Basics - The Rough Guide to Myanmar - page 85

ation changes frequently, however, so check the latest online before travelling. Mobile phone
numbers start with 09.
To callhomefromMyanmar ,dialtheinternationalaccesscode(00),thenthecountrycode
(UK 44; US & Canada 1; Ireland 353; Australia 61; New Zealand 64; South Africa 27), then
the area code and subscriber number. Note that the initial zero is omitted from the area code
when dialling the UK, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand from abroad.
To call Myanmar from abroad , dial your international access code then the country code
for Myanmar (95), then the area code, minus the initial zero, then the subscriber number.
Photography
Most Burmese love having their photo taken, but it's polite to ask before shoving a lens in
someone's face and, assuming you're using a digital camera, to show them the picture af-
terwards. To ask “Is it okay if I take a photo?” in Burmese say “ Daq-poun yaiq-teh, ya-deh
naw? ”. Don't photograph anything resembling a military installation, and it's probably best
to avoid snapping police and soldiers as well.
The best photographic conditions are early in the morning, around 6-8am. Not only is the
light at its best, but this is one of the busiest times of the day around local markets and also a
good time to photograph temples and other attractions before hordes of tourists arrive.
Time
Myanmartimeis6hr30minaheadofGMT(5hr30minaheadofBritishSummerTime),11hr
30minaheadofUSEasternStandardTime,14hr30minaheadofUSWesternStandardTime,
and 3hr 30min behind Australian Eastern Standard Time. There are no daylight-saving time
changes in Myanmar.
Tourist information
Thegovernment-run MyanmarTravels&Tours ( MTT )maintainstouristofficesinYangon
and Mandalay, but in general the best sources of travel information are generally local travel
agents or the staff at your guesthouse or hotel. There are no Myanmar tourist information of-
fices abroad, although embassies and consulates may be able to help with information about
which areas are currently restricted or off limits.
MYANMAR ONLINE
Good online news resources are listed in “ The Media ” section.
burmalibrary.org Handy links to thousands of Myanmar-related websites and publica-
tions.