Okay, what to bring in terms of cash and cash instruments to Burma? I'm sure they have working ATMs in Yangoon, yes? But I hear outside of Yangoon there isn't much. If you run low on cash out there, what do you do? Get a cash advance from somewhere? What are the rates?
About how much cash should one bring? $500 for a week? Thanks for all the info and tips on handling, getting cash out in Burma.
alohatiger
1
tripmonkeys
Please trust me and write down what I can tell you. There are NO Atm's anywhere in Myanmar. DO NOT run out of cash which should be very good quality American Dollars. The only way you can get a cash advance is at either the Sedona Hotel or the Park Royal hotel, which will sling you $100 per night including breakfast. They will only give you what they can either $100 or $200 and the interest rate is about 18%.
I am not sure how much you will need, because I am not sure how you travel. But please remember have Cash Dollars. I speak from experience.
2
alohatiger
Wow, that's pretty heavy! NO ATMs in Myanmar? How do people get cash for extended trips?
How much should I bring per week, if I stay at mid-range places for $35 / night?
Do people walk around with bundles of USD when they first arrive?
Sounds implausible. There has to be an ATM somewhere ...
Maybe a cheap cash advance place ... like in Cambodia ...
3
jimbojones
Ever heard of international sanctions? Due to the connection that all credit card providers (and their associated debit card affiliates) have with the USA, none of them are permitted by USA law to operate within Burma. The large hotels get away with it by completing the transactions (usually) through Singapore - hence the big cost.
Take cash - and lots of it.
4
tripmonkeys
I was there in August and I ran out of money, I had to stay in the swanky Park Royal to get enough for two of us to fly from Yangong.
Don't be lured into a false security on seeing ATM's every few metres in Bangkok.
Like I said trust me, I speak from recent experience.
Up until 2 weeks before I got there, there was a few laquerware places around Bagan that would give you cash advance if you bought something, but that was stopped.
5
anonymous
<blockquote>Quote
<hr>There has to be an ATM somewhere<hr></blockquote>
Yes, plenty.. just not in Myanmar.... not even one... at least not connected to the outside world.
#1 is absolutely correct.... Cash advance on your credit card will be charged at anything from 7 % to 30% fee and only available at a couple of upmarket hotels. Bring USD cash. New notes only.
6
tripmonkeys
I will be so paranoid next time that I go, that I will take a lot more money than I need.
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