Yangoon - which backpacker guest house, kyat exchange?

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alexalexalexalex
alexalexalexalex

Hi there,

I will fly into Yangoon on Sunday. I will be travelling on my own. Therefore, which backpacker guest house would you recommend to have best chances to meet other backpackers to catch up with, anybody around this weekend, what is the current street exchange rate for the US $?

Regarding money exchange - I've got a money belt (real belt, 3 cm thick) where I put most of money - but the bills are folded (not damaged, just tightly folded) - is this a problem when it comes to exchanging, since the bills are not damaged in any way, neither they are old?

Best regards and looking forward so much

Alex

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anonymous
anonymous

Exchange rate is likely to be around 1280 Kyat to the USD in Yangon, give or take. Around 50 Kyat less outside Yangon. Bear in mind that the rate offered may be quite a bit lower in some guesthouses. You need to shop around. Boyoke market is a good place to start. Be wary about going with touts who approach you in the street.
Fold-mark in dollar notes notes is not a good thing.. Try and keep them flat. Especially important with the larger notes. With Kyat notes it doesn't matter, they tend to be old and tatty... As long as they are in one piece it’s ok. Bear in mind that USD 100.00 equals 128 notes (if you are lucky you will get the newer and smaller 1000 Kyat notes).. Nevertheless it's like carrying a house-brick around... You may need to put it in your back pack. Safe journey.

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muzzman
muzzman

I really enjoyed Motherland Inn 2. Great rooms, staff and fellow travellers. There is a good chance they will be at the airport and will give you a free ride to the GH. The GH is NOT in downtown which can be a problem, especially if you are not willing to pay to get into downtown.

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jeremyi
jeremyi

I arrive in Yangon on Monday morning - PM me if you want to try to meet up; I'll be traveling with a friend.

How far from downtown is Motherland 2? 2000 kyat taxi?

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muzzman
muzzman

2,000 to 3,000 last year.

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kamaaina
kamaaina

In Yangon I'd suggest the Beautyland II - air conditioned rooms with TV, attached bath and breakfast go for US$12+. It's centrally located in downtown Yangon and very popular with budget travelers. There’s also free airport pickup if you’re arriving on an international flight.

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