|
 |
|
 |
'PRIVATELY GUIDED' TOUR
FEATURING YANGON, INLE LAKE, MANDALAY AND BAGAN
|
|
|
|
|
Myanmar- Practical Information
Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, covers an area of 677,000 square kilometers - approximately the size of France and Great Britain combined. It shares borders with Thailand, Bangladesh, China, India and Laos. Myanmar has a population of some 50 million and is among the most ethnically mixed countries in Southeast Asia. Officially the Burmese government distinguishes 135 different ethnic groups. Each group has its own distinct customs, culture and dialect. The major ones are Burman, Shan, Karen, Mon, Kachin, Chin, Kayin, Kayar and Rakhine. Over 85 percent of the Burmese citizens are Buddhist. The official language is Burmese, and Yangon is the largest city and the capital of the country. Decades of social and economic isolation have preserved many parts of Burmese unique culture and tradition, which have been lost in other Asian countries. Myanmar is a captivating country endowed with rich natural and cultural treasures combined with friendly and hospitable people. It remains one of the most exciting and fascinating places to be discovered in the world.
CLIMATE
Just like Thailand, Myanmar enjoys a tropical climate with three distinct seasons: |
|
|
|
Hot Season: |
March - May |
Rainy Season: |
June - October |
| Dry Season: |
November - February |
The mountainous northern region can be cool to sometimes near freezing. Be sure to bring along appropriate clothing when traveling to this region.
PASSPORT AND VISAS
All travelers to Myanmar are required to have a visa. Tourist visas are issued with regularity at most Burmese embassies and consulates abroad. To obtain a 28-day tourist visa travelers must have a valid passport, two application forms and three passport-size photos. The visa fee is approximately US$25. It is no longer easy to obtain a tourist visa upon arrival in Myanmar.
CUSTOMS REGULATIONS
No Myanmar currency may be imported nor exported. All visitors need to complete a customs declaration form declaring all foreign currencies (in excess of US$2,000), traveler's checks, jewelry, cameras, or other electronic equipment. A re-check may be carried out at your departure. Buddha images, antiques (or fragments thereof) and gems are not allowed to be taken out of Myanmar without the official dealer's receipt. It is also not permitted to bring in mobile phones. They may be confiscated upon arrival and returned upon departure. Luggage may be x-rayed or inspected before departure.
CURRENCY & MONEY EXCHANGE:
The Myanmar monetary unit is Kyat. The official exchange rate is around 6.50 kyat and the unofficial one is as high as 600 kyat to one U.S. Dollar (at the time of printing). There are now many authorized money changers in Yangon who will change U.S. Dollars (no other currencies) into FEC (Foreign Exchange Certificates) and kyat at market rate. Traveler's checks are not widely accepted. It is best to carry U.S. Dollar bills in small denominations, as many hotels and restaurants require payment in either U.S. Dollar or FEC.
Credit Cards: American Express and Visa cards are accepted only by leading hotels. MasterCard is not accepted in Myanmar. Many businesses, shops in Myanmar do not accept any payments by credit cards.
ELECTRICITY
The electric current for the whole of Myanmar is 220 volts AC, 50 cycles.
HEALTH REQUIREMENTS
No vaccinations are presently required for a visit to Myanmar. It is recommended that you be immunized against polio, typhoid, tetanus, hepatitis A and B and Japanese encephalitis.
AIRPORT TAX
International airport tax: US $ 10 per outgoing international passenger at Vientiane Wattay airport, at Luang Prabang and Pakse airports.
Domestic airport tax: 10,000 Lao Kip (approx. USD 1.00) per outgoing domestic passenger at all domestic airports.
LANGUAGES
Airport departure tax for international flights is US$10, payable in US currency or FEC. Currently there is no departure tax applying on domestic flights.
|
|
