Practical Travel Tips
Information
Insurance
We recommend all clients to obtain the necessary personal baggage, medical and accident insurance before arrival. All vehicles used by Marco Polo Tours are insured in accordance with local regulations. SOS Worldwide has a local representative office in Yangon with a 24 hour on call service for emergency evacuation and medical assistance.
Airport Tax
Any passengers departing Myanmar on international flights will need to pay a departure tax at the prevailing rate. The fee is US$ 10 per person.
Duty Free Allowance
Two bottle of liquor, two cartoons of cigarette and half liter of perfume are allowed per person. Arrival hall at Yangon airport has a selection of duty free shops with a full range of items at a good price.
Immigration & Customs Formalities
Your valuables (jewelry, electronic equipment, etc.) should be declared on your customs form upon arrival. Receipt of purchase and an export permits voucher. For locally bought goods such as gems and jewelry may be required upon departure.
Currency
We recommend visitors to bring US Dollars cash (small denomination notes). US Dollars are easily exchangeable for Foreign Exchange Certificates (FEC’s) and local currency Kyat. Please note, due to US government sanctions and remittance ban on Myanmar, either business enterprises or individuals are unable to accept major credit cards and traveler’s cheque.
Domestic Airlines & Flights
Air Mandalay, Yangon Airways, Air Bagan, Asian Wings and Air Kanbawza are privately operated airlines flying throughout Myanmar. There is a 20-Kilo limit for baggage per person and excess baggage fees may be charged. We suggest you to leave items not needed in Yangon and collect them upon your return.
Please visit following websites for details.
www.airmandalay.com, www.yangonair.com, www.airbagan.com, www.airkanbawza.com, www.asianwings.com
Local Time in Myanmar
GTM +6.5
Climate &Weather
Myanmar has three general seasons.
Cool Season-October through February with average temperatures 20-24°C
Hot Season-March through May with average temperatures 30-35°C
Rainy Season-June through September with average temperature 25-30°C
The ideal time to visit Myanmar is during the cool season.
Voltage
The voltage in Myanmar is 220-230 Volts AC.
Mobile Phone
Hand phone or Mobile Phones from other countries currently do not operate in Myanmar. Customs will hold your telephone upon your arrival and you can collect back on your departure.
Health
No inoculations or vaccinations, clients should bring sufficient medication with them if required and should check for updated health recommendations before your departure to Myanmar.
What to Bring
Sun-hat, sunglasses, sun protection for your face and body, prescription medicines, insect repellent and an umbrella (rain or sunshine). An antibiotic cream for minor cuts and scratches, extra pair of prescription glasses, a small flashlight, extra passport and camera film
What to Wear
Shorts short skirts or revealing clothing is not appropriate especially when visiting temples or any religious site. Myanmar is a conservative Buddhist culture and improper dress can be offensive. Please dress with respect for the local culture. Lightweight, easy to care clothes of cotton and cool fabrics are ideal all year round. A winter sweater or jacket and socks may be needed in the cool season when visiting up country especially around Inle Lake and Kalaw when the weather can be quite cold during the night. Wear sensible walking shoes which can be easily removed when required. Sandals, thongs or flip-flops (available locally) are very convenient footwear.
Accommodation and Meals
MARCOPOLO Tours offers travelers some helpful ideas and suggestions when planning your trip to Myanmar. If there is specific information you require please contact our office and we will make every effort to assist you.
Child Discount
One child under 12 years old is generally granted a reduction of 50% of the tour price, provided that he/she is accompanied by at least two full-paying adults and stays in the same room in an existing bed. Please check with MARCOPOLO Tours when making your reservations.
Credit Cards
Presently credit cards are not generally accepted in Myanmar so you should carry sufficient cash to cover you in country expenses. Please check with our office if you need updated information before you arrival. Banks are closed on Saturdays, Sundays and all public holidays.
Traveler’s Cheque
Traveler’s Cheque is not accepted at present.
Gratuities & Tipping
Myanmar people are genuinely happy to help foreign visitors and don’t expect anything in return. But if your guide or any other person during your trip was especially kind or helpful a gratuity would be a generous gesture and greatly appreciated.
Language
The majority of the people speak Myanmar (Burmese) and English is widely used.
Entry Requirement
Visa Formalities
Myanmar requires a visa from all foreigners in advance, you will also be need a type of visa for visiting the country.
A tourist visa can be applied and obtained from any Myanmar Embassy Abroad (or) consulate world-wide. Which should be submitted the valid passports, two photos and tour schedule letter from your local travel agent when applying. You will then receive a package visa for entry with 28 days valid. (E.V.T Package)
Another type of tourist visa is foreign independent traveler (F.I.T) which does not need agent’s documentary. However, it is also valid for 28 days starting from the date into the country. Visas are good for travel within 3 months from the date of issue. If more than 28 days in stays that should be arranged after arrival in Myanmar, visa extensions for additional 14 days only can be arranged in Yangon.
Another type is pre-approved visa on arrival (V.O.A) which can be obtained and needed on prior arrangement with your local travel agent and for approval to be present at the Ministry of Hotel & Tourism at least 14 days before the date of arrival.
Marco Polo Tours will assist its clients by issuing confirmation of travel arrangements and service formalities.