Tips in Myanmar
Jan 4th, 2017, 08:22 AM
#1
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Tips in Myanmar
I have spent a lot of time searching online regarding how much to tip in Myanmar, but have found quite a range of recommendations. I would appreciate any recommendations regarding how much to tip guides and drivers each day for a private tour for two people arranged by Santa Maria Travel. Also, how much cash (US dollars) per day would you recommend I bring per person into Myanmar? Best to have a mixture of new, pristine $100 and $50 bills?
Jan 4th, 2017, 10:10 AM
#2
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Tipping is not traditional in Myanmar.
That said, there is developing a culture of tourism where tipping is encouraged. Use your own discretion.
You will want to pay for everything in Myanmar in the local currency - kyat. You will want US$100 bills to exchange at banks or at the bank-owned exchanges in the airports.
How much money to bring depends on what you will need to pay for: admission fees? There are fees to archaeological zones in Bagan and Mandalay, for instance, and for entering the Inle Lake zone, plus a few dollars more if you enter Pa-O lands at Inle Lake. You will be buying your own lunches and dinners, I expect. And is there shopping you would like to do? Myanmar is by no means a shopper paradise, but there are some interesting local crafts available.
Will you be hiring your own boatman at Inle Lake? What about horsecart drivers? You really don't need guides anywhere.
That said, there is developing a culture of tourism where tipping is encouraged. Use your own discretion.
You will want to pay for everything in Myanmar in the local currency - kyat. You will want US$100 bills to exchange at banks or at the bank-owned exchanges in the airports.
How much money to bring depends on what you will need to pay for: admission fees? There are fees to archaeological zones in Bagan and Mandalay, for instance, and for entering the Inle Lake zone, plus a few dollars more if you enter Pa-O lands at Inle Lake. You will be buying your own lunches and dinners, I expect. And is there shopping you would like to do? Myanmar is by no means a shopper paradise, but there are some interesting local crafts available.
Will you be hiring your own boatman at Inle Lake? What about horsecart drivers? You really don't need guides anywhere.
Jan 4th, 2017, 04:24 PM
#3
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Thanks, Kathie! If I do decide to tip a guide and driver, any suggestions for a reasonable range for the tip?
Our admission fees are included in our tour, but I will be buying all lunches and dinners. I am not much of a shopper, but I will bring a little money for gifts to take back home.
Our admission fees are included in our tour, but I will be buying all lunches and dinners. I am not much of a shopper, but I will bring a little money for gifts to take back home.
Jan 19th, 2017, 02:43 PM
#4
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There is a detailed FAQ thread on tipping on TA which, although started 3 years ago,is still relevant and has recent posts this month.You may find it useful and the easy way to access it is through this link.
https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/ShowTo...r-Myanmar.html
SS
https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/ShowTo...r-Myanmar.html
SS
Jan 20th, 2017, 07:25 AM
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We arrived in Myanmar today and are also using Santa Maria. We asked the agent who met us at the airport about tipping, and he was extremely vague, basically telling us to use our own discretion.
We brought cash with us to pay SM the balance of our bill, and my husband ironed the money before we left. The guy from SM didn't even give it a second glance.
We brought cash with us to pay SM the balance of our bill, and my husband ironed the money before we left. The guy from SM didn't even give it a second glance.
Jan 20th, 2017, 09:07 AM
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But, believe me, he registered whether the bills you gave him were pristine enough to be accepted by the bank. That is the issue with perfect bills - what the bank accepts. We brought brand new bills and were thanked by the Santa Maria people.
Jan 21st, 2017, 06:54 AM
#7
Yes. About 3 yrs ago my daughter rolled her eyes when I made her trade all her "nice" bills for my new ones as I took them to the airport for her trip.
She was later happy she did! It was lucky for a couple they met in Myanmar too, as they had found out no one would take their nice, but marked (bank stamped) bills and were running out of cash. My daughter had enough extra to trade some!
She was later happy she did! It was lucky for a couple they met in Myanmar too, as they had found out no one would take their nice, but marked (bank stamped) bills and were running out of cash. My daughter had enough extra to trade some!
