What's the best way to change money in Rangoon/Yangon? I'm told that the airports and banks have a pathetic exchange rate of aboiut 7-8 kyats per dollar, while the unofficial rate is about 1000+ kyats *lol*.

Is this true?

Do I just find a back street money changer, or what?

I'm heading there this month.

i had a guide that exchanged money for me. black market a few years ago was way better than the government banks etc...

Your guide or your hotel can lead you to those that will change money at "market" rates, currently 1125 kyats to the US dollar.

In 2 or 3 visits, I have never changed money. I have paid in US$ and gotten back kyats in change. Probably not the best rate, but you actually don't need the local currency for much.

our driver took care of it for us

Thanks everyone.

When handling the Myanmar currency you should have a hand wipe or hand sanitizer with you as it's one of the dirtiest money in the world.

Take a briefcase for the stuff

Hope you'll do a timely report mitch since I'm heading there in Feb.

Oops, just saw the date on this!

I am in Yangon having just spent seven days in the country. I never needed a single bill of local currency - kyat. Most hotel bills in USD. Even at local restaurants I paid bills in USD at exchange rate of $1USD = 1,000 kyat. Not a great exchange rate but then again my bills would usually be $5 USD for a full meal.

I will post a trip report later today.

At every hotel all email services are blocked - GMail, Comcast, Verizon, Hotmail, etc. Internet cafes usually have workarounds.