MYANMAR/BURMA

CURRENCY:

Kyat - MMK, Symbol K

DENOMINATIONS:

NOTE: K1,000, 500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1.

US DOLLAR ACCEPTED?

Yes, in some cases.

CREDIT/DEBIT CARDS AND ATMS:

It is unlikely that credit or debit cards will be accepted; it is best to check with your card company prior to travel. There are no ATMs.

CURRENCY EXCHANGE:

Currency is rather complicated in Myanmar: There is a second legal currency, the FEC. It is issued specially for tourists by the Bank of Myanmar. You can only buy FECs with US dollars. FECs can then be changed into Kyats at banks and bureaux de change. You can use US dollars in Myanmar but make sure the establishment has a special license to accept dollars. It is advised to carry small change as some larger notes will not be accepted.

TRAVELLER'S CHEQUES:

Not recommended: these are not accepted.

BANKING HOURS:

Mon-Fri 1000-1400.

CURRENCY RESTRICTIONS:

The import and export of local currency is prohibited.

COUNTRY OVERVIEW:

Also known as Burma, the Union of Myanmar is a country in Southeast Asia. It is the largest country in the region. The population is very diverse and the culture of the country is much influenced by neighbouring countries China, Laos, Thailand, India and Bangladesh. The country is led by the military State Peace and Development Council. The capital is Naypydaw and the official language is Burmese.

POPULATION:

Around 55 million.

ECONOMY:

Myanmar is a poor country which has suffered from its isolation. It was once one of the wealthiest countries in the region, while under British administration. Since the installation of totalitarian socialism the growth rate has been very slow and is now, together with North Korea the least free country in Asia.