Useful information
Due to the current political situation, tourists are not allowed to enter some areas of the country: restricted areas, which are subject to change, are listed on this page.
For this reason some itineraries may not be available, and we are happy to build alternative itineraries so you can enjoy the country at its best.
For detailed information, see our dedicated page.
We recommend that all clients take out insurance covering personal baggage, medical assistance and travel accident cover.
For detailed information, see our dedicated page.
Entry to the country is currently possible only via Yangon and Mandalay airports, and you must have the following documents:
Credit cards can now be used fairly widely. There are also ATMs where you can withdraw cash with VISA and Mastercard credit cards.
US dollars are accepted throughout the country alongside the
local currency (Kyat), while other currencies, such as euros,
are not always accepted and must instead be exchanged into local
currency.
Private banks have nevertheless opened exchange offices in all major towns, where both dollars and euros can be exchanged.
If you bring dollars with you, please keep a few guidelines in mind to avoid problems during your stay.
In the country, dollar banknotes are accepted only if new, crisp, clean and unmarked, and sometimes only if they show no evident folds.
Only the most recent dollar series can be used, see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_banknotes
Banknotes whose serial number starts with the letters CB are also often not accepted.
The Central Bank of Myanmar has announced that businesses will no longer be authorised to accept dollars, but only local currency. Foreign currencies will therefore have to be exchanged into local currency before they can be spent. At the moment, however, it is still possible to pay in dollars almost everywhere, although the situation may change in future following this decision.
Exporting antiques and objects of archaeological value is prohibited. Only gems, silver and other jewellery items bought in authorised shops may be exported from the country. There are duty-free shops for tourists in airport departure and arrival halls. You may purchase 2 litres of spirits, 400 cigarettes, 100 cigars and half a litre of perfume.
Laptop computers may be brought into the country for personal use.
If you enter the country with more than US$10,000 in cash, you must make a currency declaration on arrival.
The postal service in Myanmar should currently not be considered reliable; letters and postcards sometimes never reach their destination.
Most hotels have international telephone connections, but note that costs are high, typically around US$5 for calls to Europe, the United States and Australia.
Myanmar uses 220-240 volt electricity. We recommend packing a torch in your hand baggage as power cuts are frequent throughout the country.
The whole country is UTC+6:30 (5:30 hours ahead of Rome, 6:30 hours ahead of London in winter).
Banks open from 10:30 am to 2:00 pm, Monday to Friday. Government offices open from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday. Most private offices open from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday, and from 9:30 am to 12:00 pm on Saturdays.
International roaming is active in the country, so you can now use your own mobile phone.
You can also buy prepaid tourist SIM cards for GSM phones, which are easy to top up. The
SIMs currently available are from Ooredoo and Telenor
(private companies) and Myanmar Teleport (state-owned), but the only company that guarantees reasonable coverage
outside the main cities is Myanmar
Teleport.
A call to Europe costs around US$1 per minute.
SIMs can also be used for Internet access: private companies offer faster connection speeds, but they work well only in the main towns.
Myanmar art and handicrafts, mostly made entirely by hand, are the best souvenirs. Lacquerware, wood carvings, tapestries, silverware, brassware, silk and cotton fabrics and backpacks are among tourists' favourite items. For jewellery, there are locally sourced rubies, sapphires, jade and pearls available in gem shops. All gems and jewellery must be bought from government-authorised dealers, who provide a receipt that allows export.
Bargaining is essential to get reasonable prices. Price reductions of up to 50% are common.
Mosquito repellents and sunscreens are a must.
Don't forget to bring medicines you might need in an emergency, such as antibiotics. Most medicines are available but brands may differ from the ones you usually use.
Drink only previously boiled water, such as green tea, or bottled water from well-known brands. Better to avoid drinks with ice cubes bought on the street.
EmotionTravel does not charge cancellation fees for its own services. If you cancel a tour it charges only the penalties applied by hotels, airlines and other scheduled service providers. In some cases very strict cancellation rules apply, especially for river cruises and beach-area hotels.
The general rules for bookings are as follows:
You don't always need to shake hands. Don't hug or kiss in public. Shoes and socks/stockings must always be removed in pagodas and monasteries. Avoid hawkers who may approach tourists offering to change money or sell gems of dubious quality; don't encourage such practices by giving them money. Taking photographs is forbidden at airports, stations, on bridges and at any military installation. Use discretion when photographing people, especially in tribal villages where superstition may make them opposed to it. Always ask before taking a close-up photo of someone.
We invite you to download this leaflet (in English) explaining the country's customs — what to do and what to avoid.
As throughout Asia, in Myanmar too it is customary to reward those who serve you with a tip.
Tips, though never requested given the Burmese people's politeness and shyness, are very welcome and in practice allow a dignified life for staff and their families, since wages
for these kinds of jobs are very low not only in absolute terms, but also relative to the local cost of living.
Although there are no standard amounts and the tip can and should reflect your satisfaction, here are some guidelines you can use as a reference: