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!

Anyone?

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.

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.

Thanks. I had found this article http://www.irrawaddy.org/latest-news...jumps-450.html, but hope I can get some first hand experience.

Reporting back- many ATMs at both the Yangon and Mandalay airports. I didn't use them,but did see people using them.

Thanks for reporting back. I'm eager to hear about your trip!

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.

Mandalay is tough to like, but did enjoy the sites. Liked Hsipaw a lot. Boat to Bagan tomorrow.

I agree about Mandalay, yestravel. I look forward to reading about your trip.

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

$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.

Thanks, Kathie. That sounds quite reasonable. With that amount in pocket I'll be protected at least against being unable to use an ATM.

Have a wonderful trip, nofly!

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.

>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!)

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.

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.

Does anyone have first-hand experience using debit cards in the ATMS?

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.