I will be traveling to Yangoon this Feb. '06. What is the best way to secure a visa? Also, can I travel to Yangoon with my laptop? I know internet service is not available but I need material on my computer for my trip. Also, should I bring my water purifier with me?

Thanks, Kona Gold

i don't know what your water system is but i would not drink anything but bottled water and would not trust any "purifying system" ...

not sure what they will do with the lap top but i would not chance it...there are computers there and they have freed things up a bit last year...

You can get a visa at the consuklate in your own country or can get it in Bangkok (allow three days). They do have an online visa system that seems to work sometimes.

I agree with Bob, buy bottled water.

Thanks for the info. I have a purifying system that I have used in Guyana and remote China that works very well. I also add chlorine drops to kill the viruses as well. I was wondering if they would confiscate my laptop or allow it in and out?

ask their embassy in your country

We took no cell phones, blackberries or laptops as we were told they would be confiscated on arrival (and returned on departure.) Yet we saw tourists using cell phones while we were there. I think the rules change daily and are also dependent on who is in charge at customs the day you arrive.
We thought the bottled water tasted yucky but the Myanmar beer is actually very good and goes well with the spicy local curries, so we mostly drank that.

I wonder if it would be OK to ask the Embassay's office in DC if it is OK to bring a laptop? I have no cell phone coverage so that is out.

Thanks for your replies.

yes

Konagold,
I just returned from Myanmar on Saturday. We didn't have any problems taking our laptop, cell phones, alcohol, and all our other electronic toys. On the custom form entry we deliberately failed to acknowledge these items. On our way out of the country, the custom officials were very nice and courteous.

In referenced to water. Don't bother bringing a water purifier, unless you plan on traveling in rural areas. Bottle water is very cheap and available everywhere.

You're going to love Myanmar. The people are fantastic.