Everything You Need to Know Before Traveling to Myanmar

Before you go: since the 2021 military coup, parts of Myanmar have seen armed conflict, and the March 2025 earthquake centered near Mandalay and Sagaing damaged many temples and buildings. Many governments advise against travel to some or all of the country. Check your government’s latest travel advisory, and confirm with a local guide which places are currently open and safe to reach before you plan your trip.

Myanmar, also known as Burma, is a place where Buddhism is a way of life. It has some wondrous sights: a thousand temples scattered across the countryside in Bagan; the leg-rowers and floating gardens of Inle Lake, and majestic rivers - the Ayeyarwady and the Chindwin - navigable into the furthest reaches of the country. Here MyProGuide sums up the practical things you need to know before traveling to Myanmar.

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Currency

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The Burmese money is known as the Kyat (pronounced ‘chat’), it is often abbreviated as MMK or K. The Kyat is originally derived from an ancient Burmese unit called Kyattha that equals to 16.3 grams of silver.

• The kyat’s value has swung a lot in recent years, and the official exchange rate and the rate you get at money changers can be very different, so check the current rate shortly before you travel.
• Tip: one free app that is useful to check exchange rates is xCurrency it works both on iOS and Android.

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Keep in mind that Myanmar is a cash-based society so always have some cash at hand. International credit cards are accepted only at some hotels and shops in the big cities, and ATMs can be unreliable. If you bring US dollars to exchange, bring new bills in perfect condition, with no folds, stamps, stains, writing marks or tears, as worn notes are often refused.

Tipping Culture

Tipping is not customary in Myanmar, though little extra 'presents' are sometimes expected (even if they're not asked for) in exchange for a service.

• Airport: if someone helps you with your bags, a small tip is welcomed.
• Restaurants: as wages are low, it's a good idea to leave change for waiters.
• Temples: a small donation is appreciated if a caretaker is required to unlock a temple.

Power

All power sockets in Myanmar-Burma provide a standard voltage of 230V with a standard frequency of 50Hz. You can use all your equipment in Myanmar-Burma if the outlet voltage in your own country is between 220V-240V. This is the case in most of Europe, Australia, the United Kingdom and most countries in Africa and Asia.

Myanmar uses several kinds of power outlets and plugs (types A, C, D, G and I), so a universal adapter is the safest choice. Power cuts are common, so a power bank is useful too.

Weather

Myanmar weather is divided into three seasons 

• Hot season (summer), February to May. Keep in mind that temperatures during this time period may rise above 40ºC (104ºF). 
• Rainy season, June to September 
• Cold season, October to January

How do I Get There?

1. Air

Most international flights arrive at Yangon International Airport, and there are also some international flights to Mandalay International Airport, mainly from Thailand and China. Routes have been cut back since 2021, so check which airlines currently fly before you plan. 

Airlines offer discounted tickets online depending on how far in advance you book. Good deals are often available from Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore on budget airlines such as AirAsia and Scoot (SilkAir, mentioned in older guides, was merged into Singapore Airlines and Scoot in 2021). If you are looking for a ticket in Myanmar you can buy international tickets from travel agents or online.

2. Land

Myanmar has land borders with Thailand, China and India, but since 2021 many crossings have been closed or disrupted by fighting, and conditions change quickly. Flying into Yangon is the most reliable way to enter. If you plan an overland trip, check the latest situation with your embassy and the Myanmar immigration department first.

Border Crossings:

Traditionally you had to walk across the border; there is no cross-border bus or train service. According to the official eVisa site, eVisa holders can currently enter by land only at Kawthaung (from Ranong in Thailand). For other crossings you need a visa issued in advance by an embassy, if the crossing is open to foreigners at all. Crossings that were once popular with travelers include:

• Mae Sai in northern Thailand to/from Tachileik in Shan State
• Mae Sot in Thailand to/from Myawaddy in Kayin State
• Ranong in Thailand to/from Kawthoung at the far southern end of Tanintharyi Region
• Phu Nam Ron in Thailand to/from Htee Khee in Tanintharyi Region
• Ruili in Yunnan Province, China, to/from Mu-se in Shan State
• Moreh in India's Manipur state to/from Tamu in Sagaing Region

Visa

Most visitors need a visa when visiting Myanmar. The good news is that most nationalities can apply for a visa online. To avoid any visa processing fees from independent companies you can go directly to their website. You’ll need a passport photo and to pay the visa fee online (check the current fee on the official site), and processing takes at least 3 working days. The tourist eVisa is single-entry, allows a stay of 28 days, and can be used at the international airports of Yangon, Mandalay and Nay Pyi Taw. Beware of look-alike sites that charge extra fees.

Getting around

Unless you are flying, all travel in Myanmar takes time. Buses are almost always faster than the trains, but bus rides are bumpy, so it is recommended to have some tablets for motion sickness. Boats are also an option for some routes. Like, the Mandalay–Bagan service is popular among travelers.

Yangon International Airport is the main hub for domestic flights. Local airlines include Myanmar National Airlines, though domestic routes and schedules change often. Some regions are off-limits to foreigners or unsafe to travel through, so plan routes with a local guide or agency. Note that it is cheaper and easier to book domestic flights via agencies once you are in Myanmar.

There are no international car-rental agencies, but most travel agencies in Yangon, Mandalay, and Bagan – as well as guesthouses and hotels elsewhere – can arrange cars and drivers.

Where to Stay

• Guesthouses: There is an increasing number of guesthouses opening across Myanmar near tourist locations. So, this can be a good option too if you want something better than a hostel but more budget-friendly than a hotel. 
• Hostels: Found in the major cities and tourist centers and is aimed at the budget crowd.
• Hotels: Very common, but don’t expect luxury or anything boutique outside of big cities.
• Resorts: They are mainly located at the beaches at Ngapali, Chaung Tha and Ngwe Saung.

See Also: Tasty Street Food Snacks in Yangon

Last but not least, here are some important tips about etiquette in Myanmar:

Related: Myanmar Must-Do List

• Keep in mind that Myanmar is more conservative than many of its neighboring countries. Many people still wear traditional dress (longyi for man and htamein for women). You would rarely see people exposing their knees or shoulders. 
• Money is normally handed and received with the right hand, while the left hand loosely supports the right arm. 
• Never use your feet to point at a person or thing. 
• A smile goes a long way. So does knowing some words in Burmese. For example, Mingalarbar is a basic greeting.

Cover photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons