Myanmar has three seasons; the monsoon or rainy season from May
to October; the cool season from November to February and the hot
season from March to May. The average temperature ranges from 32?C
in central and lower areas to 21?C in the northern highlands.
Local Time
GMT +6 1/2
Currency
Kyat (Kt) = 100 pyas. Kt. 100,000 is known as a lakh, and Kt 10
million as a crore. Kyat is pronounced like the English word 'chat'.
Kyat, made up of 100 pyas. Currency notes come in the following
denominations: K 1,000, K 500, K 200, K 100,K 90, K 50, K 45, K
20, K 15, K 10, K 5, K 1 and coins K 100, K 50, K 10, K 5, K 1 and
Pya 50.
Exchange
On arrival at Yangon International airport, individual tourists
are required to exchange a minimum of US$200 into 200 FECs (Foreign
Exchange Certificates). Any unused certificates from this amount
cannot be refunded. Visitors booked on an inclusive group tour package
are not subject to this requirement, but if they wish, they can
also purchase FECs with US Dollars or Sterling. FECs are Myanmar's
second legal tender and are issued by the Bank of Myanmar specifically
for visiting tourists. They come in denominations equivalent to
US$20, 10, 5 and 1. Payment for FECs is only accepted in US Dollars
or Sterling, in cash or travellers cheques. (credit cards sometimes
accepted) One US Dollar equals one FEC (the Pound Sterling equivalent
fluctuates according to the Pound-Dollar variance). FECs can be
spent anywhere in the country, or exchanged into kyats at officially
authorised banks, bureaux de change, hotels and Myanmar Travel and
Tour offices. Cash payments can also be made in US Dollars, but
only at establishments (eg, hotels, railway stations, and airlines)
that have an official license allowing them to accept dollars. The
FEC system (and the possibility to pay in US Dollars at numerous
establishments) largely eliminates the necessity to exchange national
currencies into Kyat. It is advisable to carry small denominations,
as large notes may be difficult to change.
Credit Cards
Airlines, major hotels and supermarkets accept Visa, Diners Club,
American Express. Check with your credit card company for details
to merchant acceptability and other services that may be available.
Travellers cheques
To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised
to take travellers cheques in US Dollars or Sterling only.
Business Hours
Government Offices 09:30 - 15:00 hrs (closed on Saturdays and Sundays)
Banks 09:30 hrs – 16.30 hrs (closed on Saturdays and Sundays)
Private Companies 09:00 hrs - 17:00 hrs (closed on Sundays)
Post Office 09:30 hrs - 16:30 hrs (closed on Saturdays and Sundays)
Shops 09:30 hrs - 21:00 hrs
Tipping
Widely practised in addition to hotel and restaurant service charges
shown on bills
Nightlife
Limited to large hotels
Electricity supply
230V, 50Hz
Photography
Photography in airports, railway stations and near any military
installation is forbidden. Please use discretion when photographing
people. For close-up shots always ask first. Bring adequate film,
as locally available supplies are not always reliable.
Great Hotel Deals in Myanmar
Aureum Palace Ngwe Saung: From US$ 98 - Ngwe Saung, Myanmar It is a dream overlooking the powdery white sand and crystal clear water of the Indian Ocean, it is the ideal place for those seeking luxury in a romantic hideaway.Perfectly...
Golden Island Cottages II Tale - U: From US$ 44 - Inle Lake, Myanmar Golden Island Cottages lies in a village Tale-U and only minutes drive by boat to major tourist attractions on the mother lake. Another property of Golden Island Cottages Hotel...
Summit Parkview Hotel: From US$ 32 - Yangon, Myanmar Summit Parkview Hotel is a place to feel the warmth and gracefulness of the Myanmar culture which is within walking distance of downtown Yangon. Perfectly situated close to...
