Entry Requirements
Visa requirements for Myanmar depend on which passport you hold. Check the Traveller visa tool to see whether your passport needs a visa and, if so, how long you can stay.
Check if you need a visa for MyanmarEmergency Numbers
- Police
- 199
- Ambulance
- 192
- Fire
- 191
Currency
- Name
- Myanmar Kyat
- Code
- MMK
- Symbol
- K
Cash economy — ATMs exist but are unreliable. Bring USD in pristine, unfolded, post-2009 bills; damaged notes are refused. Exchange at official banks or Jetstar counters in airports. Cards are rarely accepted outside major Yangon hotels. Note: the political situation has changed dramatically since 2021 — check current travel advisories carefully before planning a trip.
Power Outlets
- Outlet types
- Type A, Type C, Type D, Type F, Type G
- Voltage
- 230V
- Frequency
- 50Hz
Time Zone
MMT (UTC+6:30) — no daylight saving. Myanmar uses a unique half-hour offset.
Best Time to Visit
November–February is the dry, cool season — ideal for Bagan, Mandalay, and Inle Lake. March–May is very hot. Monsoon (June–October) brings heavy rains but lush greenery. Note: check travel advisories — the 2021 military coup has significantly affected safety in many areas.
Tipping Customs
| Venue | Typical | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Restaurants | 10% | Leave cash — tip culture is growing in tourist areas |
| Taxis / trishaws | Agree fare upfront | Grab works in Yangon |
| Guides | $5–10 USD per day | — |
| Hotels | $1–2 for porters | — |
Dress Code
- Conservative dress required at all pagodas and temples — cover shoulders and knees
- Remove shoes and socks before entering any pagoda — barefoot on the stone is mandatory
- The longyi (traditional sarong) is widely worn and sold cheaply; wearing one is appreciated
- Modest dress in local towns and markets
Social Etiquette
- Monks are deeply respected — never touch a monk; women must not hand anything directly to a monk
- The head is sacred — never touch anyone's head
- Do not point feet at people, Buddha images, or monks
- Bargaining is acceptable at markets — with a smile
- The political situation is complex; approach all political conversation with extreme care
Local Laws
Laws change. Verify current rules with your country's official travel advisory before departure.
- Myanmar is under military rule since the February 2021 coup — the political situation is volatile. Check your government's travel advisory before planning any visit
- Photography of military, government buildings, and certain bridges is prohibited; arrests of tourists have occurred
- LGBTQ+ activity is illegal
- Drug trafficking carries the death penalty
- Social media posts critical of the military (Tatmadaw) have led to tourist arrests
Common Phrases
| English | Local | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Hello | မင်္ဂလာပါ (Mingalaba) | min-gah-LAH-bah |
| Thank you | ကျေးဇူးတင်ပါတယ် (Kyay zu tin ba deh) | kyay-ZOO tin bah DEH |
| How much? | ဘယ်လောက်လဲ? (Be lout leh?) | beh LOWT leh |
| Yes / No | ဟုတ်ကဲ့ / မဟုတ်ဘူး (Hote keh / Ma hote bu) | HOTE keh / mah HOTE boo |
| It's delicious | အရမ်းကောင်းတယ် (A yun kaung deh) | ah-YOON kowng deh |
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