Asia
Backpacking Burma (Myanmar) Need To Know
Basics
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Entry
Most foreign nationals require an advance visa to enter Burma. You can apply online at evisa.moip.gov.mm or at any Burmese Embassy or Consulate.
Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the date of entry into Burma.
For official information visit your home government travel bureau.
Getting Around
More detail is to come in this section, but you can read about general advice regarding Getting Around When You Get There
Accommodation
Burma has hostels in major cities and tourist areas.
The average price of a hostel is US$10-17 (£7-£11) a night.
The majority of hostels in Burma will provide linen and bathroom facilities. Usually there will be internet facilities as well as a common area and laundry services.
Hotels and guesthouses are cheap, especially if there is more than one of you.
Read more about Accommodation When You Get There and Living in Hostels
Recommended For Further Information
If you are heading to multiple destinations in South East Asia I highly recommend picking up a copy of Lonely Planet’s; Southeast Asia On A Shoestring. It provides the most relevant, up-to-date advice on what to see and skip, where to stay, and how to optimise your budget for an extended continental trip…
Food And Health
Restaurants are cheap and cooking facilities in hostels are rare.
Food hygiene and safety is improving, but isn’t up to Western standards. Use your instincts; if the place looks dirty, don’t eat there; if your food isn’t piping hot, don’t eat it.
Water is not safe to drink – always buy bottled or boil and avoid ice in drinks.
Avoid intrusive examinations, including emergency dental work, due to irregular hygiene standards and the danger of infection, particularly by hepatitis B and C and HIV/AIDS.
Competent medical advice and treatment may not be available outside Rangoon and Mandalay.
Cash payment is often required prior to receiving medical treatment in Burma. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.
Burma has numerous mosquito borne diseases. Always contact your GP around 8 weeks before your trip to check whether you need any vaccinations or other preventive measures. Visit here for Recommended Vaccinations and read here for more about Travelling Health In General
Weather & Time To Go
The cyclone season in Burma normally runs from April to October, the best time to visit is just after this season has finished up until January. It can get very hot between February and April.
Communications
International GSM roaming is not available in Burma, and many SIM cards won’t work. Internet and wifi is accessible in most hostels and hotels. International calling cards are also cheaply available.
Dangers And Considerations
Travel bureaus sometimes advise against travelling to certain parts of Burma, so always check with your foreign office (British Foreign Office webpage) or travel advice bureau before travelling for official advice.
Thieves, pickpockets and scam artists commonly operate in tourist areas and cities. Pickpockets often work in gangs, some distracting you while the others go into your bags, so be alert and try not to get distracted around tourist attractions and cash points.
Protests are common, you should avoid all public gatherings and mass demonstrations, as they can sometimes turn violent.
Penalties for drug trafficking range from a minimum sentence of 15 years imprisonment and can include the death penalty.
Homosexuality is illegal in Burma.
US Dollars, in pristine condition, are required to fund your stay, as in many places they are the only acceptable currency. US Dollars with the letters AB and CB at the start of the serial number (top left-hand corner of the note) are not always accepted for counterfeit reasons. Notes with pen marks, folds or tears are also not accepted.
Read more about Safety And Security here
Respecting Culture
There have been encouraging political reforms, since the 2011 appointment of the government of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar. However Burma is still a conservative country and you should keep that in mind.
Respect religious customs when visiting Buddhist religious sites. Shorts and sleeveless tops will cause offence. You should remove shoes and socks before entering a pagoda or monastery. Never point the soles of your feet at anything, especially not a statue of Buddha.
Women are not allowed into some sacred areas.
