Quick Facts

Visitors to Myanmar must have a valid passport and obtain a 28-day tourist visa from a Myanmar Embassy or diplomatic mission abroad.

Two application forms and 3 passport-size photos are needed. Fee is approximately USD 20 in local currency.

Visa Requirements from the Union of Myanmar Travel Association

The Burmese kyat (MMK) is the official currency. Though the kyat is subdivided into 100 pyas, pya coins are uncommon. Instead, notes of up to 1000 kyat are most commonly used.

Traders Hotel, Yangon, recommends that cash and travellers cheques be exchanged in licensed exchange offices and international hotels.

Here are the most recent exchange rates for some common currencies.

MMK 1.00 equals:

A 10% service charge is applicable in most hotels and restaurants.

Most hotels and restaurants apply a 10% service charge. Tipping is at the discretion of travellers.

Bank Hours 
9am - 4pm, Monday through Friday (the Exchange House closes at 1pm)

Office Hours
Military: 8am - 3pm, Monday through Friday
Government: 9.30am - 4.30pm, Monday through Friday
Business: 9am - 5.30pm, Monday through Friday / until 1pm on Saturday

Shop Hours
9.30am - 8pm daily

Yellow fever certification is required for entry into Burma if the traveller arrives within 9 days after leaving or transiting through areas where yellow fever is present. Vaccinations against cholera, hepatitis A and B, and malaria are also recommended.

Exercise caution when eating raw and uncooked food. Drink only bottled water. While tap water at Traders Hotel, Yangon, is suitable for drinking, complimentary bottled drinking water is also available in every hotel room.

International clinics such as AEA operate in Yangon. Traders Hotel, Yangon, will arrange for a doctor when necessary.

Generally, light casual clothing is appropriate year-round in Yangon. A light sweater is useful between October and February, especially when visiting upper Burma. It is useful to carry an umbrella. Sandals or slip-on shoes are convenient, as all footwear must be removed when entering pagodas and monasteries.

Note that visitors to pagodas and monasteries should be properly attired in long pants or long skirts.

Yangon has a mild climate ranging from somewhat warm during summer – 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F) – to pleasantly mild during winter months at 20°C to 24°C (68°F to 75°F).