Everyday practical information for Myanmar

Power

• 230 V at 50 Hz.
• Most sockets in Myanmar are universal ones, accepting several plug shapes, so a European or British plug will usually physically fit. Voltage, not shape, is the thing to check on the device.

Checkpoints

• Any road journey is likely to pass police or military checkpoints.
• Always carry the passport with the visa in it.
• Most checkpoint personnel, including in cities, do not speak English. Have the document ready rather than trying to explain.

What not to point a camera at

• Police, demonstrations, military installations and military personnel. All four, all the time.
• Photographing a protest can get you arrested, regardless of what you intended to do with the picture.

Trade in souvenirs

• Myanmar is a party to CITES, and over 800 species are banned from international trade with a further 30,000 strictly controlled. That covers souvenirs such as anything made from turtle shell.
• Gold, gems and jewellery are monitored on the way in and the way out. Get the permits before you travel with any.

Rail and river

• Railway safety standards are significantly below UK levels and timetables are unreliable. Ask at the station rather than trusting a published time.
• Check life jackets are available before a boat or ferry journey, especially in the May to October monsoon.