We went to Myanmar for 3 weks but a week into the trip as our $US dwindled and we started to try ATMs we got "transaction cancelled" when we got to the step where the cash should appear. We tried the card inside banks with the staff but they said the card was for ATMs only and should work. We tried to buy internal airfares at travel agencies but the card came up "do not honour". We called the VISA emergency number and applied for emergency funds. A day later we called them back and they said the application was declined, no reason given, and advised us to talk to our own bank. We did this and were told by Westpac NZ the card wouldn't work anywhere in Myanmar and we wouldn't get emergency funds either, because of sanctions between USA and Myanmar, VISA being a US company. We called the NZ Embassy in Myanmar for advice as our $US were low and some notes weren't new enough to be accepted. They said they had never heard of such sanctions and talked to the bank but got the same story and were unable to change Westpac's stance. We spent several days at a cheap guesthouse with free breakfasts to conserve our last Kyats and flew out ten days early thanks to a family member who funded the air ticket change. So our years-anticipated travels round Myanmar were largely derailed, although we have mostly great memories of what we did get to see. Still baffled as (1) most larger traders welcomed VISA and didn't understand why our card didn't work; and (2) many other travellers we met were successfully using VISA and other credit cards. Anyone else had similar experiences?
I thought the sanctions were lifted years ago. Sorry to hear you had to leave early, think you should take this up with Visa as seems their information is outdated.
But I have never used a card inside Myanmar have always taken new US$s. However I did take a visa card as back-up and when I informed my bank they said it was fine. Did you inform your bank before going?
I used a Citibank Visa card at ATMs through Myanmar last year with no problems. Sounds like you need to talk to your bank again.
Did you consider getting money wired to you through Western Union? It might have enabled you to continue your holiday.
as above...it is not a 'Visa' problem, but some few banks themselves that block/ed their cards from use there...
But....I use my oz Westpac credit card there with no dramas at all, since the ATMs first started a few years ago...also use my NAB credit and debit cards...
Assuming you did tell your bank BEFORE you left, that you were going O/S and using their card, and where and when...which you should do any time you travel overseas....otherwise they can block the card when they see it being used o/s...doesn't sound like that was necessarily your problem tho...?
Thanks rivaltribal, yes we did indeed visit our local bank in person to tell them where we were going, and when, for exactly the reason you mention. They have already conceded they should have told us about their ?sanctions? policy at that point. . .
seems strange that the NZ Westpac card would be blocked, but the Australian Westpac is fine....
Sorry to hear of your troubles - the international electronic connection with banks is still very fuzzy for Myanmar and even the banks themselves are quite confused. That's why I caution that it is still a good idea to bring enough cash money, and have a long list of cash change points here: http://bytelife.altervista.org/popexchange.htm
And a warning at the end (The Blocking of Burma).
I see 2 of my cards are blocked, Halifax and Lloyds are part of same bank. This is important as quite a few UK travellers use the Halifax Clarity credit card.
Small point Mandalay has far more than 3 exchange counters now, I would say 6 or 7.
@BruceFraser -- sorry to hear of your troubles. If you did, in fact, advise the bank of your travel plans beforehand and the bank didn't warn of this issue then it is time to find a new bank. Your current bank is clearly not diligent and who know what other disasters that bank will create.
An alternative is to look for some sort of travel Visa or MasterCard that you can preload with NZD. But check the fees carefully before getting one, as often, these charge you for every transaction including loading the thing in the first place.
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