FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO TRAVEL TO MYANMAR?

Generally speaking, the favorite months to travel are October through January when the days are not so hot, averaging in 32 degree Celsius and nights are in 20 degree Celsius. December and January are the coldest – the temperature may drop to near freezing point at night in the highlands of the Shan State, Kachin State and Chin State in particular. In February the temperature start to rise and March through May it can be unpleasantly hot. But sometime around end of May the south-west monsoon tends to start, bringing rains up to the mid of October. Although traveling in Myanmar during the rainy season is not particularly difficult, some motor roads in central Myanmar may be flooded and occasionally impassable.

IS IT STILL COMPULSORY TO CHANGE 200 FEC UPON ARRIVAL?

No, it isn’t. This Foreign Exchange Certificate (FEC) system puts a stop and any foreign traveler, regardless of package tourist or Foreign Individual Traveler (FIT), need not to change it any longer upon arrival.

HOW MANY KINDS OF ENTRY VISA FOR TOURIST TO MYANMAR?

There are two kinds of entry visa for tourist; EVT (package) and EVT (FIT).

EVT (Package) – valid three months from the date of issue and require a tour confirmation letter from an authorized travel agent in Yangon.
EVT (FIT) – valid three months from the date of issue but require no tour confirmation letter.
Latest Development – Visa-on-Arrival can be arranged for those countries where Myanmar Embassy or Consulate office does not exists. Some special arrangement also can be made upon request for those who have difficult in obtaining Myanmar visa irrespective of the country.

HOW CAN A MYANMAR VISA BE OBTAINED?

At present all visitors, regardless of nationality, must have a valid passport with an EVT (Entry Visa for Tourist) prior to enter Myanmar. EVT can be obtained at any Myanmar Embassy or Consulate offices abroad with validity for 28 days. Application forms in duplicate with three-passport size photos are to be submitted with a fee of US$ 20 or equivalent in their respective currency.

CAN I GET VISA ON LINE?

Although Myanmar government has recently tried to issue visa on line at www.myanmarvisa.com the process doesn’t seem to work smoothly.

HOW DO I CHECK PRICING & AVAILABILITY OF A PACKAGE LISTED ON YOUR SITE?

To check availability & pricing, simply email to us. We are available from Monday through Saturday from 9:00 am. to 5:30 pm. and Sundays from 9:00 am. to 1:00 pm. (Myanmar Standard Time: GMT+06:30) year round.

HOW DO I BUY A TOUR PACKAGE OR MAKE RESERVATION WITH YOU?

After receiving agreement for any order, we shall go ahead with necessary arrangements normally takes about two working days. We shall then send a confirmation letter with a booking status to you via e-mail. When necessary, 30 per cent non-refundable deposit is required to secure your booking, and the remaining balance can be settled upon your arrival in Myanmar.

HOW FAR IN ADVANCE SHOULD I MAKE MY TRAVEL PLAN?

Due to the seats on domestic scheduled flights and hotel rooms’ availability are rather limited especially during High-Tourist-Season (October through January), our package should normally be booked 4 to 5 months in advance. However, as there is no commitment and no charge for this service, your bookings including any query are more than welcome. Please contact us for details.

WHEN & HOW WILL I RECEIVE MY TRAVEL DOCUMENTS FOR MY TRIP?

A confirmation letter with a booking status will be sent to you via email approximately two working days after your initial booking is received. And you will receive your travel documents like flight tickets, hotel coupons upon your arrival in Yangon.

DO YOU ACCEPT PAYMENT ON CREDIT CARDS?

No, we don’t. We ONLY accept CASH in US Dollar, and credit cards or traveler cheques are NOT accepted in Myanmar for some unfavorable reasons. We would strongly recommend bringing enough cash (US$) for your payment and purchases.

DOES YOUR ARRANGEMENT COVER THE INTERNATIONAL FLIGHT FARES FROM MY HOMETOWN?

No, it doesn’t. Our tour or arrangement normally begins shortly after the moment you touch down at Yangon International Airport, where our representative will meet you at arrival lounge displaying a Myanmar Elite Tours sign with your name for ease of recognition, and comes to end at Yangon International Airport on your departure day before you fly out of Myanmar.

HOW CAN I BUY INTERNATIONAL AIR TICKETS?

It is advisable to buy international air-ticket at your hometown or at your travel starting point, after seeking advice from your local travel agent to get the cheapest fare. Please note no other agents elsewhere can offer you the best airfare for this.

WHAT DOES INCLUDE IN YOUR TRAVEL SERVICES?

Our services generally cover all modes of domestic transportations (flight/train/boat), bed and breakfast (accommodation may range from standard to deluxe), transfers and sightseeing in private AC car/van/mini-bus/coach with local English-speaking guide.

WHAT DOES EXCLUDE IN YOUR TRAVEL SERVICES?

Inclusive/exclusive services are exactly mentioned in our quotation chart/letter. Normally meals, escorted guide, entrance and zone fees are optional, and visa fee, international air fares, international airport (departure) tax and personal expenses such as drinks, tips, porter charges, souvenirs, laundry, etc are excluded.

ARE THERE ANY CONDITION REGARDING THE MINIMUM PERSONS TO PARTICIPATE IN YOUR TOUR?

All our programs are private tour and therefore we arrange from one person and your holiday can commence on any day of the week. Please note NOT all our services/packages (programs) are fixed so as to allow for flexibility and conditions to be adjusted to your individual needs.

DO YOU HAVE ANY CANCELLATION POLICY?

In addition to most airlines and hotels have cancellation policies, Myanmar Elite Tours also maintains a cancellation policy of confirmed arrangements. A cancellation penalty will be imposed as follows:

Between 21 and 44 days : USD 25 per person
Between 7 and 20 days : 25% of the total cost
6 days prior to commencement date : 50% of the total cost
No show at all : 100% of the total cost

IS MOBILE PHONE ALLOWED TO BRING INTO MYANMAR?

At present the local GSM network does not support global network. Therefore bringing your mobile phone into Myanmar merely means to leave at the custom department upon your arrival and reclaim only on departure.

HOW CAN I KEEP IN TOUCH WITH MY FAMILY OR FRIENDS AT HOME?

After your tour confirmation with us we send you the list of all hotels utilized during your stay in Myanmar with their contact addresses including phone and fax numbers, which you leave to your contacts at home. You can send e-mail through hotels or cyber cafe in Yangon, Mandalay and Bagan but free mail servers like yahoo or hotmail can not be accessed in Myanmar. While you are in up country where e-mail service inaccessible, you can then make overseas call or fax through IDD phones available at hotels. However some hotels may not have facilities to communicate internationally. If that’s the case we will be happy to forward your message by mean of fax or phone through our Yangon office.

WHAT ARE THE HEALTH REQUIREMENTS FOR TRAVELING IN MYANMAR?

No vaccinations are officially required for a visit to Myanmar. Malaria prophylaxis is no longer recommended unless traveling off the beaten track, but travelers should check with doctor regarding the advisability of inoculation against typhoid, hepatitis, tetanus and encephalitis. As medical facilities are rather limited in Myanmar it is advisable to take out a good medical insurance policy before traveling in case evacuation is needed.

IS IT SAFE TO TRAVEL?

Generally speaking, Myanmar is one of the safest countries in South-East Asia.