Travel Tips

Myanmar (formerly known as Burma)

Accommodations

Nowadays, guests are able to choose from an array of accommodations at hotels of various quality and value in Myanmar. International standard hotels are available in Yangon, Bagan, Mandalay and Inle Lake and major beach destinations, namely Ngapali and Ngwe Saung. However, Ah Nyar Thar Travels and Tours reserve the right to provide its customers with the best available accommodation and cannot guarantee the specific request for hotels especially in upcountry. In addition, guests are advised that accommodations in small towns are very basic and simple yet clean and comfortable.

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Airport Tax

Airport departure tax for international flights is US$10, payable in US currency or FEC and it is not included in the tour prices of Ah Nyar Thar Travels and Tours. Currently, there is no departure tax for domestic flights.

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Ceremonies and Festival Dates February 2007 - December 2007

Myanmar is a country of fun-loving people and there is always a festival around a full moon day each month throughout the country. Most of them center on religious occasions. Ah Nyar Thar Travels and Tours will find out what is happening at the time of your travel and will make our efforts to coincide your visit with such events. We also have some tours wrapped around famous pagoda festival in Bagan and Inle Lake region.

For your information, the following are dates of ceremonies and festivals according to Myanmar Lunar Calendar.

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Clothing and Personal Wears

Light cotton or linen clothing is recommended. Warm clothing should be packed if visiting hilly regions as the nights can be freezing in cool season. During the rainy season, an umbrella will come in handy. When visiting religions sites a decent dress code must be adhered to. As foot wears are strictly prohibited in religious precincts, sandals and slip-on shoes which are easy to put on and take off are highly recommended. As for the sightseeing, hat and sunglasses are indispensable.

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Customs Regulations

Myanmar currency cannot be imported nor exported. All visitors need to declare valuables and money over the value of US$2,000 on arrival at Yangon International Airport. A customs declaration form is to be completed and present it on departure to customs counter. Buddha images, antiques (or fragments thereof) and gems are not allowed to be taken out of Myanmar without the official dealer's receipts. Please always ask for such documents after your purchase.

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Foreign Exchange Certificates (FEC)

It is no longer necessary for the travelers to change the equivalent of US$200 per person into Foreign Exchange Certificates (FEC) upon arrival at Yangon International Airport.

Health Requirements

No vaccinations are presently required for a visit to Myanmar. It is recommended that you be immunized against polio, typhoid, tetanus, hepatitis A and B and Japanese encephalitis. It is always best to further consult with your doctor on the required inoculation for you and your travel companion prior to the trip to Myanmar. Such medicines as aspirin, antibiotics, and mosquito repellent should also be brought along. Please always drink bottled water and do not eat the cut fruits but buy a whole fruit that you can peel or cut by yourself.

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International Flights

There are direct flights to Yangon from, Bangkok, Beijing, Chiang Mai, Delhi, Dhaka, Doha, Kolkatta, Kuala Lumpur, Kunming, Paro, Singapore and Taipei. The airlines flying to Myanmar are Air Bagan (W9), Air China (CA), Air Mandalay (6T), Bangkok Airways (PG), Biman Bangladesh Airlines (BG), Druk Air (KB), Indian Airlines (IC), Malaysian Airlines (MH), Mandarin Airlines (AE), Myanmar Airways International (8M), Qatar Airways (QR), Silk Air (Singapore Airlines) (MI) and Thai Airways International (TG). Yunnan Air (3Q) and Phuket Air (9R) fly to Mandalay.

Internet

Myanmar is recently connected to World Wide Web. However, Guests will not be able to check their web-mail sites like AOL, G-mail, Hotmail, Wanadoo and Yahoo, etc. Please refer to the point on mobile phones mentioned above and Ah Nyar Thar Travels and Tours will be pleased to be your postmaster.

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Mobile Phones

We recommend not bringing mobile phones into the country, as they will not be connected to international networks such as GSM. They may be confiscated upon arrival at the airport and returned to the owner only upon departure. Luggage may be x-rayed or inspected before departure.
If you would like to stay in touch with your business and family members, Ah Nyar Thar Travels and Tours will be pleased to receive their messages and is able to relay it to you through our representatives while you are in Yangon or upcountry.

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Money Exchange

There are now several authorized moneychangers in Yangon who will change U.S. Dollar (no other currencies) into Foreign Exchange Certificates (FEC) and Kyat at prevailing market rate. It is best to carry U.S. Dollar bills in small denominations, as many hotels and restaurants require payment either in U.S. Dollar or FEC. Credit cards and travelers cheques cannot be used in Myanmar due to the economic sanctions.

Myanmar Embassies and Consulates Abroad

For obtaining visa and addresses of consular offices, please visit the website of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Myanmar at:
http://www.mofa.gov.mm/myanmarmissions/indexmyanmarmissions.html

Passports and Visas

A valid passport is needed for all tours in Myanmar. Passengers are responsible for contacting the appropriate Myanmar consular office for getting their own visa to enter Myanmar and must ensure that they can obtain the visa before entering into a booking commitment with Ah Nyar Thar.

For guests living in a country where a Myanmar Embassy is not present, or the town they reside is very far from the city where Myanmar Embassy is situated, Ah Nyar Thar Travels and Tour Company Limited is able to obtain a permit from the Myanmar Authorities in order for its clients to obtain the visa upon arrival at Yangon International Airport at a minimal fee of $30 per person. The actual visa fee approximately US$ 20 in local currency has to be paid by the individuals on spot. The personal data of guests such as full name as stated in the passport, nationality, occupation, passport numbers and expiry of passport are to be informed at the time of booking. They also need to send their photos in digital format by e-mail at the time of booking.

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Public Holidays February 2005 - December 2006

Photography

Please use your discretion when taking photographs. It is polite to ask Myanmar before you take their picture, although most are delighted to be photographed. It is interdicted to photograph airports, railway stations, bridges, government offices and military buildings and facilities which may result in films being confiscated or files being deleted in case of a digital camera.

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Shopping

Lacquer wares, silver ware, wood and stone carvings, hand-woven cotton and silk fabrics, Kalaga tapestries, traditional puppets and handicrafts can be found in various souvenirs shops in major tourist destinations in Myanmar. When it comes to precious stones for which Myanmar is well-known, please always be cautious in the authenticity and bargain hard. Last but not least, please do not forget to ask for an official receipt for all valuable items to be shown and verified at the customs upon your departure at airport.

Tipping

Tipping is not mandatory but it is practiced in Myanmar. When a service is provided by a porter or a waiter or driver or tour guide, a tip at the discretion of guest is appreciated.

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