Some good things to know about before visiting Myanmar (Burma)

As You Prepare

Do make sure that your passport is valid with at least six months before expiration. According to the Bureau of Immigration of Myanmar official website recently announced that Visa on arrival is served for Tourists at the Yangon International Airport in Myanmar. However, if you got some time to do a regular process at Myanmar Embassy in your respective country that will be the wisest thing to do. Suppose, you are applying Visa from USA as a US citizen, you have to buy a round trip Air tickets prior to the process. Submit a copy of your Air ticket. There are three main visa types that you can apply as of current issuance. They are Tourist, Business and Social Visit Visa. However, Social visit visa is applicable only to those were born in Myanmar but hold other citizenship. E-visa is also available. But you need to send your id pictures and some other required documents via electronic mail in advance. Then you will be able to pick up your visa when you actually arrive at the Yangon International Airport. I doubt that you might need to wait for about 24 hours or less if you are on the e-visa procession. Anyway, the best thing to do is apply the visa manually with a regular procession. Basically the Visa fees are about USD 30 but there is fractional extra charge of service fees. With your Tourist Visa, you will be given 28 days of stay. If you would like to stay longer, you will be allowed to stay up to 90 days by paying USD 3 per day. As of now, missionary (religious) type is not appreciated.

As you are entering

Be advised that you are entering into a country where culture and religion are highly viewed. Particularly, if you are from Europe and some other parts of western countries, you will see differences compared to your own. Myanmar is also known as “Golden Land” perhaps by referring to the Pagodas adorned with gold and gems. For the pride of Myanmar, gems, jade and gold are widely mined. You can go visit those jewelries at Bogyoke Aung San’s Market (formerly Scott’s Market) in Yangon.

Good things to know as a Tourist in Myanmar

You are supposed to reside only in Hotels. You cannotsleep overnight at your friend’s house regardless of how close you are. But Tourists are definitely safe in terms of security concern. No firearm possession policy is observed except those are at service of Military and National Police. Even though it is always the best to be careful with your personal belongings, robbery, theft and snatchers are rare to encounter.

People in Myanmar are hospitable, friendly but shy. You will encounter with many youngsters who would like to talk to you in order to practice their English out of their shyness. If someone says greetings to you as you walk in the street, do not hesitate to respond. It is a kind of being polite to Burmese people. And the best thing you can show of yourself would be learning some greetings conversational language. “Ming- ga- laa- baa” simply means “how do you do” in English. In fact, the original meaning of “Mingalaba” is a wish which means “ May Blessings be upon you!” Quite similar to Hebrew word “Shalom.” So, if you can use this greetings, you will be well respected and praised. It is a very formal way of Burmese greetings. Be informed that there is not greetings such as “ good morning, good afternoon and good evening” to use.

Therefore, you may use “ Ming- ga- laa-Baa” from morning to evening. And another word that you must know would be “Thank you” “Chee –zuu- tin – ba – de” in Burmese. If you want to be more respectful, add “Sir” in bumese “ Sa-ya”. So for saying ‘thank you,sir”, just say “ Chee- zuu-tin – ba- de, Sa-ya.” Based on my experiences, to know a little bit of language help me so much to be loved and befriended.If you would like to practice, try to practice with U John Gyi , watch the youtube vidoe clip.

In the Community

When they greet with those who are higher in rank or older in age, they bow their head. Being a woman, if they cross in front of men, they bow. But not applicable in public market places. Remember, the burmese people share a very communal life. You will be asked, your name, your age, your job or profession, salaries etc. For burmese community it is a way being concerned with some one. Well, I guess it is a kind of Asian spirit which is totally opposite with Western spirit.

Things to be aware of

Words: The term "sexy" which is so much appreciated in western and other Asian countries as a compliment to a girl or woman is not a good compliment to Burmese girls except girls who had been to abroad at least once. The term " Sexy" in Myanmar is associated as negative as addiction to sex. So, be careful to use the word unless your friend or partner is already acquainted with western culture. The alternative word would be like, " pretty, beautiful or slim."

Dress: If you are a woman or girl, you should wear modestly. Though you will find some Burmese girls wearing short and low blouse, but generally speaking, it is wise to wear long skirt for a woman or burmese traditional "longyi" used by male and female. Wearing slippers is formal in Myanmar. Shoes are not counted as formal attire except in some company business. If you will visit Buddhisht pagodas, please wear slippers. In  temple area, every one walks bare-footed.

Hope, someday You would visit and enjoy the real beauty of Myanmar. For clarification, I am not promoting any business here, but I am trying to be helpful to you. I have learnt some tourists encountering problems and difficulties in these areas. Other tips will be written in detail as much as possible based on my experience as a Hotel Receptionist.