What to expect on arrival
Although Myanmar’s infrastructure and accommodation have improved greatly over the last few years you are still likely to feel a sense of culture shock as you arrive. Here are some important things to bear in mind as you travel through this fascinating country.
What to expect on arrival
A few thoughts on what to expect when you arrive in Myanmar for the first time:
- Myanmar’s development has been hampered over the years by its isolation from the international community and things that we take for granted in the West may not be available in Myanmar.
- Internet access can be limited. You will be able to get online in most hotels but connection speeds can be frustratingly slow at times and there are frequent power cuts which will affect access.
- There is extreme poverty in Myanmar which can be shocking, and the living conditions of some local people can be very basic.
- Tourism is still a relatively young industry here and as such you may not experience the same level of service you get at home or in more developed Asian countries like Thailand or Malaysia.
- In remote areas the hotel choice may be limited and some of the hotels you therefore stay in may be more basic than you are used to.
- When visiting pagodas and other religious buildings great care must be taken to appear modest and correctly dressed. Women should not wear shorts, sleeveless T-shirts or have bare shoulders when visiting such places. Shoes and socks must always be removed at the entrance to pagodas and monasteries.
- Government action and weather can sometimes disrupt itineraries and it helps to be flexible and patient if such situations arise.
- Avoid drinking tap water. Most hotels will provide either bottled water or filtered water in the rooms. Bottled water is available everywhere, but to cut down on plastic use we recommend taking your own refillable or filtered bottle and refilling as you go.
- Eat at established restaurants and avoid peeled or cut fruit as well as ice cubes.
- Those concerned about food hygiene may want to take a supply of anti-bacterial wet wipes to use before meals.
- Use an insect repellent for mosquitoes and be careful to protect yourself against dehydration, heat exhaustion and sunburn.
- Myanmar is a vast country, and although most areas are now open to foreign visitors there are still a few regions where government permission is needed to gain access.
- Generally speaking Myanmar is a very safe place to travel but there are ongoing domestic conflicts that flare up from time to time. Myanmar’s insurgency problems tend to lie near the Indian, Chinese, and Thai borders; these areas are far from normal tourist routes and are thus unlikely to affect your travels.
- All items of jewellery, cameras and foreign currency (in excess of US$2000) must be declared upon arrival on the currency declaration forms.
- Myanmar currency may not be imported or exported. The export of Buddha images, gemstones and antiques without an official receipt is prohibited.
Some local etiquette to remember
When visiting a country it is always important to arrive with a basic understanding of local etiquette, rules and customs, here are a few pointers to help you on your way.
- In Myanmar to greet someone you should say Mingalaba ( Ming-Ga-lah-bar).
- It is considered improper to lose ones temper or to become overly emotional in public
- As in all Buddhist countries the head is considered to be the most sacred part of the body. You should not touch anyone on the head as it will be taken as an insult.
- Within Buddhism the feet are considered dirty. Do not place your feet on any surfaces such as table or chairs and do not point at anything with your feet.
- Remove footwear when entering a house.
- Ask before you take someone’s photo as unsolicited picture taking can sometimes cause upset or offence.