Myanmar

Guide

• Language: Burmese
• Electricity: 220/230V 50Hz.
• Time Zone: GMT +6:30.
• Currency: Kyat. Kyat (K). At the time of writing the exchange rate was K1364 to $1, K1803 to £1, and K1610 to €1. US dollars are not required anymore but can still be used to pay for accommodations. Even if prices are quoted in USD, you can always pay with local currency.
• ATM: Even though ATMs are available in cities (Kalaw, Inle Lake, Yangon, Mandalay, Bagan...) and towns, you should always carry cash in remote areas.
• Visa: Visa is required prior to arrival for most citizens but can be obtained online and only cost 50 USD. We were approved within three days.
• Transport: VIP Buses (JJ Bus) are a safe, comfortable, cheap and the best way to travel around Myanmar. It's easy to book through your hotels, guesthouses or travel agencies.
• WIFI: WIFI is frustratingly slow everywhere. The best choice would be to buy a 3G/4G SIM card.
• SIM cards: Purchase a sim card from Ooredoo. The sim card cost around 1500 Kyat and for 5000 Kyat you will get 3.5 Giga of data. Ooredoo is the best choice for data. We had no problem using it in Kalaw, Inle Lake, Yangon, Mandalay and Bagan.
• Money: Haggling is encouraged and tips are never expected.
• Water: Tap water in Myanmar is not drinkable but bottled water can be purchased very cheaply at most restaurants and stores. Expect to pay 400-500 Kyat for 1 litre.
• Beer: The drink is largely available and will cost your around 2000-2500 Kyat for a 640ml bottle. The local beer is called Myanmar (produced by a government joint venture), Mandalay or Bagon.
• Post: No yet reliable so we would avoid unless required.
• Health: Make sure to buy an insurance covering medical care, including emergency evacuation as the quality of health care in Myanmar is generally poor.