Read more about transport, price levels and more in connection with your trip to Burma.
- Language: Burmese
- Capital: Naypyidaw
- Population: 55 million
- Religion: Hinayana Buddhism
- Currency: Kyat
- Surface: 676,577 km2
Worth knowing
Time difference
The time difference between Sweden and Burma can vary, depending on whether it is summer or winter time in Sweden:
Summer time + 4 hours
Winter time + 5 hours
Transport in Burma
Burma The
buses in Burma do not meet the same standard as we are used to in Europe. We have of course chosen the best category, with air conditioning whenever possible. However, it is worth mentioning that the buses are dimensioned according to Asian measurements, and therefore the seats may be smaller and legroom limited.
Flights
On our round trips in Burma and Southeast Asia, we often fly longer distances with domestic flights. Prior to such flights, the Swedish tour guide informs about the time of departure and what applies at check-in at the airport.
Price level
The price level is generally lower than in Sweden. A main course with accessories costs around SEK 70. When it comes to pocket money, we know from experience that you need about 170-270 kronor per day. Such a sum can cover drinks and various other necessities.
Tip
On our travels, you come into contact with everyday life in Burma, including conditions that may not appeal to you, or that you are not used to. Take for example the system of tips. In many countries, tips are a more organized phenomenon than we Swedes are used to, and you are expected to leave some tips to local guides and drivers during the trip. We enter an amount in our travel program so that you can count on this when you make up your travel budget at home. The price of the trip does not include the cost of tips as you decide how much you want to give during the trip. The tip system is part of the culture you visit and something you should therefore follow and respect. In practice, it is possible to arrange for the tour guide to collect money for the entire trip and ensure that the right people get what they need.
In restaurants, tips are often included in the bill, but it is customary to add 5-10% if you are satisfied.
Currency and credit cards
The currency in Burma is called Kyat (MMK). We recommend that you bring US dollars or euros as your currency. Other currencies are rarely accepted. More and more ATMs are being added, especially in the larger cities, including Yangon and Mandalay. Although you can pay by credit card at more and more hotels and restaurants (VISA and Mastercard), we recommend that you bring US dollars in banknotes that you exchange for Kyat when you are in Burma and that you bring credit cards that you can supplement with.
Electricity
In Burma you have 230 volts, so it is a good idea to bring an adapter set.
Telephone and internet
The international country code for Burma is + 95. It is expensive to call home, so feel free to contact your mobile operator regarding coverage and prices for calls from Burma.
The internet connection is generally very slow and is severely restricted by the Burmese regime, which also monitors e-mail messages. You can therefore not count on finding internet cafes or that the hotels offer internet service, even though it may occur.
Drinking water and hygiene
Hotels and larger restaurants, on the other hand, usually meet modern / western standards. Out in the city and in the country, you can count on going to so-called pedal toilets, and that there is a lack of toilet paper. The standard of public toilets or in the countryside can thus be relatively primitive. Bring your own toilet paper, wet wipes and perhaps hand sanitizer (available at Swedish pharmacies, for example), so you will not be as dependent on access to water.
You should not drink tap water, but instead buy bottled water.
Customs and traditions
The Burmese are not so used to tourists, as the regime has not had many foreign visitors to the country for a long time. But more and more people have opened their eyes to this exciting country and tourists are greeted with kindness and warm smiles. It is not in their nature to tell others what is right and wrong, but they assume that they have familiarized themselves with how to behave in the country and that they respect their customs and usages. Visit themakeupexplorer for Burma Off the Beaten Track.
You take off your shoes before entering a temple. The feet are considered unclean and must not be turned against persons, Buddha figures or temples. The soles of the feet should face down into the ground. You are not allowed to touch Buddha statues or historical monuments. It is also not allowed to photograph everywhere. Therefore, it is important that you pay attention to where this is allowed. You should also not touch or pose in front of Buddha figures.
You should also not touch the head of a Burmese, neither children nor adults.
Smoking
During all flights and bus transport, there is a smoking ban and there is also a smoking ban in public places.
Flashlight
Hotels and restaurants often have power outages and we therefore recommend that you bring a good flashlight.
