Land Mass
Myanmar, previously known as Burma, covers 677,000 square kilometres. Roughly the size of Great Britain and France combined. It shares borders with Thailand, Laos, India, Bangladesh and China.
Capital Yangon (formerly known as Rangoon)
Official Language Burmese.
Climate
Myanmar enjoys a tropical climate with three distinct seasons:
Hot Season - March to May
Rainy Season - June to October
Cool Season - November to February
Official Holidays
1. International New Year's Day 01 Jan
2. Independence Day 04 Jan
3. Karen New Year Day 10 Jan
4. Union Day 12 Feb
5. Peasant’s Day 02 Mar
6. Full Moon of Tabaung 24 Mar
7. Armed Forces Day 27 Mar
8. Thingyan Water Festival 13-16 Apr
9. Myanmar New Year 17 Apr
10. May Day 01 May
11. Full moon Day 22 May
12. Martyr’s Day 19 Jul
13. Full Moon Day of Waso 20 Jul (Buddhist Lent begins)
14. Thadingyut Festival 17 Oct (Buddhist Lent ends)
Customs Regulations
No Myanmar currency can be brought in or out of the country. All visitors are required to fill out a customs declaration declaring all foreign currencies (in excess of US$2,000), travellers’ cheques, jewellery, cameras and other electronic equipment. A re-check may be carried upon leaving Myanmar.
Buddha images, antiques and gems are not allowed to be taken out of Myanmar without an official dealers receipt.
Passport and Visa
All travellers to Myanmar are requested to have a visa.
Tourist visas can be obtained from most Myanmar embassies and consulates. To obtain a 28-day tourist visa, travellers must have a valid passport, two application forms and three passport size photos. The visa fee is approximately US$20. .
Embassy of the Union of Myanmar in Canada
902 – 85 Range Road.
Ottawa, Ontario, K1N 8J6,
Canada
Tel: 613-232-6434/613-232-6446
Fax: 613-232-6435 |
Population
Myanmar has a 50 million strong population, made up of some 135 ethnic groups, each with its own distinct customs and traditions as well as languages and dialects. The major ethnic groups are Burman, Shan, Karen, Mon, Kachin, Chin, Kayin, Kayar and Rakhine.
Religion Over 85% of Myanmar citizens are Buddhist.
Electricity
Standard electrical current in Myanmar is 220 volts AC at 50 cycles.
Health Requirement
No vaccinations are officially required for a visiting Myanmar. However, vaccinations against typhoid, hepatitis A&B, tetanus, Japanese encephalitis and Malaria are strongly recommended.
Drinking water
Tap water is generally not fit to drink. Bottled water is strongly recommended.
Currency
Myanmar’s currency is called the Kyat.
Currency Exchange
The official exchange rate is around 6 Kyat to 1 US Dollar. (However, the unofficial rate can be as high as 900 Kyat to 1 Dollar.)
There are several authorised moneychangers in Yangon who will change US Dollars to Kyat at the market rate. (No other currencies are accepted)
There are no ATMs or international money transfer facilities available in Myanmar and travellers cheques are not widely accepted.
Due to economic sanctions, credit cards are also not useable.
It is best to carry US dollars bills, in small denominations, as hotels and restaurants require payment in either US Dollars or Kyat.
Airport Tax
Airport departure tax for international flights is US$10, payable in US dollars only.
All Canadian consular affairs with the Union of Myanmar are handles through the Canadian Embassy in Bangkok:
15th Floor, Abdulrahim Place
990 Rama IV Road
Bangrak, Bangkok 10500
Thailand
Tel: 662-636-0540
Fax: 662-636-0565
E-mail: bngkk@international.gc.ca
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