MYANMAR - Avalon Waterways · souvenir shops and markets in and around Yangon, Bagan, and Mandalay,...
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Copyright, All rights reserved. MYANMAR Capital: Naypyidaw Language: Burmese Population: 60.1 Million Time Zone: EST plus 11 hours Currency: Riel (KHR) Electricity: 230V/50Hz Fun Facts ● Burma was officially named Myanmar in 1989 by the regime in power at the time. ● Myanmar is the largest country in mainland Southeast Asia. It is slightly smaller than Texas. ● Often referred to as “The Golden Land” due to the number of pagodas covered in gold ● Myanmar is endowed with a rich ecological diversity, an important national asset. Here, you will find about 100 bird species, 300 reptiles, 7,000 species of plant life and 300 recorded mammal species. ● The Irrawaddy River in Myanmar is believed to be a symbol of ‘continuity’. To travel to Myanmar, formerly Burma, is to step back in time…to a place that has changed little since the British colonial era. Ruled by the British starting in 1885, Myanmar regained its independence in 1948. In the 1960s, the country essentially shut its borders to the Western world after the sitting government was overthrown and socialist policies were instituted by the new regime. Seeds of change were planted in the late 1980s as Aung San Suu Kyi, a national hero and Nobel Peace Prize recipient, helped form the National League for Democracy. In 1990, the first multi-party elections since 1960 were held, but the sitting government refused to accept the results. Aung San Suu Kyi was placed under house arrest, where she remained for 15 of the next 20 years. Mounting international pressure and democratic reforms finally led to her release in 2010, followed by a dramatic shift by the government to a more democratic style of rule. While there is still work to be done, Myanmar is carving a peaceful and more prosperous path to the future. Along with these changes, the borders were reopened to Western visitors for the first time in more than 50 years. While Yangon, formerly Rangoon, is growing rapidly, much of the rest of the country is virtually unchanged and traditions remain the way of life. Young women wear fragrant thanaka to protect their faces from the sun, horse and ox carts transport goods to the market, and the monastery is still the center of the village. The culture is as diverse as it is colorful with more than 130 ethnic groups calling Myanmar home. VISAS, PASSPORTS, AND OTHER ENTRY REQUIREMENTS You are responsible for obtaining and paying for all entry documents (visas, etc.) and for meeting all health requirements (inoculations, etc.) as required by the laws, regulations, or orders of the countries you will visit. We cannot accept liability if you are refused entry onto any transport or into any country for failure to carry correct documentation. A visa for your visit to Myanmar - Burma is necessary for Canadian Citizens. If you hold a passport from another country, check with your local consulate about requirements for travel to Myanmar - Burma.
Transcript of MYANMAR - Avalon Waterways · souvenir shops and markets in and around Yangon, Bagan, and Mandalay,...
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MYANMARCapital: Naypyidaw Language: Burmese
Population: 60.1 Million Time Zone: EST plus 11 hours
Currency: Riel (KHR) Electricity: 230V/50Hz
Fun Facts● Burma was officially named Myanmar in 1989 by the regime in power at the time.● Myanmar is the largest country in mainland Southeast Asia. It is slightly smaller than Texas.● Often referred to as “The Golden Land” due to the number of pagodas covered in gold● Myanmar is endowed with a rich ecological diversity, an important national asset. Here, you will find
about 100 bird species, 300 reptiles, 7,000 species of plant life and 300 recorded mammal species.● The Irrawaddy River in Myanmar is believed to be a symbol of ‘continuity’.
To travel to Myanmar, formerly Burma, is to step back in time…to a place that has changed little since theBritish colonial era. Ruled by the British starting in 1885, Myanmar regained its independence in 1948. Inthe 1960s, the country essentially shut its borders to the Western world after the sitting government wasoverthrown and socialist policies were instituted by the new regime.
Seeds of change were planted in the late 1980s as Aung San Suu Kyi, a national hero and Nobel PeacePrize recipient, helped form the National League for Democracy. In 1990, the first multi-party electionssince 1960 were held, but the sitting government refused to accept the results. Aung San Suu Kyi wasplaced under house arrest, where she remained for 15 of the next 20 years. Mounting internationalpressure and democratic reforms finally led to her release in 2010, followed by a dramatic shift by thegovernment to a more democratic style of rule. While there is still work to be done, Myanmar is carving apeaceful and more prosperous path to the future.
Along with these changes, the borders were reopened to Western visitors for the first time in more than50 years. While Yangon, formerly Rangoon, is growing rapidly, much of the rest of the country is virtuallyunchanged and traditions remain the way of life. Young women wear fragrant thanaka to protect their facesfrom the sun, horse and ox carts transport goods to the market, and the monastery is still the center of thevillage. The culture is as diverse as it is colorful with more than 130 ethnic groups calling Myanmar home.
VISAS, PASSPORTS, AND OTHER ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
You are responsible for obtaining and paying for all entry documents (visas, etc.) and for meeting all healthrequirements (inoculations, etc.) as required by the laws, regulations, or orders of the countries you will visit.We cannot accept liability if you are refused entry onto any transport or into any country for failure to carrycorrect documentation.
A visa for your visit to Myanmar - Burma is necessary for Canadian Citizens. If you hold a passport fromanother country, check with your local consulate about requirements for travel to Myanmar - Burma.
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In general, going through a visa service is more expensive but it offers convenience and peace of mind. Ifyou choose to go this route, we recommend contacting CIBT our preferred partner for visa and passportservices, at least 90 days prior to departure. You can visit the CIBT website at www.cibtvisas.ca pleaseenter the Globus Family of Brands account number on the CIBT website which is:
● Globus Family of Brands Account # 73121
Or call 1-866-566-8472 for additional information
Please check your itinerary carefully and make sure that multi-entry visas have the correct entry dates anddestinations before you leave on your vacation. If your nationality (passport) differs from the country in whichyou reside, you must consult with the appropriate consulates to determine if any visas are needed. CIBTmay be able to assist you with this process.
All passengers travelling internationally are required to have a passport. Most countries require that thepassport be valid for at least six (6) months beyond the conclusion of your trip, so please check the expirationdate carefully. It is also recommended you have a minimum of three blank pages in your passport whentraveling, as many countries require blank pages. Please carry proper identification (your passport) on youand do not leave it in your suitcase or hotel room. Most countries have laws that require you to carry yourpassport with you at all times.
COUNTRY CODES
The country code for Myanmar - Burma is 95. When calling to Myanmar - Burma from overseas, dial yourinternational access code (011 from the U.S./Canada), followed by the country code, area code, and phonenumber. Phone numbers in Myanmar - Burma are 6-9 digits in length. Dialing from the U.S./Canada: 01195 ### ### ###.
CURRENCY
The symbol for the Myanmar Kyat is K● Banknote denominations: 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000, 5000 Kyat● Coin denominations: 1, 5, 10, 50, 100 Kyat
As a general guideline, bring a variety of payment means, particularly in the event that you have difficultieswith your preferred method of payment.
CashUS dollars are accepted at most hotels and attractions in Myanmar. When paying with US dollars it isimportant to note that change may be given in the local currency. US dollars are also accepted in somesouvenir shops and markets in and around Yangon, Bagan, and Mandalay, but in many cases smallpurchases such as food and souvenirs will need to be made in the local currency, the Myanmar Kyat (chat).
ATMs are a convenient way to obtain money in Yangon, and they are fairly accessible in cities such asBagan and Mandalay. Please check with your bank prior departing home to make sure you will have accessas there are more restrictions in Myanmar than in other countries.
In smaller towns, ATMs are not readily available or available at all. Due to this, it is advised that travelerseither withdraw the needed funds during visits in the larger cities or bring the money needed from hometo be exchanged.
It is advisable to bring newer US notes that are in good condition as some merchants will not acceptthose that are tattered and/or old. Also ensure they are the latest design with the large portraits and subtlebackground colours. Older bills may be refused.
For the most current exchange rates, please go to our website at globusfamily.com/currency.
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Credit CardsMajor credit cards are accepted at most international hotels, larger shops, and tourist restaurants but inmany cases you will need to use cash. Visa and MasterCard are the most accepted.
Traveler's checksAlthough a secure means of carrying money, traveler's checks unfortunately are becoming very hard to use.Due to this we recommend you plan on using cash and credit cards only.
Bank Hours:Myanmar:Mon. - Fri. 9:30 am - 3 pmSat. - Sun. Closed
BUDGETING AND SHOPPING
The following budget guidelines are just approximate values or starting values for meals and are per person.Actual prices will vary widely by restaurant and city within a country but below are some averages asprovided by our experienced personnel.
● The approximate cost of a soft drink/mineral water/coffee is 1,300 Kyat.● An average lunch consisting of a salad or sandwich and a soda or water starts at approximately
7,000 Kyat.● Dinner at a mid-range restaurant with dessert and a non-alcoholic beverage starts at
approximately 17,000 Kyat.
ShoppingPrices are as marked in department stores, though in markets it is customary to barter. Start negotiatingwith an offer at one-third or half the vendor's initial price.
Please be warned that if you buy items on tour to be shipped to your home, customs import charges arehardly ever included in the price. Sales tax or GST (Goods & Services Tax) is normally already included onprice tags; GST refunds, if applicable, are processed at the departing airport from the relevant country.
TIPPING
Tipping is not customary in Myanmar but is becoming more common in tourist areas.
It is not customary to tip table staff at local restaurants. If you choose to do so it is at your discretion. Fora taxi, tips are not expected but we suggest you pre-negotiate the price before getting in. and then roundup the fare as tip.
Tipping hotel staff for bar or room service is at your discretion but if you choose to we recommend 1,300Kyat at the most (not including porterage which is included).
ELECTRICITY AND ELECTRICAL OUTLETS
Voltage for outlets is 220-240V. North American voltage is generally 110V. Some, but not all, hotels featuremulti-region outlets that accept different types of plugs. Due to this, for dual voltage electronics, we stillrecommend you bring an adapter. If you have single voltage electronics (110V) a converter is also required.Bathroom outlets are usually for razors only.
The outlets look like:
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TEMPERATURES
The climate in Myanmar is dominated by monsoons. Yangon is hot year round and hardest hit by themonsoons. Bagan, Mandalay & the North have a wider range of temperatures and significantly less rainthan Yangon. A few general guidelines:
Yangon:● Warm with some cool evenings between November and February● Hot/dry between December and April● Hot/wet between May and August.● Hot with decreasing rains between September and October
Bagan, Mandalay & the North:● Hot/warm with some cool evenings between November and February● Hot in March and April● Hot with some rain between May and October.
To help you plan, below are average low and high temperatures.
Yangon Mandalay Bhamo Bagan Ngapali Beach Inle Lake
January 18/32°C 12/31°C 18/24°C 13/25°C 10/23°C 7/22°C
February 19/34°C 15/33°C 12/28°C 13/27°C 10/23°C 8/24°C
March 22/36°C 19/34°C 16/31°C 15/30°C 11/23°C 11/27°C
April 24/37°C 23/35°C 19/34°C 18/30°C 15/25°C 16/29°C
May 25/33°C 25/36°C 23/34°C 20/30°C 18/26°C 17/27°C
June 24/30°C 26/37°C 24/32°C 19/27°C 19/27°C 18/25°C
July 24/29°C 26/36°C 24/31°C 18/26°C 18/26°C 18/24°C
August 24/29°C 24/36°C 24/31°C 18/26°C 16/23°C 18/24°C
September 24/31°C 23/34°C 21/32°C 18/25°C 13/25°C 17/24°C
October 24/32°C 22/34°C 21/32°C 17/25°C 14/26°C 16/24°C
November 22/32°C 18/33°C 16/27°C 16/26°C 12/25°C 11/23°C
December 19/32°C 17/31°C 11/24°C 13/25°C 12/26°C 8/22°C
To convert to Fahrenheit, multiply by 2, then add 30. While not exact, this simple formula will give a closeestimation.
FOOD SPECIALTIES
Burmese cuisine is characterized by the extensive use of fish products such as fish sauce and ngapi(fermented seafood). It has also been influenced by its Indian, Chinese and Thai neighbors. Mohinga (rice
Last Updated 1/31/18
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noodle and fish soup) is a traditional breakfast dish considered by many to be the Country’s national dish.Seafood is common in coastal cities, while meat and poultry are more commonly used in landlocked citiessuch as Mandalay. The Burmese also enjoy a variety of salads that focus on one major ingredient (from ricenoodles and potato to lahpet (pickled tea leaves) and tomato) for their balance of flavor and presentation.Dishes are primarily mild and dipping sauces are served with peppers for those who want a spicier dish.
Drinking WaterTap water is generally not safe to drink. For sightseeing and excursions, bottled water may be included;otherwise we recommend you bring bottled water with you from your hotel. Bottled water is also commonin restaurants.
CUSTOMS AND CULTURE
● Try not to point with your feet.● In the company of monks or elders never cross your legs.● Do not touch people on the head or upper body.● When beckoning someone to come over do not flap your hand in the standard Western 'come
here' motion; instead turn the hand round so that your palm flaps down towards yourself.● Do not shake hands with monks or nuns as people in general rarely shake hands; rather smile and
nod away.● Ladies should never sit down next to a monk.● Shorts and skirts should be longish (below the knee) for both sexes and it is okay to expose arms
when visiting temples.● Shoes and socks need to be removed when entering most temples.● Smoking is common in Asia so locals tend to be less sensitive to issues regarding smoking around
others and often ignore “non-smoking” signs.
A FEW WORDS OF THE LOCAL LANGUAGE
Burmese (transliteration)Good morning/day: mingalabar, Good evening: mengla nya nay khin ba, Hi: Min g alar par, Please:Kyeizu pyu yue, Thank you: Kyeizu tin ba de, You're welcome: Ya be de, Yes: ho’keh, No: Ma ho bu, Doyou speak English? In glei za ga go pyaw thet de la?, I don't understand: na: ma leh bu:, How much?Be lau’ le:?, 1:ti’, 2: hni’, 3: thone:, 4: lei:, 5: nga:, 6: hchau’, 7: hkun/hkun-ni’, 8: hyi’, 9: ko:, 10: ta-hseh/hseh, Where is...?...beh hma leh:?, Bathroom: ain-ta, Coffee: ka pi,
GOVERNMENT OF CANADA – TRAVEL AND TOURISM
Additional country-specific information for Canadian citizens can be found on the Government of Canada’swebsite https://travel.gc.ca. Here, you can find information for Canadian travelers, including details aboutpassports/visas, travelling abroad, returning to Canada, travel advice/advisories, and how to stay connectedwhile travelling. For citizens of other nations, we recommend you consult your local consulate for travelinformation, regulations, and requirements.
