Tipping in Burma
Oct 25th, 2011, 09:16 PM
#1
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Tipping in Burma
I depart for Burma tomorrow and was wondering if anyone could provide me with some general tipping guidelines for driver and guides. And should we tip in USD or use local currency?
thanks!
thanks!
Oct 26th, 2011, 03:17 AM
#2
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No recent experience in the past 10-20% based on quality of
service I always tip chamber maids who are paid very little.
USD preferred coinmill.com/MMK_USD.html
"official" rate but $1 can yield up to 1500 Kayats
for locals who know where to change them...
So you will help them the most tipping USD.
Happy Journey,
service I always tip chamber maids who are paid very little.
USD preferred coinmill.com/MMK_USD.html
"official" rate but $1 can yield up to 1500 Kayats
for locals who know where to change them...
So you will help them the most tipping USD.
Happy Journey,
Oct 26th, 2011, 05:13 AM
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Ha...yup Bob, I am that LADY --not from Italy, but from Missouri who managed to bump into you and your wife on the BKK - HAN flight last year!!! I have been following your postings this year with interest and hope you both enjoy India.
Myanmar has been on my "bucket list" for a long time and I am happy to finally be on my way. My husband and I are very glad we were in Thailand at this time last year and not this year. I am saddened by what is transpiring there right now.
Stay tuned for a report once we return!
Gail from MO
Myanmar has been on my "bucket list" for a long time and I am happy to finally be on my way. My husband and I are very glad we were in Thailand at this time last year and not this year. I am saddened by what is transpiring there right now.
Stay tuned for a report once we return!
Gail from MO
Oct 26th, 2011, 05:49 AM
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qw, your info is SOOOOO out of date and much of it was never true.
Most recent exchange rate is in the 800 kyat to the dollar range. Kyat are much preferred for tipping, as locals get hassled if they try to exchange dollars. It is technically illegal for civilians to possess foreign currency, and even those who have special permission to have dollars will still be hassled and will get a poorer exchange rate than you and I would get.
The old "official" rate of 6 kyat to the dollar is all but defunct. An official exchange has opened in the airport and there are locations in downtown Yangon that give rates slightly higher than the black market exchanges. The exchange rate floats, so changes constantly. Typically, exchanges set their rates twice a day. Things are changing dramatically in Burma.
Tipping is not a traditional part of the culture. In hotel restaurants and expensive free-standing restaurants, a service charge will be added. Otherwise, use your best judgement.
Most recent exchange rate is in the 800 kyat to the dollar range. Kyat are much preferred for tipping, as locals get hassled if they try to exchange dollars. It is technically illegal for civilians to possess foreign currency, and even those who have special permission to have dollars will still be hassled and will get a poorer exchange rate than you and I would get.
The old "official" rate of 6 kyat to the dollar is all but defunct. An official exchange has opened in the airport and there are locations in downtown Yangon that give rates slightly higher than the black market exchanges. The exchange rate floats, so changes constantly. Typically, exchanges set their rates twice a day. Things are changing dramatically in Burma.
Tipping is not a traditional part of the culture. In hotel restaurants and expensive free-standing restaurants, a service charge will be added. Otherwise, use your best judgement.
