TRAVEL TIPS
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| • Introduction to the City of
Yangon and the Country of Myanmar • Traveling Tips |
Introduction: Welcome to Yangon, Myanmar
The
Country of Myanmar (Burma) Myanmar is located in the South East Asia, and surrounded by China, India, Thailand, Bangladesh, and Laos.
The country is 2,61,228 square miles (676,577 square kilometers). It has a population of 51 million. The major racial groups are Myanmar, Kachin, Kayah, Karen, Chin, Mon, Rakhine and Shan.
Myanmar is a country with unique cultural heritage, golden pagodas, colorful bazaars, religious festivals, and classic handicrafts. The visitors are warmly welcomed by Myanmar people with a kind heart and a warm smile.
Yangon (formerly Rangoon)
Yangon, the capital city of Myanmar, is a unique blend of old world charm of grand Colonial buildings and modern day vitality reflected in the newer structures, markets and tourist attraction sites. It is a city adorned with idyllic lakes, cool shady parks, lush tropical vegetation and gilded shrines. Highlighting the entire scene, the luminous Shwedagon Pagoda, which is one of the wonders of the world, emerges as a significant landmark visible from miles around. The proximity to the pagoda from our Guest Care Hotel lets you enjoy the magnificent day and night views of the pagoda.
For detail information about other cities, please ask at the front desk. Our staff will be happy to suggest you interesting tourist sites to see.
Passport and Visa
A valid passport with entry visa is required of all visitors. A tourist visa allows a stay of 28 days, extendable for an additional 14 days. A business visa allows a stay of 28 days, extendable up to 12 months on a case-by-case basis. Visas are obtainable from Myanmar Missions abroad for a nominal fee.
Customs
Foreign currencies above US$2000, jewelry, electronic goods and cameras must be declared to the Customs at the airport upon arrival. To go through Customs, follow the green channel for visitors with nothing to declare and red channel for visitors with dutiable items. Exports of antiques and archeological valuable items are prohibited.
Duty Free
Duty free allowance: Two bottles of liquor, two cartons of cigarettes; 100 cigars; 1.5 lb of tobacco, one pint bottle of perfume or eau de cologne.
Time
GMT + 6.5 hours.
Weather of Yangon, Myanmar
Electric power
230 Volts, 50 Hz.
Currency
The local currency is “Kyat” (pronounced “chat”). Kyat notes are issued in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 15, 20, 45, 50, 90, 100, 200, 500 and 1000.
Foreign Exchange Certificate (FEC)
All travelers (with the exception of package tours or those with business visas) are required to exchange US$200 for FECs, which has an exchange rate equal to US Dollar. These FECs are in $1, $5, $10 and $20 denominations.
These FECs are accepted by airlines, travel agencies, taxis, restaurants. The FECs can also be exchanged for Kyats at market rate.
Entrance Fees
Entrance fees in nominal amount usually (US$ 5-10) are required to enter archaeological zones, famous pagodas, museums, etc.
Clothing
Casual and light clothing is recommended year-round, but a sweater or jacket may be useful in higher hill areas, particularly during winter months (November to February). A light raincoat is essential if visiting during the monsoon months (June to September).
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