Medical care cannot be compared with Europe and is often problematic in terms of technology, equipment or hygiene. There is often a lack of European-trained doctors who speak English or French. In case of emergency, advice can be obtained from the SOS Clinic (Myanmar SOS International Ltd, Inya Lake Hotel, 37 Kaba Aye Pagoda Road, Mayangone Township, Yangon, Tel: (+95) (01) 66 78 77 (24 hours), or (+95) (01) 66 78 71. Internet: www.internationalsos.com) in Rangoon, which also organizes rescue flights. Adequate health insurance coverage valid worldwide and reliable travel insurance are strongly recommended. An individual first-aid kit should be taken with you and the zT
Notes vaccinations
[1] A vaccination certificate against yellow fever is required for all travelers from the age of one year who want to enter Myanmar after staying or transiting more than 12 hours in one of the WHO-designated infection areas. [2] There is a risk of malaria all year round in all parts of the country below 1000 m except in the larger cities of the Yangon and Mandalay districts, which are considered malaria-free. The risk is highest in the more remote rural, hilly and forested areas. The predominant more dangerous form Plasmodium falciparum is said to be highly resistant to chloroquine and sulfadoxine/pyrimethamine. In Shan province, the P. falciparum form is resistant to melfloquine. The less dangerous form Plasmodium vivax is resistant to chloroquine. [3] Travelers staying in Myanmar for less than 4 weeks should be vaccinated against polio with booster every ten years. According to the WHO, long-term travelers must be vaccinated against polio one to twelve months before leaving Myanmar. [4] Nationwide there is an increased risk of infection for various infectious diseases that are transmitted through contaminated food or drinks (e.g. hepatitis A, typhoid fever, bacterial dysentery, amoebic dysentery, lambliasis, worm diseases). Water should generally either be boiled or otherwise sterilized before it is used for drinking, brushing teeth and making ice cubes, or it should be bought packaged. When purchasing bottled water, care should be taken that the original packaging has not been opened. Milk is not pasteurized and should also be boiled. Process dry and canned milk only with sterile water. It is best to avoid dairy products made from unboiled milk. Meat and fish dishes should only be well cooked and served hot. Pork, raw salads and mayonnaise should be avoided. Vegetables should be boiled and fruits should be peeled. [5] A certificate of vaccination against cholera is not an entry requirement, but there is a small risk of infection. Since the effectiveness of the vaccination is disputed, it is advisable to seek medical advice in good time before you travel.
Other risks
Dengue fever, transmitted by mosquitoes, is most prevalent nationwide from June to October. An effective insect repellent is recommended. Filariasis, which is also transmitted by mosquitoes, occurs nationwide. A risk of spotted fever, transmitted by body lice, exists nationwide. One protects oneself through consistent personal hygiene and regular change of linen. Hepatitis A and hepatitis B occur. A hepatitis A vaccination is generally recommended. Vaccination against hepatitis B should be given during longer stays and close contact with the local population, as well as for children and young people in general. HIV/AIDS is now also present in Myanmar, especially in larger cities and in the eastern border areas, a serious problem. Anyone who takes the risk of infection is at risk: sexual contact, unclean syringes or cannulas and blood transfusions can pose a life-threatening risk. There is an increased risk of contracting Japanese encephalitis in rural areas from May to October. The plague occurs nationwide. Protection against rats and fleas through safe sleeping places and more frequent linen changes as well as keeping away those who are already sick reduce the risk of infection. If you work in areas affected by the plague, it is advisable to take antibiotics prophylactically. Rabies occurs nationwide. Asia is considered to be the continent with the highest number of rabies cases. Transmission mainly by stray dogs and cats. In the event of a bite, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Myanmar is currently affected by a swine flu outbreak, with Yangon being a regional focus. A flu vaccination offers protection against the risk of infection.
bird flu
The highly pathogenic bird flu caused by influenza A (H5N1) was officially confirmed in March 2006. Travelers should stay away from poultry and avoid all contact with live and dead animals. The consumption of raw poultry dishes and eggs should be avoided. Well-cooked poultry dishes and eggs can be enjoyed without hesitation. Thorough cleaning of the hands with soap and water or alcohol-based hand disinfectant solutions is generally recommended as a precautionary measure.
Money
Currency
1 kyat = 100 pya. Currency code: K, MMK (ISO code). Banknotes are in denominations of 10,000, 5,000, 1,000, 500, 200, 100, 90, 50, 45, 20, 15, 10, 5 and 1K and 50 pya. Coins in denominations of 100, 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1 pya. In order to stop the black market and to weaken the financial situation of dissident groups, certain banknotes are sometimes canceled without warning. US Dollars and Euros are only accepted in newer undamaged bills, although Singapore Dollars are also accepted as payment in some areas.
Credit cards
Credit cards are increasingly accepted in shopping centers and hotels, but you have to reckon with high extra fees. Foreign tourists must pay in cash (often in US dollars) for certain services such as flights, train tickets, entrance fees, boat travel and hotel bills.
ATMs
Bank cards With the credit card and pin number, money can be withdrawn from ATMs. The Girocard (formerly ec card) with the Cirrus, Plus or Maestro symbol is accepted worldwide. It can be used in the cities at ATMs with the Cirrus, Plus or Maestro symbol. To be on the safe side, travelers should always have an alternative source of money such as cash. Further information from banks and credit institutes. Attention: Travelers who want to pay with their bank customer card abroad and withdraw money should find out from their bank about the possibility of using their card before starting their journey.
Travelers cheques
Traveller’s checks are not accepted in Myanmar.
Bank opening hours
Mon-Fri 10am-2pm.
Foreign exchange regulations
The local currency may not be imported or exported. No restrictions on the import of foreign currencies, all means of payment must be declared from a sum of US$ 10,000. The declaration must be kept as the export is limited to the sum declared upon entry. Personal jewelery should be declared when entering the country in order to avoid difficulties when leaving the country. There are regular checks at the airport in Rangoon. Therefore, all receipts should be kept as proof of sums spent in the country.
Currency Exchange
In Rangoon, the euro (new, unused banknotes) is exchanged in exchange offices. Exchanges on the black market are strongly discouraged due to attempted fraud. Big bills offer the best exchange rate.
