Quick Facts

Visitors should check information likely to change.

Area: 676,577 square kilometres

Capital City: Nay Pyi Daw

Population: Approx. 47 million

Language: Myanmar (official) and English

Religion: Buddhism

Climate: Tropical monsoon with a rainy season from May to October, cool dry season from November until February and hot from March to May.

Local Time: GMT +6½

Currency: Myanmar’s official currency is the kyat (chat) which comes in the following denominations: K1,000, K500, K200, K100, K90, K50, K45, K20, K15, K10, K5 and K1.

Any amount of foreign currency may be brought into the country, but amounts over US$2,000 must be declared. It is recommended that visitors bring US dollar in cash only; larger notes receive a better rate in exchange. Exchange of other foreign currencies such as euros, yen and pounds sterling may be time consuming and difficult. Authorised money changers throughout Myanmar usually only accept US dollars. The FEC (Foreign Exchange Currency) used in Myanmar as currency next to kyat is equal to the US dollar (1=1) and can easily be used for payment of purchases throughout the country.

Business Hours: Banks are open Monday through Friday from 09.00-15.00, government offices from 09.30-16.30, and private shops are generally open from 09.30 until 21.00.

Postal Service: Post offices are open Monday to Friday from 09.30-16.30.

Telephone: Telephones and fax facilities are available in most hotels in Yangon and Mandalay, but charges are quite expensive. Mobile telephones from other countries currently do not operate in Myanmar. Customs will hold telephones upon arrival and they can be collected upon departure.

Emergency Contact Numbers
Emergency telephone numbers in Myanmar are:

Tourism Services: 285 174

English Newspapers: The New Light of Myanmar

Email/Internet: Email facilities are now available at many hotels and local businesses in Yangon and Mandalay.

Electricity: 230 volts, 50Hz.

Tap Water: Only drink sealed bottled water.

Medical: No vaccinations are required for entry, unless coming from an infected area.

Tipping: Tipping is widely practised in addition to restaurant and hotel service charges.

Airport Tax: Passengers departing Myanmar on international flights must pay a departure tax of US$10.00 per person.

Photography: Photography in airports, railway stations and near any military installations is strictly prohibited. Observe normal courtesy when photographing people, especially monks.

Tourist Information: Myanmar Tourism Promotion Board’s official site, www.myanmar-tourism.com.