Burma, a historical name for the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, also known simply by another historical name, Myanmar, is a sovereign state in Southeast Asia bordered by China, Thailand, India, Laos and Bangladesh.

Climate

Myanmar has three seasons; the monsoon or rainy season is from May to October; the cool season from November to February and the hot season from March to May.The best time to visit Myanmar is from November to February, when the days are typically dry and relatively cool

People & Population

Myanmar is a union of over 100 national races with their own languages and dialects, The major races are Bamar, Chin, Kachin, Shan, Kayah, Kayin, Mon and Rakhine. Myanmar embraces all the national races. The population of Myanmar is 60 million with the Bamar, the majority race making up a

Religion

Buddhism is the predominant religion of Myanmar and Theravada Buddhism is embraced by about 80% of the population. The main religions of the country are Buddhism (89.2%), Christianity (5.0%), Islam (3.8%), Hinduism (0.5%), Spiritualism (1.2%) and others (0.2%).

Language

Myanmar's official language is Burmese, the language of the Burma majority. Speakers of Burmese Myanmar language and related dialects comprise nearly 85% of the population. Majority of Myanmars speak Myanmar language. English is widely understood in big cities.

Currency

The kyat is the currency of Myanmar. The currency code for Kyats is MMK and the currency symbol is K divided into the following banknotes: K1, K5, K10, K20, K50, K100, K200, K500, K1000, K5000 and K10000.

Electricity

Electricity is 220 ~ 240 Volts in the most areas. Most hotels have their own generator.

Internet

Internet is now widely and cheaply available in Yangon, Mandalay, Bagan and some tourist sites. Currently, Wi-Fi is available in most hotels.

Telephones

Myanmar Government's Post and Telecommunication has no international roaming arrangements. If your own mobile telephone can detect the MPTGSM network, then you may be able to buy a US$20 SIM card which can use within your stay in Myanmar. The international telephone code for Myanmar is 95.

Local Time

Myanmar Standard Time (MST) is six hours and thirty minutes ahead of the Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).

Airport Tax

Airport tax is US$ 10 per person on international departure.

Traveller's Cheques & Credit Cards

International credit cards and traveler cheques are not widely used. Master card is not accepted in Myanmar.

Insurance

Insurance is highly recommended before arrival to Myanmar.

Food

The main of Myanmar cuisine are rice, main course curry dishes and fresh vegetables. Chinese, Indian, Thai, Japanese, Western and European foods are available in the most tourist restaurants.

Passport & Visa

EVT (Entry Visa for Tourist) with valid passport is necessary. EVT visa valid 28 days and it can be extendable and can be obtained at any Myanmar Embassy abroad. There are two kinds of tourist visa available. Package Tour visa can be applied to Myanmar Embassy or Consulate abroad with a tour confirmation letter from an authorized tour operator company in Yangon. FIT visa can be issued without any tour confirmation letter. Visa on Arrival can be arranged prior to your arrival by your travel agent for those countries where Myanmar Embassy or Consulate does not exist.