Myanmar Travel FAQ

1/Time

The best time to visit Myanmar is between November and February. During these months it rains least (if at all in places) and it is not so hot. March to May brings intense heat. At this time, the daily temperatures in Yangon (Rangoon) often reach 40ºC (104ºF)

2/Tip

Tipping as known in the West is not customary in Myanmar, though little extra ‘presents’ are sometimes expected (even if they’re not asked for) in exchange for a service (such as unlocking a locked temple at Bagan, helping move a bag at the airport or showing you around the ‘sights’ of a village).

3/Money

Myanmar’s national currency, the kyat (pronounced chat, and abbreviated K) is divided into the following banknotes: K1, K5, K10, K20, K50, K100, K200, K500 and K1000.

4/Getting Around

In the places you can openly visit in Myanmar, travel methods are remarkably open to visitors. No set itineraries are required (unlike places like North Korea or the old USSR) and you can pick and choose how you go as you go – taking a bus, plane or train, or crammed pick-up, or hopping into a giant ferry that drifts at ox-like speed.Speaking of which, local transport also comes ped-powdered, often with trishaws and horse carts greeting you for rides around town, and rental bikes awaiting you at nearly all accommodation.

5/Visa

• Two copies of duly filled Entry Visa/ Business Visa application forms and a copy of Report of Arrival form. Every set of application form has to be duly signed by the applicant. Complete the business visa forms correctly. Submit an original invitation letter to you from a registered company in Myanmar.

• Submit 2 requested letters of a business visa application attention to Ambassador from the same company in Myanmar and your company in your country.

• Affix 3 recent photos of 1 ½ x 2 inches with white colour back ground (Scanned photos are not allowed). Provide visa fees S$ 65. Valid passport at least 6 months validity.

• For Business Visa(Multiple Journey Entry Visa) a sponsorship letter stating the business profile in brief of the respective company or organization registered in your country as well as business activities with counter part company in Myanmar.

• Those who use any false statements will be refused an entry visa.

• For Social Visit Visa, spouse of a Myanmar National, children of a Myanmar National and a Foreigner, or those who surrendered Myanmar Citizenship are allowed to apply only for a social visit visa.

7/Safe

Is it safe to walk at night in the cities?

It is VERY safe to walk at night in Yangon, Mandalay and Inle. However, in Bagan be careful of snakes on the sandy paths!