Hello,
I will be travelling to Myanmar in a few weeks, flying from Bangkok to Yangoon and then back again 3 1/2 weeks later, I'm just wondering what is the best way to take dollars into the country. I have 3 weeks in Thailand first and tempting as it may be to take advantage of the strong british pound before i go and get hundreds of dollars to carry around with me it simply isn't a good idea so.... would it be that i would have to get x amount of bhat in bangkok out of a cash machine and then change into dollars before i fly to myanmar or is there a cheaper, easier way?
Also is it possibel to get a visa on arrival in Yangoon or would i have to sort this out in Bangkok before i go?
Lastly, how much would i need for 3 and a half weeks in Myanmar, i don't intend on using any domestic flights and cheap digs are fine for me. but i would like to be able to enjoy myself comfortably.
Can you get USD in Thailand?.. Yes, you can.. As you suggest.. ATM and it will cost you a %. Cheaper to exchange at home.. but weigh up the risk.. Only you know your comfort zone.
Visa in Bangkok?.. Again yes.. but why not do it before you leave home.. saves time... Visa is valid for 3 months from date of issue.. for a stay of up to 28 days.
How much money?... Around USD 700.00 to 1000.00... give or take.. depending on your requirements.... Do take some extra in case of sickness or other unforeseen events.. Very difficult (read expensive) to get cash once you are in the country.
Hey, I to am a newcomme to this dilemma, what can you do... . . .no travellers cheques, no credit cards, all I can do carry cash, one stash hung around my neck, one around my waist, next to my skin, and a bit in a hip wallet. That divided by two, ie same for my wife.
Having said that if anyone has a beter suggestion I am always ready to listen... . . .
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<hr>Having said that if anyone has a beter suggestion?<hr></blockquote>
Not really.. keep the money in zip-lock bags to keep them as pristine as possible... Carry some large (50 and 100$ notes for exchange into Kyat.. as well as lots of small ones. Have pockets sewn into your clothing rather then carry it in the usual places.... and hope for the best.
Myanmar is a pretty safe country... and even with a bagfull of Kyat.. it somehow seemed ok to me.... Most people seem to manage all right with that situation. Also most guesthouses and hotels have boxes which seem "safe enough". Bring a pad lock to add to the security.
If you're planning on traveling cheaply, then $700 is plenty. That will be enough to get around, and will leave some extra for emergencies.
if youre in BKk anyway for a few days, have the visa arranged for you (pay some 200 THB=3 quiddies extra for fee) THERE: still cheaper as in LON. You did NOT say how long to intend to stay in Myanm nor what level of budget youre apsiring, it may be MUCH cheaper as you now think. and Thailand is NOT such a dangerous place that anyone gets robbed point blank with 700 US. also do not agree with above: the way/speed that US$ is falling (against euro or so) may even mean you get 700 US for less GBP in the bank withdrawn as buying them now: Thai banks have VERY low to zil commissions. but you need cash US yes, TC wont do in Myanm. Most guesthss in BKK have safetylockers with 2 keys: 1 of which is a padlock provided by YOU, cannot really think of much safer, or? the main drag will be meeting that gorgey Thai lady/person, you fall in love, and then suddenly decide that spending it on her/him is much nicer as going to Burma after all. sems to happen with 88,97% of young single british persons first time in thaild for an extended time
All in all I needed 800 $ for four weeks and there were two domestic flights included. You DON'T get any cash in Myanmar, so cash rulez. If you don't have any cash you are in trouble... Take some extra money for emergencies. Only US$ (meanwhile some Burmese take Euro) and only clean and not crumpled notes. Best rates for clean new looking 100,- US$ notes. Keep your money waterproof packed in a bellybelt and only some small notes for the day in your pocket. If you do so there is only a very small risk. Asia people may get you down and rip you off with 'too high' prices (what means they want maybe 2 $ extra) but it's unlikely to get really robbed. Be aware of pickpockets in Thailand!! Little money was stolen from me at Khao San Road area and the Floating markets.
In Myanmar don't change at your hotel. Ask at a market or at a jewellery shop or something like that. Best rates in Rangoon and Mandalay. But you will always find someone to change, but a bader rates. And take time to count the notes, all notes. You will get a lot of money, but it's better to control it. Sometimes they try to rip you off.
something more:
if you have some money left at the end of your trip: I changed my last notes at the airport. There is a vendor directly in the airport who sells some souvenirs and jewelleries and stuff like that and she changes Kyatts into US$. Of cause at bad rates (I think I remember she wanted 1400 or 1450 for 1 $?), but it's difficult to plan exactly and this is a good opportunity to change your last notes.
there is NO visa on arrival in Rangoon! Get your visa at home or in BKK. I got my visa in Germany and it was quite comfortable because I could download the forms in the internet and just had to sent it with my passport and the money to the embassy and got my visa within three days. I guess it's similiar at the Myanmar embassy in the UK.
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