Money (and cards) in Myanmar
May 4th, 2015, 09:27 AM
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Money (and cards) in Myanmar
Hi all,
Heading out to Myanmar in just over 2 weeks (eeep!) and wanting to clarify with those who may have been there more recently than the guidebooks were written
I'm planning on taking brand new $100USD bills, but am worried I may 1)run out if I don't bring enough or 2) having too much cash on me, makes me a tad uncomfortable (I never have more than $20 on me at home, I'm 100% credit cards)
I'll be sticking to Yangon/Mandalay/Inle/Bagan, with only 3-4 nights out of the main cities- so ATMs should be somewhat easy to come by, correct? Will the exchange rate be horrible? (I know in the past the rate at the airport was atrocious, but it's no longer like this?)
Where CAN I use credit cards? My research is telling me I'll only be able to use them at high-end souvenir shops- is this still the case?
Thanks!
(And yes, I know I'm going at a super-hot time of year, but it was 'go now or wait to go anywhere for 6-7 months', so going now!)
Heading out to Myanmar in just over 2 weeks (eeep!) and wanting to clarify with those who may have been there more recently than the guidebooks were written
I'm planning on taking brand new $100USD bills, but am worried I may 1)run out if I don't bring enough or 2) having too much cash on me, makes me a tad uncomfortable (I never have more than $20 on me at home, I'm 100% credit cards)
I'll be sticking to Yangon/Mandalay/Inle/Bagan, with only 3-4 nights out of the main cities- so ATMs should be somewhat easy to come by, correct? Will the exchange rate be horrible? (I know in the past the rate at the airport was atrocious, but it's no longer like this?)
Where CAN I use credit cards? My research is telling me I'll only be able to use them at high-end souvenir shops- is this still the case?
Thanks!
(And yes, I know I'm going at a super-hot time of year, but it was 'go now or wait to go anywhere for 6-7 months', so going now!)
May 4th, 2015, 09:39 AM
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Myanmar is perhaps the safest place I've ever traveled. I'm also someone who doesn't normally carry much cash, but carried thousands in with me last trip.
You want to exchange money at official bank exchanges as they now have the best exchange rates. You can find official bank exchanges at the airports and in downtown Yangon and Mandalay. (I know, this is exactly the opposite of what it was years ago!) Avoid black-market exchanges as this is the one place you may get ripped off (mostly by double-counting). Exchanging informally at hotels, shops, etc will generally get you a lower rate, though often not a terrible rate.
Credit cards are being accepted in more places, mostly hotels, some expensive restaurants (there aren't many in the whole country!) and some high-end shops. Often you have to pay extra to use a credit card.
Have a wonderful trip! Burma is a favorite of ours.
You want to exchange money at official bank exchanges as they now have the best exchange rates. You can find official bank exchanges at the airports and in downtown Yangon and Mandalay. (I know, this is exactly the opposite of what it was years ago!) Avoid black-market exchanges as this is the one place you may get ripped off (mostly by double-counting). Exchanging informally at hotels, shops, etc will generally get you a lower rate, though often not a terrible rate.
Credit cards are being accepted in more places, mostly hotels, some expensive restaurants (there aren't many in the whole country!) and some high-end shops. Often you have to pay extra to use a credit card.
Have a wonderful trip! Burma is a favorite of ours.
May 4th, 2015, 10:04 AM
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Thanks Kathie! Yes, I was reading a guide book from 2008(?) and thankfully got the 2014 updated edition as well- the old book essentially said "black market only"- good to know this has changed!
Nice to hear you felt safe enough to carry that amount of cash- that's helpful for me!
One question I forgot- is Burma similar to Cambodia in that taxis/tips/markets prefer small currency USD to the local currency? I'd like to be more prepared with singles and $5's this time around if so!
Nice to hear you felt safe enough to carry that amount of cash- that's helpful for me!
One question I forgot- is Burma similar to Cambodia in that taxis/tips/markets prefer small currency USD to the local currency? I'd like to be more prepared with singles and $5's this time around if so!
May 4th, 2015, 10:43 AM
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Yup, thursdays, there are now ATMs in Myanmar! Amazing changes in such a short time.
No, Burma is different from Cambodia in terms of US cash. Locals want the local currency - kyat (pronounced "chat"). While foreign currency isn't the problem it used to be for locals, they can't spend it. If you have nothing but US dollars, they would likely accept the dollars, but they would prefer currency they can spend.
No, Burma is different from Cambodia in terms of US cash. Locals want the local currency - kyat (pronounced "chat"). While foreign currency isn't the problem it used to be for locals, they can't spend it. If you have nothing but US dollars, they would likely accept the dollars, but they would prefer currency they can spend.
May 5th, 2015, 12:25 AM
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Don't buy Lonely Planet-as usual it is so out of date.
Much better is Rough Guide to Myanmar with really up to date (ie 6 months old) info.
Most hotels now take CC's, and kyat has overtaken $ as the currency of choice.
There are 8 Banks and 3 ATM's at arrivals in Yangon and ATM's are now everywhere but with a minimum charge 0f 5000kyat. Change your unused kyat back to & at Departures.
SS
Much better is Rough Guide to Myanmar with really up to date (ie 6 months old) info.
Most hotels now take CC's, and kyat has overtaken $ as the currency of choice.
There are 8 Banks and 3 ATM's at arrivals in Yangon and ATM's are now everywhere but with a minimum charge 0f 5000kyat. Change your unused kyat back to & at Departures.
SS
May 5th, 2015, 10:23 PM
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Hey needmore,
I snuck over here to peek at your thread 'cuz I'm going to be in Myanmar same time you are. Be landing in Yangon on the 14th May, so I'm borrowing this good advice for myself. I got such a hoot out of Silverswimmer's comment about LP, I have to agree about the out of date piece. While I use LP all the time for a lot of things I always have to check the "use by" date and remember that the listed prices are meaningless for the most part. Now that I'm already here, I'm stuck with LP. Sigh. But thanks for the great tip.
So needmore, this morning was out on one fine dark bay mare on the beach in Phuket, had a stride like a racehorse. My guide was kind enough to stay back, point and say "Go," which is a great way to earn a nice tip. Rules here: canter about forty seconds, rest, rinse and repeat. Just too hot to do more. Bonita had a trot like treading water. I have three more rides to go, and I'm taking her back out on all three. The last three canters I ditched the stirrups and just enjoyed the ride. You can relate, I'm sure.
Any suggestions from Kathie, Silverswimmer, thursdaysd, etc on best souvenirs from Myanmar?
Best to all and thanks for letting me co opt for a moment. Happy travels, horsewoman. jhubbel
I snuck over here to peek at your thread 'cuz I'm going to be in Myanmar same time you are. Be landing in Yangon on the 14th May, so I'm borrowing this good advice for myself. I got such a hoot out of Silverswimmer's comment about LP, I have to agree about the out of date piece. While I use LP all the time for a lot of things I always have to check the "use by" date and remember that the listed prices are meaningless for the most part. Now that I'm already here, I'm stuck with LP. Sigh. But thanks for the great tip.
So needmore, this morning was out on one fine dark bay mare on the beach in Phuket, had a stride like a racehorse. My guide was kind enough to stay back, point and say "Go," which is a great way to earn a nice tip. Rules here: canter about forty seconds, rest, rinse and repeat. Just too hot to do more. Bonita had a trot like treading water. I have three more rides to go, and I'm taking her back out on all three. The last three canters I ditched the stirrups and just enjoyed the ride. You can relate, I'm sure.
Any suggestions from Kathie, Silverswimmer, thursdaysd, etc on best souvenirs from Myanmar?
Best to all and thanks for letting me co opt for a moment. Happy travels, horsewoman. jhubbel
May 6th, 2015, 06:40 AM
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The one thing I brought back from Myanmar that i like most is a graduated set of 5 wooden monks. They are lovely, beautifully carved. It was very hard to find a set that was unusual and well-crafted, even 5 years ago.
Oh, I also brought home some textiles. From Inle Lake, there is a place that weaves with lotus fiber (only place in the world I've seen that!). And I picked up some textiles from a shop in Scott's Market in Yangon (on the second floor). I'll try to find the name of the shop for you if you are interested.
Oh, I also brought home some textiles. From Inle Lake, there is a place that weaves with lotus fiber (only place in the world I've seen that!). And I picked up some textiles from a shop in Scott's Market in Yangon (on the second floor). I'll try to find the name of the shop for you if you are interested.
May 6th, 2015, 03:57 PM
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The store in Yangon is on the second floor of Scotts Market, Yoyamay Ethnographic Textile Gallery. The couple who owns it are very knowledgeable about textiles and we spent a long time talking with them.
At Inle Lake, In Phaw Khone is a teak stilt village on the lake. Spend some time watching the weavers and watch how they extract the lotus fiber from the stems. They also do silk weaving there. The lotus fiber scarves are fairly expensive because of how labor-intensive the fiber extraction is. But you won't find anything like this anywhere else!
At Inle Lake, In Phaw Khone is a teak stilt village on the lake. Spend some time watching the weavers and watch how they extract the lotus fiber from the stems. They also do silk weaving there. The lotus fiber scarves are fairly expensive because of how labor-intensive the fiber extraction is. But you won't find anything like this anywhere else!
May 7th, 2015, 12:36 AM
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You are all superb, and thanks. This is the kind of thing that most interests me. Kathie, you rock. The whole point is to find something unique, learn, and if possible, and appropriate, bring something back.
Kathie, if you can sprain your brain and think of where you found those graduated monks, I've got time to wander and look. My dear potter friend Jill, who put her kids through college and funded a mortgage or two with her work (and that's RARE for a potter), commented that we increasingly have little "sit" space in our homes. As in: on tables, shelves, window sills, etc. She now makes totems that hang on walls, which are eye poppingly gorgeous, tell a story and are unique. She has a point. I have a bare spot on my wall for one of her totems, and space for a very few other things. And "souvenir" is a very loose term. I should say "treasure."
The monks sound like those Russian dolls that fit inside one another. I'm intrigued indeed. Needmore, I hope this is valuable to you, too. Kathie- one more thing- just to make you laugh in empathy. The heat index today at 8 am must have been close to 100 degrees. After riding, I got outside for maybe an hour to hit the bank and pharmacy, and am hiding out the rest of the day. Oy.
So grateful to you all. Now I am so eager to get to Myanmar, but I do have a three day side trip to Chiang Mai coming up, landing just in time for Sunday Night Walking Market.
Kathie, if you can sprain your brain and think of where you found those graduated monks, I've got time to wander and look. My dear potter friend Jill, who put her kids through college and funded a mortgage or two with her work (and that's RARE for a potter), commented that we increasingly have little "sit" space in our homes. As in: on tables, shelves, window sills, etc. She now makes totems that hang on walls, which are eye poppingly gorgeous, tell a story and are unique. She has a point. I have a bare spot on my wall for one of her totems, and space for a very few other things. And "souvenir" is a very loose term. I should say "treasure."
The monks sound like those Russian dolls that fit inside one another. I'm intrigued indeed. Needmore, I hope this is valuable to you, too. Kathie- one more thing- just to make you laugh in empathy. The heat index today at 8 am must have been close to 100 degrees. After riding, I got outside for maybe an hour to hit the bank and pharmacy, and am hiding out the rest of the day. Oy.
So grateful to you all. Now I am so eager to get to Myanmar, but I do have a three day side trip to Chiang Mai coming up, landing just in time for Sunday Night Walking Market.
May 7th, 2015, 07:04 AM
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jhubbel, the monks were very hard to find. After two trips all over the country, I finally found them in Yangon at the gift shop at the Governor's Residence. There were some small ones that were interesting in a gift shop at the Strand.
I found some mass-produced ones at Scott's Market, but frankly, I was disappointed in Scott's Market - only the textile shop was worthwhile, in my experience.
The monks are solid wood unlike the Russian Dolls, and mine have finely carved borders on their robes, highlighted with a bit of gold. They range from 14 inches high to 18 inches high. They are lined up on my fireplace mantel, backed by framed thangkas.
I do know what you mean about no space more more things. I've been traveling for so many years and bringing home little treasures, my house is full.
I found some mass-produced ones at Scott's Market, but frankly, I was disappointed in Scott's Market - only the textile shop was worthwhile, in my experience.
The monks are solid wood unlike the Russian Dolls, and mine have finely carved borders on their robes, highlighted with a bit of gold. They range from 14 inches high to 18 inches high. They are lined up on my fireplace mantel, backed by framed thangkas.
I do know what you mean about no space more more things. I've been traveling for so many years and bringing home little treasures, my house is full.
May 8th, 2015, 06:10 AM
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Kathie,
Thanks again. I almost sold my house last year, dumped about 3/4 of my belongings when I didn't, and ended up decorating instead with all the treasures from my travels. House looks like a museum- the best kind. Ecuadorean tapestries, African ankle rattles, shark jaws, Nepalese puppets. And you can stop every three inches and tell stories for an hour, right?
LIfe is good.
Thanks again. I almost sold my house last year, dumped about 3/4 of my belongings when I didn't, and ended up decorating instead with all the treasures from my travels. House looks like a museum- the best kind. Ecuadorean tapestries, African ankle rattles, shark jaws, Nepalese puppets. And you can stop every three inches and tell stories for an hour, right?
LIfe is good.
May 8th, 2015, 03:56 PM
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Are you trying to get to Mrauk U?
To get there, you have to fly to SIttwe. You will take a boat from there (about 5 hours). In Mrauk U you will need a driver - we had a tuk-tuk the first day - the world's most uncomfortable tuk-tuk, and a windowless jeep the second and third day. Your hotel or guesthouse can arrange it.
However, take a look at this: http://www.weatherbase.com/weather/w...anmar&units=us
On average, Sittwe gets 45 inches of rain in June, and July and August are even wetter. I'm not sure if you could even get there at that time of the year. Talk with a local agent and see what they say. Many things in that part of the country simply close down during the (very) rainy season.
To get there, you have to fly to SIttwe. You will take a boat from there (about 5 hours). In Mrauk U you will need a driver - we had a tuk-tuk the first day - the world's most uncomfortable tuk-tuk, and a windowless jeep the second and third day. Your hotel or guesthouse can arrange it.
However, take a look at this: http://www.weatherbase.com/weather/w...anmar&units=us
On average, Sittwe gets 45 inches of rain in June, and July and August are even wetter. I'm not sure if you could even get there at that time of the year. Talk with a local agent and see what they say. Many things in that part of the country simply close down during the (very) rainy season.
