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Climate
The climate of
Myanmar is dominated by a tropical climate with
three general seasons. The rainy season during the
south-west monsoon from mid-May to mid-October, the
cool season (winter) from mid-October to
mid-February and the hot season (summer) from
mid-February to mid-May. The best time to visit
Myanmar is from October to mid-May.
Religion
The majority are
Buddhism; over 80 percent of the people embracing
it. There are also Christians, Muslims, Hindus and
some animists.
Culture
Myanmar lies on
the cross-road of two of the world's great
civilization- China and India, but its culture is
neither that of India nor China. However a blend of
both inspirations can be seen in Myanmar native
characteristics and traits. The people have
preserved the traditions of close family ties,
respect for the elders, and the reverence for
Buddhism. Myanmar are contented and cheerful even in
the face of adversities and known for their simple
hospitality and friendliness.
Entry Visa
Valid passport
with Entry Visa is required for all visitors to
Myanmar. Visa can be obtained at any Myanmar Embassy
or Consulate abroad. Two application forms and three
passport size photos will be needed. Fee is about
US$ 15 in local currency. Golden Xylophone Travels
will provide the clients with a letter to be
supplied to the embassy which states that the tour
has been pre-arranged and therefore is considered an
"EVT Package Tour" which will then be stamped into
the passport.
International flights
Yangon has direct
air-links with Bangkok, Singapore, Hong Kong, Kuala
Lumpur, Osaka, Calcutta, Dacca and Kumming. The
Myanmar Airways International, Thai Airways
International, Silk Air, Biman, Malaysia Airline
System, Indian Airlines, Druk Air, All Nippon
Airways and Air China operate schduled flights in
and out of Yangon.
Currency and exchange
The monetary unit
is the Kyat, which is divided into 100 pyas. The
official exchange rate is 6 Kyats to US$ 1. For the
convenience of the visitors, Foreign Exchange
Certificate (FECs) are issued by the Central Bank of
Myanmar to use during their stay. It is compulsory
for a Foreign Independent Travellers (FIT) to change
on arrival a minimum of US$ 300 with FECs 300. This
FECs are acceptable likeUS$ by any person in Union
of Myanmar. It is printed on the note as 1 FEC = 1
USD.
Customs
All foreign
currencies ( above US$ 20000 ), jewelleries,
electrical goods and cameras must be declared to the
Customs at the Airport. Export of antiques is
totally prohibited. Only gems and jewelleries
purchased at the licensed dealers, or who can issue
an export permit are allowed to be taken out of the
country. Visitors may bring in duty free 200
cigarettes, one quart of wine and one pint of
perfume.
Health
Vaccinations are
not required for a visitor to Myanmar, but malaria
prophylaxis is recommended and for the travelling to
remote areas travellers should check with their
doctor regarding the inoculation against typhoid,
hepatitis, tetanus.
Airport tax
External airport
tax is US $ or FEC 10.
Time
GMT + 6:30 (
hours )
Electricity
220 Volt 50 HZ
Domestic travel
Domestic air
services have greatly improved over recent years.
However, railways, bus and steamer services are
still needed for the convenience of the visitors.
The clients of Golden Xylophone Travels will travel
by reliable Air Bagan, Air Mandalay and by
air-conditioned vehicles. In remote areas,
air-conditioned car or bus may not always be
available and travelers should be advised that the
conditions of roads in Myanmar are not the same. For
this season, long distance travel usually takes
longer than that might be expected. Baggage
allowance on domestic flights in limited to 20 kg.
Excess luggage can be left in Yangon hotels for
collection on return from upcountry.
Some useful advices on traveling in Myanmar
Light clothing is
recommended all year-round, but a sweater or jacket
may be needed in hilly areas, especially during
winter months. If visiting during rainy season
(May-September) an umbrella or raincoat will be
required.
Adequate medicine
and torch lights (flesh lights) may be required. It
is required to dress decently within the precincts
of religious buildings. Shoes and socks must be
removed at pagodas and monasteries. Travellers are
advised to keep away from touts who may approach
them to exchange foreign currency or to sell gems of
dubious quality. Travellers are also advised not to
drink tap water, but purified bottled water is
available everywhere.
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