Что нужно знать, отправляясь в Мьянму

ЧТО НУЖНО ЗНАТЬ, ОТПРАВЛЯЯСЬ В МЬЯНМУ

AIRPORT TAX

International Flights : 10 USD
Domestic Flights : None

CLOTHING

Comfortable lightweight clothing in natural fabrics such as cotton is most suitable for travelling in Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand. The dress code is fairly casual as in most parts of the tropics but it is advisable to cover arms and legs in the evenings against biting insects. A lightweight raincoat is a good idea in the rainy season. During the winter months warm clothing is needed for visiting the north of Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand. Visitors to Buddhist countries should not wear shorts, short skirts or other skimpy clothing when visiting religious buildings and shoes should be removed before entering a private home.

ELECTRICITY

220V.

FOOD

The staples of Burmese cuisine are rice, rice noodles, and curries. The main ingredient of the meal is usually rice and the curries tend not to be as spicy as those from India or Thailand. A clear soup called hingyo accompanies most meals and a fermented fish sauce or paste called ngapiye is usually served to add to the flavour.

HEALTH

No vaccinations are required except for yellow fever if you are coming from an area where the disease is present. However visitors should be inoculated against typhoid, cholera, hepatitis A & B, tetanus and polio. Malaria is present in most of the region and it is advisable to take precautions especially if travelling off the beaten track. Medical facilities are rather limited in all countries with the exception of Thailand and it is essential to take out a good medical insurance policy before travelling in case evacuation is needed.

HOURS OF BUSINESS

Offices are usually open from Monday to Friday from 09:30 until 16:00. Most shops are open everyday with the exception of Bogyoke (Scott’s) Market in Yangon which is closed on Monday and on public holidays.

LANGUAGE

The national language of Myanmar is Burmese, of which there are over 80 different dialects spoken. The written language uses an attractive script based on ancient Indian characters. In the cities many of the older generation still speak very good English and it is also becoming popular again with the younger generation.

MONEY

The currency in Myanmar is the Kyat (pronounced 'chat'). Cash US Dollars are the only useful currency to carry and can be exchanged into local currency at most hotels. The banks are open from Monday to Friday between 10:00 and 14:00. Traveller’s cheques can be exchanged only into FECs (Foreign Exchange Certificates) and only in Yangon. The Visa Card credit card is now accepted (with a high commission) at some of the larger hotels in Yangon and Mandalay only. Other cards such as Mastercard, AMEX and Diners Club are rarely accepted anywhere in the country. Visitors not travelling on a package tour are required to change 200 US Dollars into 200 FEC upon arrival at the airport. FECs can be used to pay for hotels, flights, trains, souvenirs and meals. A word of warning - FECs cannot be taken out of Myanmar so make sure to spend them before leaving. 

PROHIBITED ITEMS

Mobile telephones and laptop computers with modems are not allowed into the country. Items of jewellery, cameras and foreign currency must be declared at customs on entry and also on a currency declaration form. Export of Buddha images and antiques or articles of archaeological importance is prohibited. Gemstones can only be bought from government controlled outlets and the buyer must receive a certificate.

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS

January 4:	Independence Day
February 12:	Union Day
Mar 2:	Farmer's Day
Mar 27:	Armed Forces Day
April 13-17:	Water Festival (moveable)
April 18:	New Year’s Day
May 1:	International Labor Day
July:	Waso (dates vary)
November 11:	National Day
December 25:	Christmas Day

RELIGION

Buddhism is the dominant religion in Myanmar and over 85% of the population follow the religion. The monastery is the traditional focal point of village life in Myanmar and monks rely on villagers for donations of both money and food. Every boy in Myanmar is expected to spend some time as a monk. The remainder of the population are Christians, Muslims and Animists. 

SHOPPING

Things to look out for in Myanmar include lacquerware, especially in Bagan, woodcarvings, stone carvings, bronze work, silver jewellery, silk longgyis and hand-woven textiles.

TELECOMMUNICATION

Most hotels now have IDD phones in rooms and it is possible to send faxes from hotels and post offices although be warned these services are expensive in all four countries. Away from the major cities it may not always be possible to make international calls. Internet cafes are becoming popular in the major cities in Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Thailand (not yet in Myanmar) and many travellers now prefer to keep in touch by e-mail. Postcards can be bought at all the main tourist sites and stamps are available from post offices and some hotel reception desks. It is not permitted to bring mobile phones into Myanmar. Even if they are not connectable in Myanmar to an international network such as GSM, they will be confiscated upon arrival at Yangon International Airport and released only upon departure. A few hotels in Yangon have an e-mail service, however, it is not possible to connect to the internet and consult your own e-mail account.

TIPPING

Tipping for good service is not expected but is always appreciated in these developing nations. It is customary, though not compulsory, to tip tour guides and drivers at the end of a tour. Hotel and station porters should also be tipped a small amount for their troubles.

VISAS

All visitors are required to have a valid visa to enter Myanmar. A 28-day tourist visa is usually sufficient for most visitors. The current regulations for entering Myanmar are as follows:

·  FIT visa (Foreign Individual Traveller)

This visa is issued by the Myanmar Embassy or Consulate. You do not need an invitation letter and it usually takes 3-5 working days to issue this visa. Upon arrival at the airport in Yangon you are required to change 200 US Dollars into 200 FECs (Foreign Exchange Certificates).

Package Tour Visa

This visa is issued by the Myanmar Embassy or Consulate and is only given if Exotissimo has sent a letter of invitation. Usually it takes 3-5 days to issue the visa. Upon arrival at the airport in Yangon you are not required to change US Dollars into FECs. With the confirmation of your booking Exotissimo will send an authorisation letter to the embassy. Exotissimo need the full names, passport numbers, nationality and name of the Myanmar Embassy where the visa is to be collected. One copy of the authorisation letter is sent to the embassy and another to the client by fax or e-mail. If the country where you are living does not have a Myanmar Embassy you can either send your application to the closest country with a Myanmar Embassy or ask Exotissimo to arrange a visa upon arrival. Detailed passport information (a copy of the first four pages of each passport) should be faxed to us. Exotissimo can take care of the procedures and upon arrival you will get your visa stamped in your passport and  pay the visa fees. It is important to remember to bring 2 passport pictures. Please note that we need at least 2 weeks for visa on arrival arrangements and this service is only available for citizens of countries where there is no Myanmar Embassy.

WATER

It is not advisable to drink tap water in Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar or Thailand but bottled mineral water is safe and available everywhere. Ice in drinks is generally OK in good standard hotels and restaurants but it is best to avoid it on street stalls or in country areas. 

WEATHER

Myanmar has three seasons similar to many other parts of South-East Asia. The south west monsoon starts at the end of May or beginning of June and lasts until the end of September. This season brings frequent and heavy downpours of rain, mainly in the afternoon and evening especially in Yangon, the rest of the country is dryer with sometimes no rain for several weeks in a row. The rains give way to dry weather in October and the temperatures are generally lower and more pleasant at this time. In March the temperatures start to climb again leading up to the next rainy season at the end of May. Temperatures between March and May can be very hot reaching over 40oC in many places. 

	YANGON Average Temperatures oC	MANDALAY Average Temperatures oC
High	Low	High	Low
Jan	32	18	29	14
Feb	35	19	32	15
Mar	36	22	36	18
Apr	37	24	38	25
May	33	25	37	26
Jun	30	25	34	26
Jul	30	24	34	26
Aug	30	24	32	25
Sep	30	24	33	25
Oct	32	24	32	24
Nov	32	23	30	19
Dec	32	19	28	15

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