USEFUL INFORMATION

Area

676,577 sq km

Population

52 million

Capital

Yangon (changed from Rangoon in 1989)

Language

Myanmar (English is widely understood)

Local Time in Myanmar

GMT + 6½ hours

Electricity

220-240 V, 50 Hz

Telecommunications

IDD Telephone & Fax facilities are available at most hotels & offices in Myanmar .

E-mail and Internet facilities are now available at hotels, offices and companies in Yangon and Mandalay .

Country Code - 95 ( Myanmar )

. ( Yangon ) - 01

. ( Mandalay ) - 02

Food

Many good restaurants in Yangon . Myanmar food and Chinese food are popular throughout the country. Myanmar food is influenced by the Indian and Chinese cuisines. European food is available in most tourist centres and hotels.

Hotels

Many hotels in Yangon, Mandalay , Bagan and Inle. The range of hotel quality extends from local guest houses to 5 star accommodation.

Currency

At present FIT ( Foreign Independent Travelers ) are not required to exchange US $ 200 FEC ( Foreign Exchange Certificate ) on arrival at the airport. FEC can be changed into Myanmar kyats at market rates of Authorized Money Changers.

1 US $ = 1 FEC

FEC notes : 1, 5, 10, 20

Kyat notes : 1, 5, 10, 20, 45, 50, 90, 100, 200, 500, 1000

Payments can be made in FEC (US$) for Trains, Flights, Hotels, some Restaurants and Entrance Fees to pagodas, museums etc:

Visa Formalities

Tourist visas are issued at all Myanmar Embassies and Consulates abroad.

Myanmar has increased its TOURSIT VISA to 28 days to allow tourists to stay longer at each famous cultural site as well as to enable visits to newly introduced area. Tourist visa can be obtained within a day or two. Entry to Myanmar and departure are permissible through Yangon Airport , Sea Port and China & thai border points. Visas fees is US$ 20 per person.

E.V.T (F.I.T) - is for tourists applied at the Embassy without confirmation of tour from Travel Agencies in Myanmar .

E.V.T ( Package ) - is for tourists applied at the Embassy with prior arrangements and confirmation from Travel Agencies in Myanmar .

Entry Permit

Tourists can also visit through border points with an entry permit. The border entry points between China and Myanmar are at Shweli-Muse, Wonpon- Mong La and Lwejal. The border entry points between thai and Myanmar are at Kawthaung-Ranong and Tachileik-Mei Sai. Entry permits can be applied for through Myanmar Travel & Tour (MTT)

Religion

Over 85% of the Myanmar People are theravada Buddhists. Others follow Christianity, Islam, Hinduism or Animism.

Climate

Myanmar has a tropical climate with three seasons. The Dry Season runs from mid-February to mid May. The Rainy Season which comes with the South-West Monsoon lasts from mid-May to mid-October (25 to 30 degree C). The Cold Season from November to February with the temperature varying from 15 to 24 degree C. But dry zones like Mandalay and Bagan do not get much rain even in the rainy season. The best time to visit Myanmar is from October to February when the temperature is moderate and dry. In summer, the temperature rises to about 40 degree C with much sunshine.

Domestic Flights

Diamond Dragon Travel guests will travel usually by Yangon Airways and Air Mandalay ATR-flights ,Air Bagan and Myanma Airways for the northern and southern part of Myanmar .

International Flights

Direct Flights to Yangon are available from Bangkok , Calcutta , Chiang Mai, Dhaka, Kuala Kumpur, Kunming , Singapore and Taipei . Airlines currently serving Yangon are Air Mandalay, Biman Bangladesh Airline, Air China , China Eastern Airlines, Indian Airlines, Austrian Airlines/Lauda Air, Druk Air , Malaysia Airlines, Mandarin Airlines, Myanma Airways International, Silk Air and Thai Airways International, Phuket Airlines and Bangkok Airways are fly to Mandalay .

Restricted Areas

Large parts of Myanmar are now open to foreign visitors. Access to some remote areas, jade and gem mines and border areas are still subject to government permission.

What to wear

Light cotton clothing is most appropriate especially for the long hot summer months. Long sleeve sweaters, light jackets are suitable in Hill stations like Pyin Oo Lwin. Sandals are suitable. Remember to take off your shoes and socks before entering temples and pagodas.

Shopping

Many different kinds of arts, crafts and antiques are available throughout Myanmar especially in Bogyoke Aung San Market ( Central Market ), Yangon . Hand-crafted lacquerware, mostly produced in Bagan, comes in all shapes and sizes. Myanmar is of course renowned for its precious stones, particularly rubies. You should only buy from government licensed shops which must issue an official receipt.

Tipping

Tipping is quite acceptable, in addition to hotel and restaurant service charges shown on bills. Porters expect approximately 100 Kyat per bag, slightly more at airports.