Myanmar Information

The information about the currency, opening business hour, public holidays, traveling, healthy and safety
 
Official name: Republic of the Union of Myanmar
Population: 55.2 million
Capital city: Nay Pyi Taw
People: Barmar, Shan, Rakhine, Chinese Birmese, Mon and Kachin
Religion: Buddhism (Theravada)
Language: Myanmar
Currency: Kyat
Time zone: GMT +6.30 hours
International dialing code: +95
Electricity: 220V AC 50Hz
Driving: Right hand side

The Burmese people are very conservative in their dress and behavior. Travelers should pay special attention to respect their Buddhist traditions, especially in temples and monasteries. Shorts and sleeveless shirts are not recommend and not allowed in shrines, temples. You must remove your shoes before entering such sites and don’t point your feet towards a Buddha image. It is common courtesy in Myanmar to use both hands when giving something to somebody like Buddhist monks.

Currency
The kyat (pronounced “chat” and abbreviated K) is the official currency of Myanmar and come in notes: 50 pyas, K1, K5, K10, K20, K50, K100, K200, K500, K1000, K5000, K10,000; in coins of K1, K5, K10, K50, K100.

The US dollar is widely used as an alternative currency, and preferred in hotels, flights, historical sites. Be aware that there are hardly any working ATM machines in Myanmar and credit cards are not widely accepted. Travelers are advised to bring cash if possible (US dollars, Euro and Thai Baht are possible to change into local currency). Make sure the notes look brand new without any writings, or not torn, faded, otherwise they won’t be accepted.

Some banks operate ATM’s that might accept withdrawing kyats with a Visa or MasterCard credit card, but most of them are concentrated in big cities of Yangon, Mandalay, Nay Pyi Taw..

Internet access
Internet has been available in Myanmar since 2000. Most hotels, guesthouses, restaurants and café usually have Wi-Fi for free.

Telephone & Post office
The Central Post Office located at the corner of Bo-Aung Kyaw Street and Strand Road in Yangon, opens from 9:30am to 4:30pm Monday to Friday.

Tourists can make international calls, telexes and faxes in nearly almost of the major attractions.

Business hour
Business hours can change a little, but in general the following applied:

Government & post offices: 9:30am to 4:30pm, Monday to Friday
Shops: 9:30am to 6:00pm or later, Monday to Saturday. Many shops open Sundays, some markets close on Mondays.
Restaurants: 8:00am to 9:00pm all week
Cafes, teashops: 6:00am to 6:00pm
Internet cafes: noon to 10:00pm
Banks: 9:30am to 3:00pm, Monday to Friday
Business office hours: 9:00am to 5:00pm, Monday to Friday, some open on Saturday

Public holidays
4 Jan Independence Day
12 Feb Union Day
27 Mar Full Moon of Tabaung
2 March Peasants Day
27 March Armed Forces Day
13–16 April Thingyan Festival
17 April Burmese New Year
1 May Labour Day
24 May Full Moon of Kason
19 July Martyrs' Day
22 July Start of Buddhist Lent
17 November Full Moon of Tazaungmon
27 November National Day
25 December Christmas Day

Traveling with children
Traveling with children in Myanmar can be very rewarding as long as you come well-prepared with the right attitude, physical requirements and usual parental patience. The Burmese love children.

Practicalities
Due to the country’s overall low level of public sanitation, you should create some rules with regard to maintain your kid’s health, such as regular hand-washing.

• Your children should be warned not to play with animal they encounter on the way, as a precaution against rabies
• Diapers are hard to find outside major cities, so come prepared if you travel to remote area.
• Highchairs are available in most high-end hotels and restaurants
• It is better and more comfortable to travel with children in private car

Women travelers
Foreign women traveling in Myanmar are rarely hassled on the road; however it’s better to dress modestly.

“Ladies” cannot go to some altars or onto decks around stupas, including the famous Golden Rock at Kyaiktiyo or apply gold leaf on the Buddha image at Mandalay’s Mahamuni Paya. Women are not allowed to touch a monk. If you want to give something to a monk, place it within reach of him, not directly into his hands.

Most locals tend to visit teashops, restaurant with companions of the same sex. Asian women, even from other countries, go with a Western man may encounter rude comments.

Travelers with disabilities
With lack of paved roads or footpaths, Myanmar presents many physical obstacles for mobility-impaired. Very few public buildings or transport feature ramps or other access points for wheelchairs and hotels make inconsistent efforts to provide access for the disabled.

For wheelchair travelers, any travel to Myanmar will need a well-organized plan. Before you go, get in touch with your national support organization.

Health and safety
The general state of health care in Myanmar is poor. Although health care is nominally free, in reality, patients have to pay for medicine and treatment, even in public clinics and hospitals. Public hospitals lack many of the basic facilities and equipment. Contact your embassy or you relevant travel agents for advice to the best options. Bear in mind that getting Western-style health care may not cheap. If you think you may have a serious disease, immediately come to the nearest quality facility to receive attention.

No vaccinations are officially required for a visit to Myanmar. Highly recommended is Malaria prophylaxis. Vaccinations against Polio, Tetanus and Hepatitis are also advisable.

The following are some general guides for your reference:

Before you go:

• Bring medications in their original, clearly labeled containers
• Carry a signed and dated letter from your doctor describing your medial conditions and medications, including their generic names
• Bring a copy of your ECG taken just prior to traveling if you have a heart condition
• Bring a double supply of any regular medicines in case of loss or unwanted problems
• Take out health insurance

Drinking water

• Never drink tap water
• Check bottled water seals are intact at purchase
• Boiling water is the most effective way of purifying it
• Iodine, the best chemical purifier should not be used by pregnant women or those who suffer with thyroid problems
• Ensure your water filter has a chemical barrier, such as iodine, and a pore size of less than 4 microns.