Myanmar is a predominantly Buddhist country of some 676,000 sq. km. and is bordered by Thailand and Laos on the east, Bangladesh and the Bay of Bengal to the west, China and India to the north, with the Andaman Sea bordering the south western coast. The total population is around 50 million, of which nearly five million reside in the capital city of Yangon. The second largest city is Mandalay, in central Myanmar, with a population of about one million. Officially the government recognizes 67 different ethnic groups but others count as many as 135.

Visa Requirements
A tourist visa for Myanmar can be obtained from any Embassy or consulate office world-wide. Visas are valid for 28days after entering Myanmar. Visa extensions may be obtained in Myanmar. VISA ON ARRIVAL can also be arranged.

Currency 
The Myanmar currency is known as the 'kyat.' US Dollars or FEC (foreign exchange certificates) may be changed into kyat at the local market rate. Major hotels and a few restaurants will charge in USD/FEC but most other expenses in Myanmar will
be in kyats.

CREDIT CARD & TRAVELERS CHECK ALERT!!

AMERICAN EXPRESS, VISA, MASTERCARD and DINERS CLUB  are generally NOT accepted in Myanmar (only a few hotels,and one or two restaurants, are currently accepting any credit cards). It is safest to bring CASH only for expenses (USD is the easiest).

Health Issues
While no immunizations are formally required, it is recommended you check with you doctor or Travel Clinic.

Arrival Procedures
After passports are checked at the immigration desk travellers proceed toward the baggage area. After collecting luggage and clearing the customs inspection points, proceed to the arrival hall. Customs Procedures As a basic rule-of-thumb, all valuable items brought into the country such as expensive jewellery, notebook computers, etc. should be declared upon arrival and subsequently brought out of the country upon departure.

All foreign currency in excess of $2,000 is also supposed to be declared. Export of gems and jewellery should be accompanied by an official dealer's receipt. Border Crossings Border crossings are allowed for tourists with 'package tour' visas at Muse by the Chinese border and with Thailand at Tachilek and Kawthaung. Passports should be carried when travelling outside of Yangon(for example they may be checked on domestic flights).

Climate and Weather
Myanmar has three "seasons": Hot Season - March to mid-May 25-38 C Rainy Season - mid-May to September 23-33 C."Cool" Season - October to February 18-24 C. The main tourist season is during the Cool season.

What to Wear
Warm weather clothing is quite adequate for Yangon and most tourist spots. However up-country around the Inle Lake area and other higher elevations the temperature may reach near freezing at night during the 'cool' season. Travelers should bring appropriate cold weather clothing. In general, suggestive or revealing clothing is never a good idea in this conservative and largely Buddhist culture. Hats, sunglasses and an umbrella are also a must.

Voltage
The voltage throughout Myanmar is 220-230 Volts AC. Because the voltage may be inconsistent, valuable or sensitive equipment like stereos and computers should have appropriate electronic protection. Most common sockets are two pronged, able to take round or blade style plugs but there are also some three prongs. Bring an adaptor .

Communications
Mobile phones from other countries will not work in Myanmar (unless you have an iridium phone) and charges for overseas calls and faxes at hotels may be expensive. Travellers should always check the rates before using IDD lines. Several of the better hotels in throughout the country are beginning to offer email and internet service. There are also a few internet cafes in Yangon and Mandalay.

Insurance
Hospitals with the standard of care most tourists are used to do not yet exist in Myanmar. There are a few private clinics at which reasonable emergency care can be obtained. We strongly recommend travellers purchase Travel insurance to cover emergencies.

Festivals
Most of the Burmese festivals are religious festivals. Some specific dates for 2006.1) Thingyan (Water Festival) 13-16 April, 20062) Taungpyone Nats or Spirits festival: 1- 8 August, 20063) Thadingyut Festival (festival of lights) - 6 Oct 064) Kyaukse elephant festival: (Mandalay) 5 Oct. 20065) Phaungdaw Oo Buddha image procession festival (Inle Lake) :22 Sept. - 9 Oct., 20066) Tazaungdaing Festival of Lights) - 3 - 6 Nov 20067) Shwezigon pagoda festival (Bagan): 1 - 12 Nov. 20068) Taunggyi fire balloon festival: 31 Oct., 4 Nov. 20069) Poe Win Taung pagoda festival (Monywa):4 -5Nov.2006

Airport Departure Tax
There is a departure tax of $10 (either $ or FEC) payable on international flights. There are no taxes for domestic flights.