2
edits
Changes
Jump to navigation
Jump to search
no edit summary
Myanmar is maybe (besides Singapore) one of the most expensive countries in South East Asia. A USD 10 budget per day is very tight (guest-houses usually take USD 6-8 per night for the cheapest rooms), with USD 15 you can get around easily and with USD 20 you don't need to worry about money. All the prices you will find on the internet, or in guidebooks are not valid any more. Everything is much more expensive (40% more for food, +USD 2-4 for accommodation in September 2011). Also the exchange rate is changing enormously. In 2010 you could get for USD 1 around 1000 Kyat. In August-September 2011 it was between 650-750 Kyat for USD 1. The rate is changing constantly and can vary in from 50 to 100 Kyat within 24 hours. Be careful with money exchange, don't make a deal with people that offer you exchange on the street. In Yangon the gem market is a good place with fair and stable exchange rates.
You will need Dollars for accommodation and if you are staying in high end hotels; small local places will accept Just at the rate of 1000 to 1USD (in 2015). Kyat is the currency for the street. So take with you both currencies and don't exchange everything (otherwise you will become a real money trader, without making profit, but loosing a lot). Also most of the people will not accept your dollars if there is something written on, if they have a wrinkle, or let's say if they don't look brand new (I didn't get this). If you pay with Kyat in the guest-house it will become very expensive. Also the local prices for accommodation are about USD 3 (2000 Kyat), but foreigners are only allowed to stay in guest-houses that have permission and those are often much more expensive.
=== Travel restrictions ===
