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Frequently Ask Questions
1. WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO TRAVEL?
The best time to visit Myanmar is from November to March when temperatures are
relatively low (average 15 - 30 degrees centigrade) and when there is
practically no rain. Be aware that in December and January the temperature can
drop to near freezing at night in the highlands of the Kalaw, Pindaya, Taunggyi
and Inle Lake area in southern Shan State. In April and May which is the hottest
season, temperature often rises up to 40 degrees centigrade in Yangon (the
capital of Myanmar), in Mandalay as well as in Bagan (the most famous
archaeological site in Myanmar) where one can get even hotter. The monsoon
starts between mid-May and mid-June bringing frequent rains particularly in the
southern as well as western regions of Myanmar which last until September.
2. IS IT SAFE TO TRAVEL?
ARE THERE PLACES TO AVOID?
Myanmar is a vast country and it is generally a very safe place to travel. There
is only a few areas in borders that are off limit to foreign visitors and they
will not affect a traveller's journey through Myanmar in any way.
3. DO's AND DON'T 's
Never drink tap water - purified, bottled water is available everywhere. Eat at
established restaurants and avoid peeled or cut fruit as well as ice cubes. It
is wise to guard against sunburn, dehydration and heat exhaustion. Light
clothing made from natural fibers is useful most of the year around and a
sweater or jacket is needed when touring hill areas and the Inle Lake region
from November to February. When visiting pagodas and other religious buildings
great care must be taken to appear modest and correctly dressed. Women should
not wear shorts, bra-less T-shirts or have bare shoulders when visiting such
places. Shoes and socks must always be removed at pagodas and monasteries.
Photography in airports, railway stations and near any military institutions is
forbidden.
4. WHAT MONEY SHOULD I TAKE?
Suggest you to take along US Dollars in cash in small denominations. Credit
cards are only accepted by major hotels in Yangon and Mandalay. Euro card /
MasterCard is not accepted anywhere in Myanmar. It is recommended to change a
small amount of US Dollars into the local currency (Kyat) to use at small
restaurants and shops.
5. WHAT ARE THE VISA REQUIREMENTS AND CUSTOMS FORMALITIES?
A valid Passport with Entry Visa is required for all visitors. At the present
time tourist visas are available from Myanmar embassies for duration of 28
days, extendible for an additional 14 days. A Business Visa allows a stay of 28
days, extendible up to 12 months on a case-by-case basis. Visa on Arrival is
granted on prior arrangement with the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism. Nowadays,
travel agents can apply e-visa on our clients' behalf within 2 months time. This
will relieve much of the hassle that our valued clients and we are facing. Visa
is valid for THREE MONTHS from the date of issue, which cannot be renewed or
refunded.
All items of jewelry, cameras and foreign currency in excess of US$ 2,000 must
be declared upon arrival on the currency declaration forms. Export of Buddha
images and gemstones without an official receipt as well as antiques and
archaeologically valuable items are strictly prohibited. It is not permitted to
bring mobile phones into the country, even if they are not connectable to
international networks such as GSM. Therefore, if you bring your phone into
Myanmar, formally you will have to leave it at custom desk on arrival until your
departure.
6. HOW MANY ENTRIES INTO MYANMAR?
There are several entries into Myanmar. Flight entry to Yangon city from
Bangkok, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Kuming, Dhaka, Calcutta, Taipei and land route
entries from Thailand and China can be made.
7. IS ON-LINE VISA APPLICATION AVAILABLE?
Yes, you are welcomed to apply on-line visa at
http://www.myanmarvisa.com
8.CAN I MAKE OVER SEA CONNECTION AVAILABLE DURING MY TRIP?
You can easily make an international connection by phone, fax and e-mail from
Myanmar. Normally, we provide contact phone numbers of your hotels and our
Yangon office to make easy contact in case of need.
9. HOW CAN I USE INTERNET IN MYANMAR?
There are a lot of internet cafes in downtown Yangon and internet access is
available in Yangon, Bagan, Mandalay and Inle Lake areas.
10.DO I NEED TO BUY LOCAL CURRENCY FOR US$ 200 ON ARRIVAL?
From 1st of October 2003, you do not need to buy FECs or any local currency on
arrival.
11. WHAT LANGUAGE WILL THEY UNDERSTAND?
The official language is 'Myanmar' with numerous regional languages and
dialects. English is spoken at all major hotels. In the Yangon, Bagan, Mandalay
and Inle Lake area travellers will always find someone who will at least
understand a few words of English. Karaweik M & J Tour provides guides in
English, German French, Italian, Spanish and Japanese.
12. HOW ABOUT MY HEALTH?
No vaccinations are officially required for a visit to Myanmar unless coming
from an infected area. Travelers should check with their doctor or a travel
immunization clinic regarding the advisability of inoculation against typhoid,
hepatitis, tetanus and Japanese encephalitis as well as Malaria Prophylaxis. It
is better to take along any prescription medication with sufficient supplies
during your trip. Also we have foreign trained medical doctors and 24 hour
Clinic service.
13. WHAT FOOD WILL I FIND?
Myanmar cuisine mainly consists of a staple diet of rice with meat or fish
curry, vegetable salads and soups. Chili is popular in Myanmar and is often
used in spicy dishes such as curries, however the meal is not as hot as the Thai
version. Myanmar can boast of a diverse range of cuisine with Chinese, Thai and
Indian restaurants sprinkled around the major cities. Western food can be found
in a few French or Italian restaurants in Yangon as well as at major
international hotels in Yangon and Mandalay.
14. HOW IS THE SHOPPING AND WHAT DO I TIP?
Shopping is plentiful in most areas of Myanmar with colourful markets and stalls
on most streets. Most popular buys include antiques, embroidery, gems, lacquer
ware, pearl, hand-woven silk longyis, traditional woodcarvings, customary
puppets and tribal crafts. Jewelry should be purchased through an authorized
dealer who will issue a receipt so that the items can be exported. Bargaining is
required at small shops and markets.
Major hotels and restaurants usually add 10 % service charge to bills. Where it
is not included a tip of up to 10 % of the bill would be appropriate if the
service is satisfactory. Porters usually expect to be tipped.
15. WHERE CAN I FIND MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE ITINERARY?
See http://www.karaweiktours.com
16. WHERE CAN I FIND MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE COUNTRY IN GENERAL?
See http://www.tourismmyanmar.com
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