Free Guides and downloads Weather
Myanmar has three seasons: Cool Season – October through February with average temperatures 20-24 C Hot Season – March through May with average temperatures 30-35 C Green Season – June through September with average temperatures 25-30 C
Myanmar can be visited all year round regardless of the seasons. Even during the green season, Yangon normally receives morning and afternoon showers, while rainfall in Bagan and Mandalay is very low. The weather around Inle Lake and Southern Shan State is usually quite pleasant all year round, but cold at night from December to February.
Hotels We believe that we have the right contact details and prices for the hotels that we list on our website and in our documentation. Since June 2012 there have been 4 clear price increases in hotel costs. If you stay somewhere or know that our details are incorrect, then please take 30 seconds to email us to allow other travellers to stay informed.
Booking As with the rest of Asia, lots of hotels have email addresses but few use them. If you are going to book ahead, then it is better to do this by telephone. In general the level of English is very good. Do this from your hotel reception and you'll have someone to help you as well.
There have been arguments in several forums on-line whether to book well in advance (3-6 months). In our experience, it can work but you MUST contact the hotel again at least 3 days ahead of arrival to make sure you have your booking still; if a large tour group books in then they will cancel your reservation. We would normally do the big 4 and then play it by ear on the others.
Booking via and agent or Agoda? Although this is strongly recommended by the travel guides, the only real benefit to this is that you can pay for it in advance of entering the country. You will pay a larger fee and can miss out on special offers such as free-pickup or breakfast. All of the hotels that we’ve booked in person, either by phone or by email, have confirmed our bookings without an prior payment, making the need for an agent superfluous. If you do decided to book through
Money In July 2013, the average exchange rate was 1 US$ = 980Ks. Before passing through customs at the airport there is a government service offering generally the best rates to the US$. Banks are now accepting US $, European €, Singapore $ and FEC (but only at banks outside of the airport). XE.com is still one of the best websites out there for checking international exchange rates.
As with the banks if you are changing currency with the hotels/ black-market, then you will get a better exchange rate for $100 bills than $50 bills descending accordingly. Black-marketeer’s hang out near most of the tourist attractions; the exchange rates they offer is only just above the XE value, so you have to consider yourself if this is worth the risk!? For us, not.
The general rule of thumb is to keep you currency in pristine condition (a suitably sized pencil case has proven ideal for this task and it fits under your pillow at night!). Every site that we’ve visited had plenty of dollars to be able to give change. Be prepared to hand back currency that you are not happy with. The best places to use your worst dollar notes are at sites where you have to use US$ as an entrance fee.
Branches of Yoma Bank are now accepting slightly soiled/ marked dollar bills for exchange, though you must also give them some nice notes at the same time! In addition, we’ve been told by a local guide that they also give a better rate of exchange for smaller notes than other banks.
ATM Machines
Currently KBZ and Co-op have ATM’s that will accept International cards, though not all machines. We have listed branches that have external ATM machines in anticipation of the future. If you spot one, then please email us. US sanctions have started to ease so hopefully soon travelers will have access to all currency machines directly. A withdrawal charge of 5,000K is applied though.
Banks
Opening times for banks and dedicated currency exchange outlets differs. Banks are generally open Monday to Saturday from 0900-1500, though not all exchange currency (closing at 1400 on Saturday). Dedicated currency exchange outlets (such as KBZ) are open 7-days a week from 0900-1500, closing early on Saturday and Sunday at 1400. Banks are closed on full-moon festivals.
Euro or Dollar?
There’s much debate on the Internet about this topic – hopefully if you’re travelling from the Euro zone, this will help set your mind at rest.
• All hotels charge in US$ or occasionally they will accept Kyats. You will always get a better rate by paying in US$. We’ve not heard of any hotel that has an issue with handling $100 bills. The money that they give you in return has already passed the scrutinous eye of the hotelier; that said, check them again yourself.
• All sites of interest require US$ and when they do accept €, they are treated like for like (i,e. $5 = €5), so it makes sense to pay in US$. The best places to use your worst dollar notes are at sites where you have to use US$ as an entrance fee.
• Comparing the exchange rate of the US$ and the € against the GB£, you will get 47 Kyats more for your money exchanging € as opposed to US$. So if you’re travelling from the Euro-zone, bring some along for exchange
In summary, you will need US$ for hotels and sites, but bring your € for exchanging into Kyats.
Follow us on Twitter or via our page on
VisaSome countries are now allowed to arrange a visa-on-arrival. You still need to organise this BEFORE you travel. Also, some airlines, such as AirAsia may refuse to allow you to travel. They have financial an obligation to take you back to your port of origin if your visa is not accepted, so they are not keen on e-visa's. Check with your embassy in advance and beware of scams. Our advice, if you can arrange it in advance and have it in your passport, then do!
Questions and Answers
Do I need a visa before departure?
Yes
How do I get a visa?
You must apply in person at the Myanmar embassy for applications in Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur or in person/ by post in the UK.
Is it possible to apply online?
Not for all countries and even so, some airlines will not let you travel without the visa. You can check online but still the price for arranging the visa on entry is more than purchasing it in advance.
What do I need?
You must complete the application form available at the embassy and provide them with:
• Two passport photos
• A photocopy of your passport
How long does at the process take?
Completing the form at the Myanmar embassy in Thailand was very quick (15 minutes) but this depends on how busy it is. Your visa will be ready within two working days. If you want a same day visa you need to be at the embassy first thing when there can be more of a queue. See the table below.
How much does it cost?
It depends on which processing time you choose. See the table below
Is it possible to extend my visa once I have arrived?
No. The maximum stay in Myanmar for a tourist is 28 days.
Can I come straight back to Myanmar after departure?
Your visa is valid for 3 months from the date of issue. This means that you can only enter the country once, for 28 days, within those 3 months. You cannot apply for another visa until after the 3 months have expired.
Application & Costs
Bangkok, Thailand (payment in Thai Baht).
-
Bangkok Visa Application
|
|
Visa
Duration
|
Processing
Time
|
Cost
|
US$
Equivalents
|
|
|
|
28
Days
|
Express
– Same Day
|
1210
Baht
|
$37
|
|
|
|
|
Next
Day
|
1035
Baht
|
$30
|
|
|
|
|
Two
working days
|
810
Baht
|
$25
|
|
|
|
Embassy Information
|
|
|
|
|
Contact Details
|
132 Th Sathon Neu,
Bangkok
+66 (0) 2233 2237
|
|
|
|
Opening Times
|
Open Mon – Fri (closed
for Thai and Myanmar public holidays)
Application: 09:00 –
12:00; Collection: 15:30 – 16:30
|
|
|
|
Getting there
|
The Myanmar Embassy is in
the Silom/Sathon area of Bangkok.
Tha Sathon (Central Pier)
is the closest boat station, then a 30 minute walk or two stops on the Sky
Train.
Surasak is the closest
Sky Train station (Silom Line)
|
|
|
Posted 30 Jun 2013, 21:59 by Elli Murr
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia The office has now changed from the embassy in the Jalan Ampang area of KL to the more central location of Masjid Jamek. This has been outsourced to Ever Fine Travel & Tour. This is a few minutes walk from the Central Market and China Town area of KL. Alternatively, take the LRT there. It is located south of the station before the HSBC bank. Check out our map for more information. [ Map]
Opening times: 0900-1800 Fees: RM140
To apply, they request the following: completed application form two photographs one A4 photocopy of your passport
For the same day service, you must drop off your passport before 1230; collection between 1600-1700hrs. You will also need one A4 photocopy of your return flight ticket.
United Kindgdom
To apply for a VISA in the United Kingdom send a special delivery envelope off addressed to the
Visa Department,
Embassy of the Union of Myanmar,
19A Charles St, Mayfair,
London W1J 5DX.
Inside this place separately sealed envelopes sufficient for the number of applications.
Also include:
2x copies of the visa application form completed.
2x Normal UK standard Passport size photographs
1x Passport (minimum 6 months validity)
1x postal Order for £14 with recipient left blank
1x return pre-paid special delivery envelope
As with most countries in Asia, when applying for a visa they request a hotel name and address. Any will suffice as this is just a formality.
You can download the visa application form [ here].
Follow us on Twitter or via our page on
Communication
Email/ Web access
Although some hotels have email addresses, the practicality of it is that they don’t have dedicated internet access themselves or they just don’t check their emails. Other than a few services, most web sites are available. Internet connections can be slow and intermittent in more remote towns.
Post
Postcard stamps now cost 500Ks/ also can be used for a letter up to 20g - no longer a good deal Postcards generally cost 1,000Ks for 10 (unless you’re in Inle Lake area, then expect anything up to 6,000Ks!).
Mobile Phones
SIM cards can be picked up from most mobile phone shops in Yangon and other major cities. Minimum purchase we’ve found has been $20, and that’s with $20 credit for your phone. Be aware though that you may be shown a list of numbers (these are normally "special" numbers that have some Asian significance and these cost more!). There’s no internet/ data access at the moment as this requires a contract. Some hotels do offer a "local" sim card for around 5,000Ks. For obvious reasons, we've not listed any of these but do ask at the reception of your hotel.
Note - this is a changing country and mobile phone access is something that is expected to change quickly. If we're wrong, then please update us!
Telephones/ Land lines
Your hotel will give you access to a telephone, generally for about 200Ks/ min to make hotel bookings; the nicer ones won’t charge at all. You can use the telephone stalls on the streets, but using your hotel at least means that someone will end up talking to you in English. All of our telephone numbers contain the area code. For international calls add +95 and omit the starting 0.
Follow us on Twitter or via our page on
Basic Costs
• 1l Bottle of water 300–400Ks. Supermarkets though you can pay as little as 120Ks
• Glass of draught beer 600 - 800Ks
• Big bottle of beer 1,200 – 2,000Ks +
• Market/ street food noodle soup/ noodle salads 500Ks- 1,000Ks
• Meat dish in a restaurant 2,000Ks-3,000Ks
• Rice/noodle/vegetable dish in a restaurant 1,000Ks- 2,000Ks
• Almost all the intercity buses we took cost between 10,000 - 20 ,000Ks
Water Only drink purified bottle water. Bottled water is readily available and some hotels provide it on a complimentary basis. Carry a bottle with you throughout the day.
Health No inoculations or vaccinations are required unless coming from or passing through an infected area. Clients should bring sufficient medication with them if required and should check for updated health recommendations before your departure to Myanmar regarding hepatitis, malaria, typhoid, etc. Please contact us if you would like detailed information on emergency health services available. Mosquitoes
Hotels do not have mosquito nets and do not have the fixtures to hang your own. Even if your hotel room doesn’t have a window and seems mosquito proof they will find a way in. You can pick up mosquito coils, or electronic plug-ins in all supermarkets and many of the local shops and these will generally offer enough protection in your room. Coil’s cost 2-300Ks and plug-in’s a little more. Repellent is harder to come by, though is available, so it is advisable to bring your own.
We’ve given each city a percentage rating. So for example, Yangon gets a rating of 80% meaning that you’ll need some form of protection 80% of the time.
Bagan 20%
Bago 30%
Mandalay 20%
Nyaungshwe 30%
Pyin Oo Lwin 20%
Yangon 70%
Border Crossing Rules
Land border crossings
All travellers entering Burma/Myanmar are required to exit the country through the same border. E.g. people entering the country from Tachilek will have to leave through Tachilek. Departure flights from any airport or an exit from other border crossings are not allowed.
All land border crossings into Myanmar give only restricted access to the border areas. Usually your passport will be kept at the border until you leave Burma. Land border crossing points:
• Tachilek (Burma Shan State) – Mae Sai (northern Thai border) wikitravel.org/en/ Tachileik
• Muse (Burma Shan State) – Ruili (China border)
• Tamu (Burma Chin State) – Morei (India border)
• KawThoung (Burma Tanintharyi) – Ranong-Kawthoung (southern Thai border)
Airports
The only way to visit all of Myanmar (except the restricted area's), is to enter and exit Myanmar by air. This can be either Yangon or Mandalay Airport (AirAsia offer a service from Bangkok allowing you to fly into Mandalay and out of Yangon (or vice versa). From Kuala Lumpur you can only fly to/ from Yangon). You can fly to Yangon and leave from Mandalay airport, but you cannot fly to Yangon or Mandalay and then leave via a land border.
In the past, flying to Kengtung/ Tachilek and then exiting through the Tachilek border required a pre-arranged MTT permit (in addition to the standard visa) which could be bought in Yangon at the MTT office and took a long time for approval. It seems this has been discontinued.
|
|
-
Sidebar
Focus Charity Popular City Guides Popular Blogs Recent Trip Reports |
Posted 3 Jul 2013, 03:14 by Elli Murr
-
Myanmar Sidebar
AirAsia Free Shuttle Bus at Mandalay Airport A free shuttle bus has been introduced for AirAsia customers in Mandalay. This service provides a free bus transfer between Mandalay Airport to Mandalay Downtown and vice versa.
FAQ 1. How much is the fare for the transfer bus? It’s free for all AirAsia guest. 2. How do I get the free transfer? Who are entitled to the free service? AirAsia guest can present their inbound boarding pass, flight itinerary and their passport. Service is only available on actual date of the flight as specified on boarding pass 3. Where do I find the service? At Mandalay Airport: Exit gate of Arrival hall In Mandalay City: Street 79 near Mandalay Palace (between 26&27) 4. How long is the shuttle bus ride between Mandalay airport to downtown Mandalay? Approximately 1 hour depending on traffic conditions.
|
Posted 16 Jul 2013, 19:24 by Elli Murr
-
Travel Guides
Over 1,000 downloads of "A travellers Guide to Myanmar".
We've had over 27,000 hits in just 7 months! For some, that's nothing, for the charities we support, approx. 2% of our visitors visit on.Which means all of our hard work is worth it.
Looks like we'll be publishing an update to "A Travellers Guide to Myanmar" in September ready for the new season. And already we have Peter and Anne from Balmain, Sydney Australia on board to give us updates for their pending trip in October.
So we have "Fish out of Water" and "Powered by Noodles" and now "Cool for Cats" set to update us in Myanmar. Can you get any more up-to-date?
Free guides and downloads. |
Posted 24 Jul 2013, 21:12 by Elli Murr
Definition of Charity:
"Generosity and helpfulness especially toward the needy and suffering"
This is all about giving something back to the people of the countries that we've visited, to thank them for the wonderful experiences that we've had. There are no charges for receiving information on this site, because this is about sharing the latest information and not making money. You'll also note, there are no pop-ups or sponsored links to businesses. So, please take the time to look at some of the charities that we've highlighted on our charities page, and if you want to "pay" for the information you've received, then look into some of these worthy causes. Otherwise we'd gladly accept any support to help keep this site alive.
You will be directed to an Email window.
If not, then email: volunteer@
TheLeapingLemur.com
|
Compassionate Hands is a home-grown charity, founded by Snow Aye after the cyclone Nargis struck the southern delta region of Myanmar on 2nd May 2008. Since the start of Compassionate Hands, many people have volunteered to help realise various projects, ranging from emergency relief efforts after the Cyclone, to digging wells and helping children with AIDS. Many volunteers are from Myanmar itself, but also foreigners from other Asian countries, the United States and Europe are involved.
