ATMs in Burma

Old Nov 19th, 2013, 09:38 AM
  #1  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 11,652
Likes: 0
Received 7 Likes on 1 Post
ATMs in Burma

I have been reading that there are now ATMs in Burma. Was wondering if anyone who has been there recently can confirm that this is the case. I will still take the new, crisp $100s, but it would be nice to know we have a back up if we needed more cash. Thanks!
yestravel is offline  
Old Nov 24th, 2013, 12:30 PM
  #2  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 11,652
Likes: 0
Received 7 Likes on 1 Post
Anyone?
yestravel is offline  
Old Nov 24th, 2013, 03:00 PM
  #3  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 6,160
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I've read that there are a few ATMs in Myanmar but I wouldn't count on it. However, there are ATMs on the "airside" at Suvarnabhumi airport that only dispenses USD. Note that all the ATM's in the area after immigration will do this.
Hanuman is offline  
Old Nov 24th, 2013, 03:17 PM
  #4  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 33,288
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I have no personal experience with ATMs in Burma. But there are reliable reports of ATMs that accept foreign cards. I understand there is a charge of approx. US$5 per transaction. Last I heard, the transaction limits were rather low, maybe $200 or $300 (in kyat). Things are changing rapidly, as you know, so your report when you return will be much appreciated.
Kathie is offline  
Old Nov 24th, 2013, 03:41 PM
  #5  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 11,652
Likes: 0
Received 7 Likes on 1 Post
Thanks. I had found this article http://www.irrawaddy.org/latest-news...jumps-450.html, but hope I can get some first hand experience.
yestravel is offline  
Old Jan 23rd, 2014, 04:53 PM
  #6  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 11,652
Likes: 0
Received 7 Likes on 1 Post
Reporting back- many ATMs at both the Yangon and Mandalay airports. I didn't use them,but did see people using them.
yestravel is offline  
Old Jan 23rd, 2014, 05:05 PM
  #7  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 33,288
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Thanks for reporting back. I'm eager to hear about your trip!
Kathie is offline  
Old Jan 30th, 2014, 01:41 AM
  #8  
 
Join Date: Sep 2010
Posts: 49
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
We were in Myanmar Dec / Jan. There is even (sadly) an ATM at the Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon!
I used ATMs in Yangon, Nyaungshwe, Mawlamyine and Mandalay. These are sometimes in the street or sometimes at a hotel.
natandmiriam is offline  
Old Jan 30th, 2014, 02:02 AM
  #9  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 11,652
Likes: 0
Received 7 Likes on 1 Post
Mandalay is tough to like, but did enjoy the sites. Liked Hsipaw a lot. Boat to Bagan tomorrow.
yestravel is offline  
Old Jan 30th, 2014, 05:09 AM
  #10  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 33,288
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I agree about Mandalay, yestravel. I look forward to reading about your trip.
Kathie is offline  
Old Jan 30th, 2014, 01:02 PM
  #11  
 
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 2,032
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Although I strongly agree with the use of ATMs, it sounds like they may be scattered, inaccessible, and/or dodgy. So taking some cash would be advisable ... anyone have a decent number for a two week visit with all hotels, touring and transport taken care of? That is, some sort of a ballpark estimate of the cost of meals and other somewhat routine expenses? (skip any shopping as that's too variable for anyone to estimate for another) TIA
NoFlyZone is offline  
Old Jan 30th, 2014, 03:06 PM
  #12  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 33,288
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
$50 a day should cover it unless you still need to pay boatmen and horse cart drivers and such. Hotels generally include breakfast in the room rate.
Kathie is offline  
Old Jan 31st, 2014, 05:33 PM
  #13  
 
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 2,032
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Thanks, Kathie. That sounds quite reasonable. With that amount in pocket I'll be protected at least against being unable to use an ATM.
NoFlyZone is offline  
Old Jan 31st, 2014, 06:34 PM
  #14  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 33,288
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Have a wonderful trip, nofly!
Kathie is offline  
Old Feb 1st, 2014, 02:13 AM
  #15  
 
Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 253
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Just left Myanmar yesterday. There were many ATMS in Yangon besides the airport, including two or three right in Shwedagon Pagoda. They were building one last weekend at our hotel in Bagan and I'm sure it is done now. There were a couple at stops around Inle Lake including Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda. Credit cards were taken many places in Yangon (hotels, restaurants, not sure about shops) and fewer places elsewhere.

Now, I did not use the ATMs nor credit card, so I cannot be sure they worked. And there were some surcharges applied to credit cards.
traveler318 is offline  
Old Feb 1st, 2014, 06:25 AM
  #16  
 
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 2,032
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
>Have a wonderful trip, nofly!

Am planning on it! Not leaving until 5 May but am in travel planning mode this week and the opportunity to ask just popped up here! (Heading to Easter Island and Patagonia in three days!)
NoFlyZone is offline  
Old Feb 6th, 2014, 08:53 PM
  #17  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 11,652
Likes: 0
Received 7 Likes on 1 Post
Update. Have used ATMs in Mandalay, Bagan and Nyaung Shwe with no problems. regret the hunt for the perfect US dollars and carrying then around. Hotels accept VISa but add anywhere from 3-5% surcharge. In general I think one should bring some $, but will be able to use ATMs. Our banks reimburse any fees, so can't speak to what that maybe.
yestravel is offline  
Old Feb 7th, 2014, 06:18 AM
  #18  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 33,288
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
It's good that your bank reimburses you fees (mine does too), otherwise, you'd be paying $5 each time you used an ATM.

I am glad to hear that they work reliably.
Kathie is offline  
Old Feb 10th, 2014, 12:40 PM
  #19  
 
Join Date: Nov 2008
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Does anyone have first-hand experience using debit cards in the ATMS?
vicnric is offline  
Old Feb 10th, 2014, 01:18 PM
  #20  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 33,288
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
That is what yestravel is talking about. Using a credit card in an ATM usually means borrowing from your credit line, which is quite expensive. A debit card takes money from your bank account.

Check with your bank before you go so you know what they charge for use of a foreign ATM. Big Banks usually charge $5 per use plus 3% foreign exchange premium. Then there is what the local ATM charges on top of that. It is worthwhile to shop for a bank - usually a small bank or a credit union or a brokerage account - that does not charge for use of foreign ATMs. Some have low foreign exchange premiums (mine charges 1%) and some reimburse any charges by the foreign ATM.
Kathie is offline  

Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Manage Preferences - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information -