Practical A–Z

E-Visa (Mandatory!)

Germans, Austrians, and Swiss need a visa for Myanmar. The easiest and fastest way is via E-Visa:

• Application: Online at evisa.moip.gov.mm (official website of the Ministry of Immigration)
• Cost: 50 USD (credit card payment)
• Validity: 28 days from entry, single entry
• Processing time: 1–3 business days (confirmation via email)
• Entry: Only through the international airports Yangon (RGN), Mandalay (MDL), Naypyidaw (NYT), and a few border crossings
• Extension: Possible at the Immigration Department in Yangon (complicated, time-consuming). Better: plan sufficiently from the start.

Alternatively: Visa at the Myanmar Embassy in Berlin (approx. 40 EUR, more paperwork, longer processing time). Visa on Arrival is NOT available for German citizens.

Kyat (MMK) & US Dollar

The official currency is the Kyat (pronounced: Chat, abbreviation MMK). In practice, many tourist services — hotels, entries, domestic flights, some tours — are calculated and paid in US Dollars. There is effectively a dual currency system.

Exchange rate (indicative): 1 EUR approx. 3,500 MMK / 1 USD approx. 3,300 MMK. Note: Since the coup in 2021, there are significant differences between the official rate and the black market rate. The currency is unstable and fluctuating.

US Dollars must be PERFECT!

Myanmar only accepts flawless, clean US dollar bills: No crease, no tear, no stamp, no mark, no stain. Bills from before 2006 are often rejected. Bring fresh, smooth bills — best ordered from your bank in Germany and in various denominations (1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 USD).

ATMs & Credit Cards

• ATMs: Available in Yangon, Mandalay, Bagan, Nyaung Shwe, and most larger cities. Visa and Mastercard accepted. Fees: 5,000 MMK (approx. 1.50 EUR) per withdrawal. Maximum: 300,000–500,000 MMK.
• Credit Cards: Only in upscale hotels and restaurants in Yangon and Mandalay. In rural areas: cash only.
• Exchange offices: At Yangon Airport and in the cities. Often offer better rates than ATMs. Using the black market exchange rate is risky and officially illegal.

Vaccinations

• Mandatory: Yellow fever vaccination certificate when entering from a yellow fever area
• Strongly recommended: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid
• Recommended (for longer stays/rural areas): Rabies (many stray dogs!), Japanese encephalitis
• Standard refresh: Tetanus, Diphtheria, Polio
• Travel medical advice: Consult a tropical medicine specialist at least 6–8 weeks before the trip

Malaria & Dengue

Malaria: Risk in rural areas below 1,000 m altitude (Chin State, Kachin State, rural Rakhine State). In Yangon, Mandalay, Bagan, and at Inle Lake: low to no risk. Malaria prophylaxis recommended for remote areas — discuss with a tropical medicine specialist. Consistent mosquito protection (DEET, long clothing in the evening) is the most important prevention.

Dengue: Occurs throughout Myanmar, especially in the rainy season (June–October). Transmitted by daytime mosquitoes. Consistently use DEET mosquito protection. There is no prophylaxis against dengue.

Medical Care

In Yangon, there are acceptable private clinics (Pun Hlaing Hospital, Victoria Hospital, Asia Royal Hospital). Outside of Yangon, medical care is very limited to rudimentary. In Bagan, at Inle Lake, and in Mandalay, there are clinics for basic care, but for serious cases, evacuation to Bangkok or Singapore is necessary.

Travel health insurance with repatriation is absolutely essential! Ensure your insurance also covers evacuation by air ambulance.

Drinking Water & Stomach

Tap water is NOT drinkable. Always buy bottled water (200–500 MMK for 1.5 liters). Use bottled water even for brushing teeth. Ice cubes in restaurants and hotels are generally okay (industrially produced). Street food ice: at your own risk. Stomach upsets are not uncommon in Myanmar — Imodium and electrolyte powder should be in your travel pharmacy.

Political Situation Since the Coup 2021

On February 1, 2021, the military (Tatmadaw) overthrew the democratically elected government, arrested State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi and numerous politicians, and declared a state of emergency. Since then, Myanmar has been in a severe political and humanitarian crisis:

• Armed resistance: In many parts of the country, resistance groups (People's Defence Forces) and ethnic militias are fighting against the military. Particularly affected: Sagaing Region, Chin State, Kayah State, Kachin State, parts of Shan State, and Rakhine State.
• Economic decline: The economy has collapsed, the currency (Kyat) has lost significant value, inflation and unemployment are high. Power outages have become more frequent.
• Internet censorship: Social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter) and critical news sites are regularly blocked. VPN use is widespread but officially restricted.
• Tourism: Tourism has plummeted since 2021. Many hotels and tourism businesses have closed or operate with reduced capacity.

Safety Zones for Tourists

Recommendations

• Travel advisories: ALWAYS check the current travel and safety advisories of the Federal Foreign Office (auswaertiges-amt.de) before booking and again before departure.
• ELEFAND: Register with the ELEFAND crisis preparedness list of the Federal Foreign Office — so the embassy can reach you in an emergency and consider you for evacuation.
• Avoid demonstrations: Stay away from political gatherings, demonstrations, and military presence.
• Main routes: Stay on established tourist routes (Yangon → Bagan → Mandalay → Inle Lake). Deviations into conflict-prone areas are dangerous.
• Flexibility: Plan buffers into your trip — flights can be canceled at short notice, roads can be closed.
• Ethical considerations: Whether to travel to Myanmar under the current military regime is a valid question. There are arguments for (supporting the local population that relies on tourism) and against (revenues partly benefiting the regime). Inform yourself and make a conscious decision.

SIM Card & Internet

• Providers: Ooredoo (best for tourists), MPT (state-owned, best coverage), Atom (formerly Telenor), Mytel
• Price: SIM card from 1,500 MMK (approx. 0.50 EUR) + 3,000–5,000 MMK for 3–5 GB data
• Purchase: At Yangon Airport (Ooredoo stand right after arrival) or in mobile shops in every city. Passport required.
• Network coverage: 4G in Yangon, Mandalay, and larger cities. 3G/4G in Bagan and Nyaung Shwe. In remote areas: often no signal.
• Censorship: Facebook, Instagram, and other social media are regularly blocked. A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is highly recommended — download the app before entry (NordVPN, ExpressVPN, etc.).

Electricity & Plugs

230V, various plug types (C, D, F, G — depending on the building). A universal adapter is highly recommended. Power outages have become more frequent in cities (especially since 2021), and in rural areas, they have always been normal. Hotels often have generators. A power bank should be in your luggage.

Important Burmese Words

Burmese is a tonal language with its own script — you won't learn it in 28 days. But a „Mingalaba" with a smile opens every door. The Burmese greatly appreciate the attempt to speak their language and respond with enthusiasm and helpfulness.

Clothing & Packing List

• Light, airy clothing (cotton or linen) — heat and humidity are intense
• Shoulders and knees covered — essential for temple visits (buying a Longyi locally is the best solution)
• Warm layer — for Inle Lake (cold at night!), air-conditioned buses, and mountain trekking
• Comfortable shoes for quick on and off — you'll take them off a hundred times
• Sun protection: Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen (SPF 50)
• Mosquito protection: DEET spray (30%+), especially in the rainy season
• Flashlight/Headlamp: For temple interiors in Bagan and power outages
• Power bank: For frequent power outages
• Travel pharmacy: Anti-diarrheal (Imodium), electrolyte powder, mosquito repellent, sunscreen, band-aids