Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
It's imperative (this can't be stressed enough) that any notes that you intend to use in My-
anmar are in pristine condition (ideally, ask if your home bank can get you mint condition
notes). Banknotes that are creased, torn or marked in any way - however minor - may not be
accepted inpayment, oryou'llbeforcedtosell thematareducedrateifexchanging forkyat.
Similarly, in the (slightly unlikely) event that you end up having to buy dollars in Myanmar,
reject any note not in perfect condition.
EXCHANGE RATES
Atthetimeofwritingthe exchangerate wasroughlyK975to$1,K1660to£1,andK1300
to €1.
ATMs and credit cards
Myanmar's economy has started changing rapidly over the past few years as the first inter-
nationally connected ATMs have appeared and more and more places have begun to accept
creditcards.WesternUnionandMoneyGramservicesarealsonowavailable. There'snowat
least one ATM (usually several) in all major towns, and most accept both Visa and Master-
Card(exceptionsarenotedintheGuide).Theydotendtogooutofserviceonaregularbasis,
however, and it's still best to bring all the cash you'll need in with you in dollars (ATMs cur-
rently dispense only kyat), treating ATMs as a backup. Note, too, that ATMs typically charge
a $5 withdrawal fee (on top of whatever your bank at home might charge you), which goes
straight into the pockets of crony businessmen . Credit cards are now generally accepted in
all top-end and some mid-range hotels, plus a few upmarket shops and restaurants.
Meditation
Myanmar is a good place to study or practise meditation - there's even a special, extendable
three-month meditation visa for visitors with a letter of support from a recognized centre.
Some centres will only take foreigners who commit to staying for several weeks, but there
are also ten-day courses available in Yangon and near Mandalay .
Opening hours and public holidays
Standard business hours are Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm; banks typically open Monday
to Friday 9am to 3pm, although some close earlier and currency exchange counters may not
open until 11am. Major temples may stay open 24 hours a day (especially during festivals
and holidays), and will certainly be open (at minimum) from around 6am to 9pm. Opening
times for restaurants , teahouses , bars and shops are given throughout the Guide.
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
Severalholidays(marked*)arebaseduponthelunarcalendarandthereforechangedateeach
year.
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