Myanmar  -  General Information

Area	:	676577 sq km (about the size of United Kingdom and France combined)
Population	:	52 million
Capital	:	Naypyidaw (Pyinmanar) Changed from Yangon on 27 March 2006 Yangon (Rangoon) is the city for trade, economy and culture.
Language	:	Myanmar (English is widely used)
Local Time	:	GMT+6.30 hours
Security	:	One of the safest countries in the world
Photography & Video	:	Myanmar is a very photogenic country. Recommended to bring lots of film or video tapes with you.
Electricity	:	220~240 V, 50Hz.
Telecommunications (Country Code - 95)	:	IDD Telephone & Fax facilities are available at most hotels in Myanmar. E-mail facilities are now available at some hotels and companies in Yangon and Mandalay.
Drinking Water	:	Recommended to drink only bottled Mineral Water.
Food	:	Many good restaurants in Yangon. Myanmar food and Chinese food are popular throughout the country. Myanmar food is influenced by the Indian and Chinese cuisines. European food is available in most tourist centers and hotels. Eating at street stands is not recommended.
Hotels	:	Many hotels in Yangon, Mandalay, Bagan and Inle. The range of hotel quality extends from local guest houses to 5 star accommodation.
Currency	:	1 US$ = 1 FEC FEC notes : 1, 5, 10, 20 Kyat notes : 1, 5, 10, 15, 20, 45, 50, 90, 100, 200, 500, 1000 Payments can be made in FEC (US$) for Trains, Flight, Hotels, some Restaurants and Entrance Fees.
Religion	:	Over 85% of the Myanmar People embrace Theravada Buddhism. Others follow Christianity, Islam, Hinduism or Animism.
Climate	:	Myanmar has tropical weather with three seasons. The Dry Season runs from mid-February to mid-May. The Rainy Season which comes with the South-West Monsoon lasts from mid-May to mid-October. The Cold Season from November to February. But dry zone like Mandalay and Bagan do not get much rain even in the rainy season. The best time to visit Myanmar is from October to February when the temperature is moderate and dry. In summer, the temperature raises to about 40 Degrees Celsius with much sunshine.
Clothing	:	Light cotton clothing is most appropriate especially for the long hot summer months. Long sleeve sweaters, light jackets are suitable in Hill stations like Pyin Oo Lwin. Sandals are suitable. Remember to take off your shoes and socks before entering into temples and pagodas.
What to Bring	:	Generally, goods can be bought at reasonable prices in Myanmar. However, the following things should be brought with you. 1. Flash Light 2. Insect Spray 3. Sun Cream 4. Sunglasses 5. Cameras with plenty of films 6. Rubber sandals
Shopping	:	Many different arts, crafts and antiques are available throughout Myanmar. Hand-Crafted Lacquerware, mostly produced in Bagan, comes in all shapes and sizes. Embroidered Cottons and Wood Carvings also make good souvenirs. Myanmar is, of course, renowned for its precious stones, particularly rubies. You should only buy from government licensed shops which must issue an official receipt.

SM Tours & Transport Co., Ltd.
81,  Phone Gyee Road,  Lanmadaw 11131, Yangon, Myanmar (Burma)
Tel: (+95-1) 227133,  225774,  225775,  225776
Fax: (+95-1) 227225,  221003

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Internet:	http://www.smmyanmar.com

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