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Entry Regulations: U.S. and Canadian citizens traveling to Burma require a visa to enter the country prior to arrival which is valid for 28 days. Visitors must also hold a valid passport that will not expire for six months beyond the issue of the visa. Please check with your country’s Foreign Affairs office to find out about entry requirements for non-Canadians and Americans. Climate: Burma's climate is roughly divided into three seasons: Summer (March and April) with temperatures ranging from 36 to 43 degrees Celsius; Rainy (mid-May to end of October) and Winter (starting November to end of February) with an average temperature of zero degrees Celsius. Burma's location and topography generate a diversity of climate conditions. Extremes of temperature are rare though. Currency: The basic unit of currency is the Kyat (MMK). At present, the exchange rate is MMK6.41 to USD$1. As exchange rates fluctuate many times every day, this rate might not accurately reflect the rate during your trip. Please check exchange rates closer to your date of travel. Travellers should also note there is a compulsory currency exchange minimum of US$200 on arrival Electricity: The current used in Burma is the 220V, 50-cycle system. Power is not available or not in service in most of the country but not in the hotels. Tip: This system may differ from the one you use at home. If it is different, please purchase an adaptor from a travel store near you, to take advantage of the power ports in your hotel room. Language: The official language is Burmese. Other languages spoken are Karen, Shan and Kachin. English is spoken in business circles. Health Requirement: No vaccination certificates are required unless coming from an infected area. For all health requirements and recommendations, travelers should check with their doctors for change in requirements. Airport Facilities and Tax: The international airport is Yangon Mingaladon Airport in Yangon. Air travel is the only reliable means of access into Burma. Departure tax is US$10.00 to be paid locally. Passengers in direct transit and on domestic flights are exempted. Shopping: Abundant markets and bazaars are open to shoppers. Among the famous markets in Yangon are the Bogyoke Aung San, New Bo Gyoke, Mingala, Thiri Mingala, Bayintnaung and Chinatown. In Mandalay one can shop at bazaars like Zegyo, Mongala, Phatahe, Nyaung Pin and Chinatown. Export of antiques is prohibited. To avoid any confiscation of goods not purchased in Burma, be sure they appear on customs declaration forms on arrival. To export lose gemstones, jewelry and silver, obtain certificate from the shop. Exercise care when buying jewelry and gems. There is no guarantee on quality even when certificates are issued from authorized shops. Cuisine: The basic Burmese food is mainly rice and curry. Some Burmese curries are spicy and there is always fish paste in many forms with salad. Soup mostly made of vegetables is taken together with rice and other dishes. Cantonese and Fukienese food are popular among the people. Chinese restaurants are present in almost every town. Indian food is also popular. European food is available only at restaurant hotels. For more information please visit: |
