Traveler's information

When to Visit
You can visit Myanmar all the year round but the best time to come is between October and February as the weather during this period is neither too hot nor wet.


Entry Formalities
A valid Passport with Entry Visa is required of all visitors. A Tourist Visa allows a stay of 28 days, extendible for an additional 14 days. A Business Visa allows a stay of 28 days, extendible up to 12 months on a case-by-case basis. Visa on Arrival is granted on prior arrangement.


Customs Formalities
Foreign currency exceeding the equivalent of US$ 2,000, jewelry, cameras, video cameras, recording equipment and laptop computers must be declared at the airport. Failure to do so could end up in confiscation upon departure. Export of antiques and items of archaeological value are prohibited.


Foreign Exchange
All travelers, unless they are on group or package tours, are required to exchange US$ 200 for Foreign Exchange Certificates (FEC) on arrival at the airport till end of August 2003 (government just relaxes the change of 200 FEC at the airport starting from 01 September 2003 - see visa.html for more detail). FECs, which is equivalent to the US$, are accepted by hotels, airlines, travel agencies, taxis, restaurants, and as payment of admission fees at museums and pagodas. FECs can be exchanged for Kyats (Myanmar currency) at market rates at authorized money changers. Credit cards such as American Express, Diner and Visa are accepted at most airlines, hotels, banks, jewelry shops, supermarkets and travel agents till 30 August 2003 and could not able to use currently due U.S new sanctions.


Vaccination
Not required unless you are coming from an infected area.


Health
The same precautions as anywhere else, drink only bottled water. Do not ear raw vegetables: only eat fruits that you can peel or cut yourself. Be wary of eating food from street stalls. Use insect repellant when necessary and use sunscreen liberally when exposed to the intense, tropical cun.


What to Wear
Light, casual wear preferably made of cotton is suitable for all climates. Some warm clothes are necessary if you plan to visit northern Myanmar or other hilly regions in the cold season. Sandals or slippers are convenient as the dress code for Buddhist religious buildings prescribe decent apparel and no footwear including socks.


Manners and Etiquette
It is recommended that you refrain from kissing and hugging in public, pointing at things with your feet, sitting with your back to a Buddha image, improper use of or behavior toward a sacred thing as a Buddha image, and touching a monk.


Climate
Myanmar has three seasons, the cold season--October through February, with average temperatures of between 20-24'C. The hot season--March through May with average temperatures of between 30-35'C. The wet season--June through September with average temperature between 25-30'C. Yangon normally receives early morning and afternoon showers while rainfall in Bagan and Mandalay is very low. The weather around Inlay Lake and Shan State is quite pleasant all year round, but cold at night from December to February. Myanmar can be visited all year round.


Time
Myanmar Standard Time (MST) is six hours and 30 minutes ahead of greenwhich MeanTime (GMT/UTC)