Types of Entry Visas
For the normal tourist there are 2 types of entry visas. The FIT and the Package Tour visa.
(1) The FIT Visa will be given to individuals or groups who apply directly to an overseas embassy/consulate without a letter from a Myanmar travel company (see below).
(* Special note - since Aug 2003, visitors no longer need to change any USD to FEC.
(2) The Package Tour Visa is obtained with the help of a letter from your local tour operator. It is sent to the individual client or tour operator to give to the embassy/consulate along with their passports at the time of application. The letter states that the applicant will be traveling on a group tour.
(3) Visa On Arrival - Recent changes in policy mean that it now takes longer to process 'visa on arrival' so the following information should be sent to Golden Land Travel at least 3 weeks-before arrival: (Most, but not all, of this will be on the passport page)
1) Copy of client's passport with photo and personal details page
2) Client’s name
3) Sex
4) Nationality
5) Ethnic origin of client (e.g., Chinese, Spanish etc)
6) Religion
7) Passport number
8) Issue date of Passport
9) Date of Birth
10) Place of Birth
11) Client's occupation
12) Client's permanent address
13) Arrival day to Yangon
14) Arrival flight detail
The clients will need to bring 2 passport photos (b / w or color) with them and two immigration forms that we will provide them with. Golden Land Travel will inform the airline that the clients are having visa on arrival so that they will be allowed to board the flight to Yangon.
Currency
We recommend visitors to bring US Dollars cash (small denomination notes). US Dollars are easily exchangeable for Foreign Exchange Certificates (FEC's) at authorized money changers throughout the country. Other foreign currencies such as Deutsche Marks, Japanese Yen, French Francs and Pound Sterling can only be exchanged into FEC's at the Currency Exchange Counter inside Immigration at Yangon International Airport on arrival. Authorized money changers throughout Myanmar will only accept US Dollars. They will also exchange your FEC's into the local Myanmar currency "kyat" (pronounced "CHAT")
US Dollars or FECs can be easily used for payment of purchases throughout the country. One FEC = I USD.
Credit Card
Credit Cards are only accepted at a very few major hotels, airlines and some international shops and restaurants. We suggest bringing a sufficient amount of cash for personal expenses. The exchange of traveler cheques as well is very difficult and time consuming. Banks are closed on Saturdays, Sundays and all public holidays.
Travelers Cheques
Travelers Cheques may be very time consuming to transact. You must bring the original purchase agreement for the traveler’s cheques with you as proof when cashing your cheques.
Customs
All foreign currencies above US$ 2000, jewellery, electrical goods and cameras must be declared to the Customs at the airport. Exports of antiques and archaeologically valuable items are prohibited. Only gems, jewellery and silverware purchased at the authorized shops are allowed to be taken out.
For visitors' convenience, there are Duty-Free Shops in the airport arrival and departure lounges. Allowance is 2 Liters of liquor, 400 cigarettes, 100 cigars and 1/2 liter of perfumes.
Airport Departure Tax
Any passengers departing Myanmar on international flights will need to pay a departure tax of US$ 10.00 per person.
Gratuities & Tipping
Myanmar’s are genuinely happy to help foreign visitors don’t expect anything to return. But if your guide or any other person during your trip was especially kind or helpful a gratuity would be a generous gesture and greatly appreciated.
Electricity
Myanmar has 220-240 volts A.C. It is advisable to have torchlight in the hand baggage as power cuts frequently occur throughout the country.
TIME
There entire country is
6:30 hours ahead of GMT; (UTC)
0:30 minutes behind Thailand
1:30 hours behind Singapore, Malaysia and Hong Kong.
Business hours
Banks open at 10:30 till 14:00, Monday through Friday. Government offices open at 09:30 till 16:30 Monday through Friday. Most private offices open at 09:30 till 17:00, Monday through Friday and 09:30 till 12:00 on Saturday.
Mobile Phones
Hand Phones or Mobile Telephones from other countries currently do not operate in Myanmar. Customs will hold your telephone upon arrival and you can collect on your departure.
Shopping
Myanmar arts and crafts, mostly pure hand-made, are best souvenirs. Lacquer ware, woodcarvings, tapestries, silverware, brassware, silk and cotton fabrics and shoulder bags are some of the favourite items.
For jeweler, there is Burma rubies, sapphires, jade and pearls available at Myanmar gems shops. All gems and jeweler purchased should be made through the government licensed dealers, who can give a voucher for export.
Bargaining is essential for obtaining the reasonable prices. Possible price reductions of up to 50% are not uncommon.
Insurance
We recommend all clients to obtain the necessary personal baggage, medical and accident insurance before arrival. SOS Worldwide has a local representative office in Yangon with a 24 hour on call service for emergency evacuation and medical assistance.
Comfort and Care
Mosquito repellent and sunscreen are a must. Don't forget to bring medication you would normally use in emergencies, such as antibiotics etc. Most medicines are available but may be not the brand you normally use.
Drink only pre-boiled water such as green tea or bottle water of reputable brands. Better to avoid ice cubes in the street.
Dos and Don’ts in Myanmar
Not always necessary to shake hands. Don't hug or kiss in public. Shoes and socks / stockings must always be removed at pagoda and monasteries. Visitors are advised to ignore touts who may approach them to exchange currency, of to sell gems of dubious quality, such offers, although apparently not to encourage development of this practice by giving money.