K 1000. A sum of 100,000 is called “thein” in Burmese, so K 100,000 is thein Kyat.

To be confirmed later

Travel to Myanmar

By Air

Direct flights to Myanmar are relatively difficult to find. However, many travelers from all corners of the globe can still generally fly to Yangon or Mandalay with one stop. The country is home to three international airports situated at Yangon, Mandalay and Nay Pyi Taw, the last one operating mostly regional flights.

By Land

Fees for the border crossing sometimes apply and special permissions by the ministry of tourism and immigration are needed for most borders.

Four border entry/exit points along Myanmar-Thai border have been upgraded to International Gateways and one entry/exit point along the Myanmar-India border officially opened in August 2018 ; meaning that all travelers with valid visa/electronic visa are allowed to enter or leave the country via below border towns:

(a) Tachilek – Maisai (Thailand);

(b) Myawaddy – Mesok (Thailand);

(c) Htee Kee – Phunaron (Thailand);

(d) Kawthoung – Ranong (Thailand); and

( e) Tamu – Moreh (India)

For the border to China, we currently still need to apply permission for Entry/Departure at Muse (China). A Friendship Bridge has been opened in May 2015 along the Myanmar-Laos border. This border-point has not yet been designated as International Gateway and still requires a permit for any arrival or departure. There is currently no entry/exit checkpoint along Myanmar-Bangladesh border.

Please contact your sales consultant for further details and up to date information.

Travel in Myanmar

Travel within the country is pretty much unrestricted in the for tourists accessible areas. You may travel freely without being questioned. Some remote areas are however restricted to foreigners and need permission to be arranged a few weeks before arrival.

Some methods of local transport are still powered directly by people such as the trishaw or horses, although there are many places to rent a bicycle if you would prefer that. Taxis and other modes of travel are available for long journeys within Myanmar.

Easia Travel recommends traveling by air, some public buses, riverboat or private vehicle for long distances. Domestic flights are arranged only with Myanmar’s privately owned airlines that are very well regulated. All cars used on tours are air-conditioned (except for some remote rural areas). Other vehicles such as jeeps, vans, coaches and buses are available upon request. There will also be the opportunity for you to charter a ferry and/or a cruise ship.

Buses

Tourist buses in Myanmar are roomy and are air-conditioned making travel on them comfortable. Taking a local non-tourist bus can be a fun experience for a short period but be aware that they tend to be very full, unsafe and uncomfortable. Some VIP night coaches between Yangon-Mandalay, Yangon – Nyaung Shwe (Inle lake) and Bagan – Nyaung Shwe (Inle lake) are very comfortable with reclining seats, good service. Furthermore, the cost of traveling by local bus in Myanmar is very affordable in comparison to flights.

Trains

Myanmar’s railway network comprises 2900 miles of railway track and 550 train stations. Traveling by train in Myanmar can be very enjoyable and scenic, especially if you are a fan of trains. However the ride on trains in Myanmar can be on the other hand very bumpy due to bad but steadily improving rail conditions at times and be prepared for delays caused by any number of reasons.

– The Yangon – Mandalay line has the least problems of staying on schedule of any train.

– The Hsipaw-Mandalay (150 km) is very popular and offers some of the most stunning views ever. (Paul Theroux managed to do this back when foreigners weren’t supposed to, in his book The Great Railway Bazaar).

– Kalaw – Shwe Nyaung (Inle) offers beautiful views over the mountainous landscapes of the Shan State.

– Most of the other lines are slower and are less comfortable and are not desirable to travel on.

Trains that travel long distances have dining cars that are accessible to passengers traveling by first, upper and sleeper class. There is also the opportunity to buy food from vendors on the platforms when the train stops which happens quite frequently.

Cars

This is by far the most convenient and scenic way to travel in Myanmar except walking. The cost of renting a car however might be more expensive than one would think due to a shortage in gasoline and car parts in Myanmar. The cost of renting a car for drive between cities is between $100 and $190 US dollars. Bear in mind that you cannot drive a car in Myanmar and if you do so it could cause some problems with local authorities. Easia Travel can propose a vast array of automobiles available for you to choose from for your drive. These vehicles are in good condition and have air conditioning.

Among the most popular and reliable rental cars in the country are second-hand, reconditioned Toyota Corona hatchbacks imported from Japan from 1988. Cars that are slightly more up to date are Toyota Chasers (from 1990 to 1992).Myanmar also produces its own Mazda jeeps – MJs – 80% local parts. These jeeps are great for off-roading.

Boats

A cruise on the Ayeyarwaddy River is often on the ‘wish list’ of visitors. These range from multi-day luxury cruises to simple one-day trips. Some of the key routes include:

– Mandalay to Bagan – on IWT (Government ferries) or privately-owned boats such as Malikha or RV Shwe Keinnery. Charter boats are also available for rent such as MS Hintha or RV Yandabo.

– Myitkyina to Mandalay via Bhamo – Operated by a number of privately owned speed boasts and IWT ferries.

– Mawlamyine to Hpa-An – Small private boats

– Sittwe to Mrauk U – Small private boats

In addition to river cruising, the southern Mergui Archipelago is an increasingly popular place for cruising with the option of adding scuba diving around the islands.

Luxury Boats

For more affluent travel on newer vessels, some luxury boats operate in the upper and lower regions of the Ayeyarwaddy River. We offer cruises of between one and 14 nights along the river between the cities of Yangon and Mandalay. Please check with your sales consultant about the latest programs.

Money
Myanmar’s currency is called the Kyat, pronounced “chat,” and the coins are called pya. Bills that represent Kyat are broken down into 50, 100, 200, 500, 1,000, 5,000 and 10,000 Kyat denominations. Please be aware that the Kyat is a non-convertible currency, and cannot officially be exchanged abroad Tourists are able to exchange money (US Dollars, Singapore Dollars, Thai Baht, and Euros) at the current market rate in the airport or at any licensed moneychanger upon presentation of a passport. Please ask your tour guide for assistance. Note: in smaller towns (Kyaing Tong, Monywa, Kyauk Me), currency exchanges may not be open on weekends. ATMs, which distribute kyats, are found throughout the country. However, ATM functionality is not consistent, so we suggest bringing foreign currency for exchange. The Central Bank of Myanmar has withdrawn all foreign currency exchange licenses for businesses, including hotels, restaurants, airlines, and souvenir shops. Since 1 November 2015, US dollars were made illegal to accept. However, some locations and businesses still accept USD as payment despite this law. It is still recommended to exchange your money, as kyats are readily and legally accepted throughout the country
USD
All USD brought into Myanmar must be in pristine condition (new or nearly new bills). Make sure that paper notes are not marked or stamped IN ANY WAY. Pencil marks can be removed, but any permanent marks will adversely impact a note’s value or cause it to be rejected entirely. Do not have any creases or fold lines on the bills either, since this will also decrease a note’s value. Make sure that your bills are current US currency; none of the older variations, such as those depicting smaller images of presidents, will be accepted. If you are carrying 100 USD bills, make sure that their serial numbers do not begin with “CB,” since this will possibly result in the bill’s rejection. 100 USD bills yield the best exchange rate, while smaller denominations are slightly more expensive to exchange.
Euro
The Euro is rarely used in Myanmar, even at major hotels, so visitors traveling with Euros will need to convert their cash to Myanmar Kyats, and it’s easy to exchange Euros into Kyats in major tourist destinations such as Yangon or Mandalay. We suggest exchanging your Euros into Kyats upon arrival in Myanmar, or exchange Euros for USD before you enter the country.

Credit Cards & ATMs
The network of ATMs covers Myanmar’s most visited cities. The maximum amount allowed per withdrawal is 300,000 MMK, and the daily maximum amount you can withdraw is 1,000,000 MMK, subject to the limit set up by the issuing bank. The ATMs charge a small fee of 5,000 MMK, or the equivalent for each transaction. Some Visa cards are restricted by the issuing bank for overseas usage, so guests may need approval from their issuing bank. Credit cards are accepted by a few vendors, which are usually high-end hotels or shops. However, they usually carry a 5-10% surcharge, and do not always work. Please note that the Burmese banking system is still developing, and neither ATMs nor credit cards should be relied upon as the sole source of cash for your holiday. Traveler’s cheques are not accepted in Myanmar.

Traveller Checks
Traveller checks are not accepted in Myanmar.

Foreigner Exchange Certificate (FECS)
These certificates are no longer in use in Myanmar, and were outlawed as of March 2013. Some guidebooks may still carry erroneous information about the validity of FECs.

Bargaining
In Myanmar you are expected to bargain. Do so freely but respectfully. Keep a smile on your face, be realistic about the expected discount and if the vendor does not reach your final price do not push him or her too hard.

Tipping
Tipping is a part of the local culture. It is customary in Burmese culture to offer a small tip for those in the service industry. For suggested amounts:

• Pre- arranged meals: 0.50 – 1US$ per pax per meal
• Meal on client’s own account: 5% of the bill if not already included
• Housekeeping: 1US$ per room
• Porter at Hotel and Airport: 0.50 US$ per luggage
• Vehicles Driver: 2-3 US$ per pax per day
• Station Guide: 3US$ per pax per day
• Throughout Guide: 5 US$ per pax per day
• Trekking Guide: 5US$ per staff

Free to import items into Myanmar

🚬  Tobacco

• 400 cigarettes;
• 50 cigars; and
• 250g pipe tobacco.

🍺  Alcohol

• Travelers may import up to US$10,000 or its equivalent in other foreign currencies. Any higher amount must be declared to the customs authorities.
• All foreign currency declared upon arrival must be deposited at an authorized dealer bank within 3 months of arrival.

💵 Currency

• Travelers may import up to US$10,000 or its equivalent in other foreign currencies. Any higher amount must be declared to the customs authorities.
• All foreign currency declared upon arrival must be deposited at an authorized dealer bank within 3 months of arrival.

📦 Other items: 150mL perfume.

Prohibited items into Myanmar:

• Counterfeit currency.
• Articles which may injure public security and morals, such as obscene or immoral materials.
• Narcotic and psychotropic substances.
• Firearms, ammunition, explosives, and weapons.

Restricted items into Myanmar

Endangered animals, plants, and their derivative products protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) may require protected species permits.

Prohibited items from Myanmar

Antiques and archaeologically valuable items.

If you travel to Myanmar prepared your chances of becoming ill are very low. Make sure that you have that all of your vaccinations are current and that you are vaccinated for Tetanus, Polio and Diphtheria. Other vaccines recommended include Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B (if you are in-country for over 3 months), Typhus and Tuberculosis, vaccinations against rabies and Japanese encephalitis are also advised. Officially there are no vaccinations required to enter Myanmar. However, any travels from West Africa, Central Africa, Central America or South America need to present vaccinations records against Yellow Fever upon arrival but this is often overlooked by the authorities.
Please be advised that the medical infrastructure in Myanmar is still quite limited, and therefore we usually recommend that guests travel to Bangkok or Singapore (located quite close to Myanmar) in case of grave illness or serious injury. It is for this reason that we advise all guests to obtain comprehensive medical insurance, including on-site medical and repatriation expenses, in particular. Please also be aware that hospitals do request a guarantee that their costs will be covered. Without insurance, emergency services must be paid for immediately and in cash (USD), and are often very expensive. However, comprehensive medical insurance coverage will cover the costs directly, avoiding any immediate and expensive cash payments. Please rest assured that we will always assist our on-the-spot travelers to the best of our abilities in case of required medical intervention. While traveling upcountry, we will always send an agent from the office to help the guests communicate with the doctors.

• Yangon, Mandalay and Bagan: there are good hospitals in Myanmar’s major cities (Yangon, Mandalay, and Bagan), whose teams are composed of international doctors: Parami Hospital, Victoria Hospital, Asia Royal, and Global Care Bagan International Clinic.
• Inle Lake and Loikaw: in Inle lake and Loikaw, there are only local doctors. However, 2 hours away from Inle Lake (in Taungyi), there is a hospital, should the situation be serious.
• Ngapali: in Ngapali, almost all hotels have a doctor on-call, and there is a small clinic, managed by the French AMFA, but its services are quite basic.

Your home embassy may be able to assist with advice during emergencies or serious problems. You might want to register if possible before you arrive so that the embassy staff will know where to reach you in case of emergency at home. If calling a Myanmar emergency number you may have to ask the aid of a Burmese speaker because there might not be an English-speaking operator on the line:
Ambulance: 192
Fire department: 191
Police: 199
Red Cross: (01) 392029 / 30

Pre-departure Tasks
Make sure your passport is valid with at least 6 months before the expiry date and that you have the correct visas. Have a look at the visa requirements for more information.
Consider medical, baggage and trip cancellation insurances.
Check with your doctor re vaccinations and medicines needed.

Clothes

• Clothing should be lightweight and of the drip dry variety. You will be in the sun a lot so long sleeves and a wide hat would be more suitable.
• Underwear should be synthetic and easily washable.
• Sleepwear.
• Shirts should be long sleeved and light weight with lots of closed pockets.
• T-shirts, short sleeved and again with pockets.
• Cool evenings necessitate the need for pullovers or a light weight jacket.
• A light weight vest with lots of pockets will be handy for carrying your film camera and binoculars.
• Long trousers made from a lightweight, quick drying fabric should have multi pockets for day trips. Long trousers that turn into shorts are ideal.
• For trekking lightweight long shorts (for modesty purposes) are acceptable.
• Bathing suit should be modest so as not to offend the locals.
• Hat for protection from the sun. Should have a wide brim and a strap.
•  A sturdy poncho or parka will help to keep you gear dry in case of rain or waterfall spray.
• Footwear: You will need some sturdy comfortable boots for trekking or just walking around.
• They will need to support your ankle as well as having a non slip sole.
• Water proof sandals for those short trips and boating.
• Some smart casual clothes for the evenings and visiting restaurants.
• Evenings in the hill stations and on Inle Lake can be quite chilly so bring a sweater or other warm clothing if visiting these areas. This applies especially for the winter months November-February for treks and the Inle lake area where early morning boat rides can be quite cold. Visitors should not wear shorts, short skirts or other skimpy clothing when visiting pagodas and monasteries.

Pharmacy

• Insect repellent with the percentage of DEET recommended by your travel medicine physician. It’s important that you bring an ample supply of good quality repellent.
• Antiseptic wipes for hand washing and emergency toilet paper.
• Personal First Aid Kit (bring in small amounts and in small containers)
• Aspirin/ibuprofen, etc.
• Cold-symptom relief tablets, antihistamine, cough drops. Adequate quantity of sweat-resistant sun screen with at least an SPF 15 rating or higher, and lip balm with sunscreen.
• Antibiotics.
• Prescription medicines in their original bottles. Acidophilus enzyme (available in capsules in health-food stores). This often helps your digestive system get in shape for “new” flora.
• Immodium, Lomotil, or similar anti-diarrhea medicine. Pepto-Bismol tablets and/or liquid (in leak-proof bottle).

Vaccinations
If you travel to Myanmar prepared your chances of becoming ill are very low. Make sure that you have that all of your vaccinations are current and that you are vaccinated for Tetanus, Polio and Diphtheria. Other vaccines recommended include Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B (if you are in-country for over 3 months), Typhus and Tuberculosis, vaccinations against rabies and Japanese encephalitis are also advised. Officially there are no vaccinations required to enter Myanmar. However, any travels from West Africa, Central Africa, Central America or South America need to present vaccinations records against Yellow Fever upon arrival but this is often overlooked by the authorities.

Myanmar is a deeply spiritual country where Buddhist traditions and a conservative social code guide daily life. Showing respect for these customs is not only polite but is also taken very seriously by locals.

A summary table and a section on essential safety and legal considerations (which are particularly critical for Myanmar) below.

Summary of Do’s and Don’ts

⚖️ Essential Safety, Legal, and Communication Considerations

Myanmar is currently in a state of significant political and civil unrest following the 2021 military coup, and this has important implications for travelers.

• High-Risk Environment: Many governments advise against all non-essential travel to Myanmar or recommend avoiding large parts of the country due to ongoing armed conflict and widespread political violence. If you choose to visit, staying in Yangon is often the only location advised, and even there, the situation can be volatile.
• Strict Laws & Censorship: Be extremely careful about your words and actions. The military regime has been known to detain foreigners and enforce laws arbitrarily. Criticizing the regime on social media or in private messages, even outside the country, can lead to detention or deportation. Avoid taking photos of military or government sites.
• Security Threats: The U.S. Embassy reports that improvised explosive devices (IEDs) are used in ongoing conflicts, including within Yangon. Landmines and unexploded ordnance (UXO) are also a hazard in many areas; stay on well-used roads and paths and never touch unknown metal objects.
• Scams & Human Trafficking: There is a serious risk of being trafficked into Myanmar and forced to work in internet scam centers. These centers are often located in active conflict zones, and victims are frequently lured by fraudulent job advertisements in neighboring countries.
• Conscription: The military regime has implemented a conscription law that applies to males up to age 45 and females up to age 35, and they may prevent eligible individuals from leaving the country.

💡 Practical Communication Tips

• Learning a Few Words: Speaking the local language is greatly appreciated. A simple “Mingalaba” (Hello) and “Chezu tin ba deh” (Thank you) will open doors.
• Using Titles: When addressing people, it’s respectful to use “U” (pronounced “Oo”) for men and “Daw” for women, followed by their name.
• Understanding Local Customs: You will see many women and men with thanaka paste on their faces—a traditional sunblock and cosmetic made from ground bark. You may also notice locals chewing kun-ya (betel nut), which stains their teeth red, but this is an acquired taste.

Given the serious safety concerns and changing regulations, the most critical piece of advice for traveling to Myanmar is to regularly check the latest travel advisories from your government before and during your trip.