Myanmar Travel Guide

Social Conventions

Handshaking is the normal form of greeting. Full names are used, preceded by U (pronounced oo) in the case of an older or well-respected man’s name, Aung for younger men and Ko for adult males; a woman’s name is preceded by Daw. Courtesy and respect for tradition and religion is expected; for instance, shoes and socks must be removed before entering any religious building and it is customary to remove shoes before entering a traditional home (in most modern residences this is no longer observed except in bedrooms). When sitting, avoid displaying the soles of the feet, as this is considered offensive. Small presents are acceptable and appreciated, although never expected. Shorts and mini-skirts should not be worn. Penalties for drug-trafficking range from five years’ imprisonment to a death sentence. Homosexuality is illegal.

International Travel

Getting There By Air

The national airline is Myanmar Airways International (UB) (www.maiair.com).

Departure Tax

US$10. Passengers in direct transit are exempt.

Main Airports

Yangon (RGN) is 19km (12 miles) from the city. To/from the airport: Buses go to the city (journey time – 30 minutes). Taxis are also available (journey time – 45 minutes). Facilities: Restaurant, bar, snack bar, bank, post office, duty-free shop and tourist information.

Getting There By Water

Cruise ships call at Yangon Port.

Getting There By Road

It is recommended to use only air travel as a means of access into Myanmar. Overland entry with a border pass is, in theory, permitted at the following border check points: Kyukoke, Namkhan and Muse on the Myanmar-Yunnan (People’s Republic of China) border; and Tachileik, Myawaddy and Kawthaung on the Mynamar-Thailand border. Generally speaking, however, foreigners are only allowed to travel as part of an organized group. Owing to continuing political instability, borders may periodically close. Contact the nearest embassy for up-to-date details.

Duty Free

Overview

The following goods may be taken into Myanmar by persons over 17 years of age without incurring customs duty:

• 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 225g tobacco.
• 1L of alcohol.
• 0.5L of perfume or eau de cologne.

Note: Jewelry, electrical goods and cameras must be declared; failure to do so may result in visitors being refused permission to export it on departure. Video cameras will be held in safe custody at the airport and will be returned on departure.

Prohibited Imports

Playing cards, gambling equipment, antiques, archaeological items and pornography are prohibited.

Prohibited Exports

All gems, jewelry and silverware purchased from authorized shops can be taken out of the country.

Internal Travel

Getting Around By Air

Air travel is the most efficient way of moving within Myanmar and the only permissible means of transport for independent travelers, but there is a rather limited schedule of flights, and a rather less than perfect safety record. The UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office bans its staff from using Myanmar Airways for this reason; although the staff do use Myanmar Airways International (UB) (www.maiair.com). Air Mandalay (www.airmandalay.com) and Yangon Airways (www.yangonair.com) operate internal flights. Internal security can restrict ease of movement. There are daily flights to most towns; charter flights are also available. There are over 60 airstrips in the country.

Getting Around By Water

The best way of seeing Myanmar is by boat, particularly between Bhamo–Mandalay and Mandalay–Pagan. Myanmar has about 8,000km (5,000 miles) of navigable rivers. Trips can only be arranged as part of an organized tour group. It is generally necessary to provide one’s own food.

Getting Around By Rail

Myanmar Railways provides services on several routes, the principal line being Yangon to Mandalay (journey time – 12 to 14 hours). Overnight trains have sleeping cars. There is also a good service from Mandalay–Lashio–Myitkyina. The state-run railway has 4,300km (2,700 miles) of track and serves most of Myanmar. First class is available but, with the exception of the Yangon to Mandalay line, services are regularly afflicted with delays caused by climatic, technical and bureaucratic difficulties. Tickets must be purchased as part of an organized tour group. There are regular services from Yangon to Mandalay and from Yangon to Thazi. Visitors should be aware that much railway equipment is decrepit and some accidents are unreported.

Getting Around By Road

Traffic drives on the right. There has been some modernization of Myanmar’s once antiquated vehicles. Roads are poorly maintained and can become impassable in the rainy season, from May to October. Visitors must remember that, under Burmese law, the driver of a car involved in an accident with a pedestrian is always at fault.

Bus: Buses are generally operated by the state-owned Road Transport Enterprise. Public bus services tend to be unreliable and uncomfortable; visitors may pay using the Kyat currency on certain lines only. Owing to the ongoing privatization program of the transport industry, a fleet of privately operated buses is also available. The main lines are from Yangon to Meiktila, Pyay, Mandalay and Taunggyi. Private buses are air conditioned and accept payment in Kyat, US Dollars or FECs.

Bicycles: Available for hire.

Documentation: International Driving Licenses and British licenses are not accepted. Those wishing to drive must apply for a Myanmar license at the Department for Road Transport and Administration in Yangon (Rangoon).

Getting Around Towns and Cities

Yangon has a circular rail service. There are also antiquated and overcrowded bus services in all cities. Yangon has blue government taxis with set fares. Unmetered three- and four-wheel taxis are available in cities, as are rickshaws; it is wise to pre-arrange fares. Taxi drivers do not expect a tip.