Another money question

I understand that credit cards are not accepted in Myanmar. We will be travelling for about 3 weeks and so will need quite a wad of bills. My questions are:

1. Why aren%26#39;t tourists seen as ';marks'; for petty thieves...we must all have a fair amount of cash on us?

2. About how much will a lunch and dinner cost say at a nice place in Yangon and in a smaller town like Kalaw.

3. Best to pay in US dollars or kyat or either.

4. Does anyone have a recommendation about how much cash to allow per day, accomadation excluded. And again, $US or kyat. Admissions,gratuities, water meals and small crafts etc

We don%26#39;t want to carry more than is neccessary...but don%26#39;t want to run out either!

Thanks!

Another money question

1. Credit cards can be used in the hotels like Sedona Hotel Yangon, you can cash out but the commission is high.

2. Usually, the authority is very concern with foreigner%26#39;s crime and therefore, I believe that the bandit stay away. But anyway, preventation is better.

3. Average lunch and dinner , 20 USD is enought with some drinks.

Kalaw also not much difference, it alls depend where you eat and what you order but 20 USD is more than enough for simple meals.

4. Kyats are more easy to use anywhere but hotels , prefer to get crispy USD only.

5. Water ,350~ 400 kyats per 1 liter bottle. Beer - 2000~4000 kyats depend on the places. this week 1 USD is around 1240 kyats.

Another money question

There is very little crime at all against foreigners for the reason cited by our man on the ground over there (hey MGZ - nay kaung lar?)

In fact, considering the extreme difficulties which so so many Myanmar people endure on a daily basis, it is surprising that there is such a low level of crime (at least civilian crime.)

I know what you mean; you don%26#39;t want to risk taking a lot of cash and losing some of it, but then again, it%26#39;s better to be safe and take more than you think you%26#39;ll need. Mynanmar is a very safe place for tourists and it%26#39;s highly unlikely (outside of pickpockets in large crowds; which can happen anywhere on earth) that anyone will steal your money or possessions.

To be safe, use the hotel safety boxes. In some places you will not have a choice of using kyat or dollars; ALL hotels and guesthouses must collect money in US Dollars, and this includes any bars or restaurants on their premises. But most local restaurants and teashops will want kyat.

For a budget, consult a good guidebook so that you are aware of which sites charge admission and how much meals and accomodation might cost you. But, remember that prices for almost everything are higher this year, inculding airfare, taxis, and other transport.