Money Issues

Hi all,

I have been reading this forum in preparation for my trip to Burma. I understand that there are numerous money issues, including lack of ATMs, exchange problems. I understand that I would have to bring in US dollars and exchange for local money. My concern is having to bring in too much money.

I will be in Burma for two weeks. My interests are in historical and cultural aspects of Burma. I will stay at guest houses and eat street food. Prehaps, occasional slurge on food and logding.

Can you please suggest how much I should bring into Burma? Many thanks.

Money Issues

If you are travelling by bus and stay guest house ,eat street food, you need approximate 50 USD per day.

Do not forget that if you are short of money , credit card is not usefull in other area except in Yangon with high commission.

Money Issues

50 is not less or much. Street food can be between 1 to 3 USD per meal. lodges can cost you 7 to 15 USD per night. Bus between cities may vary from 8 USD to 15 USD. Always good to have with you some extra.

Bringing ';too much money'; is not a concern. Some brought thousand bucks when traveling and not had an issue with it. But since you are staying in unknown places or lodges, we can%26#39;t take it for granted for safety. But I think you can imagine now how much you should get per day.

Many thanks for all your responses. I suppose ATM and traveler%26#39;s cheque are not useful in Burma?

No ATMs, no traveler cheques nor credit cards SDWanderlust. Bring ';enough cash'; or book some in advance by wire transfer or online payment so it can unload ';cash'; before Myanmar.

Adroit,

Again, thanks for your reply. I am still curious...say if a person travels by him/herself and they lost all their money, what will they do if there are no ATMs and credit card acceptance. I am always fear of this scenario.

If I were to lose all my money, God forbids, what will I do? Has this happened to any lone traveller while in Burma?

You just need to be sensible, there is very little danger of theft, use a money belt and spread some of your cash around. In the old days when the biggest note was Kyat 200 we had literally plastic bags full of cash. The biggest normal note now is K1000, which still can be bulky.

The money changers prefer new style $100 bills, but bring some ones as they can be useful.

$50 a day is too tight. You will see things you want to buy and there is no point being miserable. I would take a minimum of $1000. Don%26#39;t worry, once you%26#39;re there everything will be fine.

At Sedona Hotel you can get cash with your credit card. In Yangon and Mandalay. Commissions are high, around 10%, but in case of an emergency you have this option. I m sure about Visa and mastercard, no idea about Amex. I checked this option this november, so i think it s still like that.

I ve got a 100 USD note starting with ';CB....'; and nobody accepted it. They changed it to me at Sedona Hotel (i wasn t staying there) with no problem.. It seems people believe CB notes are false. ';Nonsense believings'; told me the Sedona manager.

Also bring new notes, if notes are dirty, broken or old nobody accept them. And check they give you back new notes when you receive a change, because after nobody will accept them. All these regards USD.

Kyats are old, dirty adn broken but nobody cares.

Hi all,

Many thanks for responding. The idea of carrying a bit of cash with me at all time is a bit tiring. I guess there are no other ptions but that. If I may ask another question: what are your strategies for keeping the money. That is, do you keep all with you or do you leave in hotels or guest houses?

Again, many thanks.

money belt under your shirt/pant is the best way to prevent from pickpockets. Don%26#39;t put your wallet at your back pockets of your pants. General speaking Burma is one of the safest place for tourist and everyone around you are willing to help you with a smile if you ask anything.

I%26#39;m going there in 15th - 28 Jan.

Cheers,

J

Captin,

I am aware of the money belt etc. I meant if one should keep all the money one has with him/her at all time. I find this a bit tiring.

I hope you will have fun in Burma. Do post a trip report if you can or tips. I will be in there Feb 3 to 18. I would have to say my trip to Burma will be my most ambitious and scary to date.