Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Politics
Even though open discussion of politics is now not such a dangerous act in Myanmar, it's
still best to allow locals to take the lead on the subject and proceed to talk with discretion
if they do.
Scams & Hassle
Myanmar touts are pretty minor league in comparison with others in the region. Most
hassle is due to commissions. These small behind-the-scenes payments are made, like it
or not, for a taxi, trishaw driver or guide who takes you to a hotel, to buy a puppet or even
to eat some rice.
When arriving at a bus station, you're likely to be quickly surrounded by touts, some of
whom will try to steer you to a particular hotel that offers them a commission.
Be wary of claims that your chosen place is 'no good', though in some cases we found
that trishaw drivers who had warned us that 'foreigners can't stay there' ended up being
correct. If you know where you want to go, persist and they'll take you.
This said, a few travel-related businesses and touts do go to creative lengths or use
hard-sell techniques to rustle up customers, so do try to keep your wits about you.
Be wary of fanciful offers of jade or other gems as some are filled with worthless rock or
concrete mixture. And never buy gems on the street.
Many people may approach to say 'hello' on the street. In some cases, they're just curi-
ous or want to practise some English. In other cases the conversation switches from 'what
country you from?' to 'where you need to go?' It's all pretty harmless.
Do not change money on the street.
Spies
In the more off-the-beaten-track places, where authorities are less used to seeing foreign-
ers, the chances are that you will be kept an eye on.
Transport & Road Hazards
The poor state of road and rail infrastructure plus lax safety standards and procedures for
flights and boats means that travelling can sometimes be dangerous. Government-oper-
ated Myanma Airways (MA) has a sketchy safety record. The rickety state of Myanmar's
railway also doesn't inspire much confidence. It's not much better on the roads, where
safety often seems to be the last consideration of both drivers and pedestrians.
Proceed with caution when crossing any road, particularly in cities where drivers are
unlikely to stop if they are involved in an accident with a pedestrian.
Traffic drives on the right in Myanmar, but the majority of cars are right-hand-drive im-
ports, which add to the chance of accidents occurring. Factor in the poor state of roads
