Yangon Division Travel Forum

My guidebook is from 2002 and is probably wrong about most things. Iīm needing to know if and where I can find a automatic teller machine in Yangon or at the airport where I can draw money on my Visa Debit card. Do they still use the system of exchanging for FECīs? Whatīs the best for me? I could just pay with cash US dollars? Dres

Hello

I don't think there are any automatic teller there in town and air port. I was there in January this year. Arrival is in a new airport and departure is from an old airport, the airport does not even have a computer system for departures. All things are carried out manually.

Thanks

Fern

There are absolutely NO Atm's in Burma. At all. Even though you might see a sign here that says ATM. I haven't found out yet what those signs mean but it has nothing to do with bankmachines. Bring crisp, unwritten, unfolded, un-nothing dollar bills with you. There are a few places in Yangon and fewer places in Mandalay that exchange traveller's cheques. And there is 1 place i know about in Yangon and Mandalay that will give you a cash advance on your credit card. FEC's are out. Exchange your dollars in Kyats downtown. Pay the fare from the airport to downtown in dollars (around $5 if you can negotiate well). Guesthouses, hotels and the government (Shwedagon pagoda, Bagan access fee, Inle lake access fee ect ect) you can pay in dollars. They prefer that.

If you have more questions, drop me a line

Good advice on the bank notes. To be safe, don't even fold them! Really, it's that bad. Myanmar is very, very picky about the condition of the notes. Unless they are immaculate most hotels, restaurants and ticket takers (buying tourist passes to Bagan, Mandalay, etc.) may refuse to take it.