Preparation work for Yangon, Myanmar trip

Courtesy of Myanmar Airway International, Chatrium Yangon Hotel and Malaysian Harmony, I've fly to Yangon Myanmar and enjoyed my 4D3N trip, it was a amazing trip and met lofs of friendly Burmanese people.

Visa Application:
As a Malaysian, we needs to apply Visa before going Myanmar and this can be done at Myanmar Embassy at Jalan Ampang Hilir, 55000 Kuala Lumpur.

For your information, following guidelines and information will helps you if you're going to apply for Myanmar visa:

1. Submission Counter opening time is from 9:00am - 12:00pm daily while collection counter open only for 1 hours from 4:00pm - 5:00pm daily. 
2. Background for visa application photo must be white colour. Person in charge is very strict on this, please take note.
3. In order to submit the application earlier before counter close, advisable to reach the embassy by 8:45am as lots of people queueing to apply for the visa.
4. Get the application form from the counter or you can print online and make photocopy. They will only give you one original copy of form and have you to make photocopy.

Myanmar Visa requirement:

1. Original passport must be valid for minimum six (6) months from the departure date.

2. Two (2) recent passport-sized photographs (white back-ground)

3. One (1) application form

4. One (1) report of arrival form

5. Photocopy of passport.

6. Birth certificate for those below 18 years old

7. Flight & ground itinerary or confirmation - only require if you require the visa be ready in one day.

Charges for the application:

1. Normal (at least our 5 working days collection) RM 80.00

2. Urgent (at least our 3 working days collection)- Required air ticket RM 150.00

Myanmar Embassy Contact details:

Tel: 03 4251 5595/ 4455 / 6355

Fax: 03 4251 3855

Address: NO 8-C, Jalan Ampang Hilir, 55000 Kuala Lumpur

Money exchange
We can exchange Myanmar currency when arrive Yangon at hotel, travel agency but according to some information on the Web site, Bogyoke market provides better rates on the currency exchange but according to my friend in Yangon, those money charger is those Indian who will cheat you at least few thousand when changing the money without our notice.

Must bring/wear items:
1. Mosquito repellent, Sun hat, sun glasses, sun protection for your face and body, prescription medicines, insect repellent and an umbrella April to October (rain or shine).

2. Myanmar is a conservative Buddhist culture and improper dress can be offensive. Please dress with respect for the local culture. Lightweight, easy to care clothes of cotton and cool fabrics are ideal all year round. 

Shorts, short skirts or revealing clothing are not appropriate especially when visiting temples or any religious site

3. Torch light - Yangon always have power outage usually will happens for few hours in village but usually Hotel will have their own power generator.

4. Wear sensible walking shoes which can be easily removed when required. Sandals, thongs or flip-flops (available locally) are very convenient footwear.

Useful tips:
1. Hand Phones or Mobile Telephones from other countries currently do not operate in Myanmar. If you need to make a call, always there is road side public phone which will charge per call 1000 Kyats.

2. Always remember to bring neat and nice not folded US dollar, US dollar is widely acceptable in Myanmar. Other currency such as Singapore dollar, Pounds, Hong Kong dollars are acceptable in hotel as well. Credit card will be charge 7% upon payment for hotel room.

3. Only drink purified bottle water. Bottled water is readily available and some hotels provide complimentary. Carry a bottle with you throughout the day.

4. Not advisable to buy/consume road side food as the awareness of hygiene is not good in Myanmar.

5. Taxi charges from Airport to city usually will charger around USD5, pay in Kyats is possible.