LivingTravelHow much money to travel to Myanmar?

How much money to travel to Myanmar?

Many travelers wonder how much money is needed to travel to Myanmar, now that the country has recently opened up to more tourism. In previous years, travelers had to carry all their cash, as ATMs weren’t available, that’s no longer the case. Despite some costs being higher than Thailand’s, Myanmar is still a very affordable destination.

Calculating the approximate travel costs for Myanmar is really up to you and your travel style. Myanmar can be explored on a backpacker’s budget, but on the other hand, you will find plenty of luxury hotels and luxurious ways to spend extra money.

  • See everything you need to plan a trip to Myanmar.

About money in Myanmar

Prices in Myanmar are often quoted in US dollars, although kyat , the local currency, will certainly work too. Always pay with the currency that works best for you. Remember: your kyat will have no value outside of Myanmar, but US dollars work well in many other countries.

  • See the ins and outs of dealing with currency in Myanmar.

Start-up costs

Cheap flights from Bangkok to Yangon are easy to find. But before you arrive, you will have to pay US $ 50 for an eVisa. You must apply for your Burmese visa online before planning your trip. You can also check the recommended vaccines for Asia.

Transport

Ground transportation in Myanmar is a real business and it will only represent a small part of your budget to visit.

  • Taxis: Taxis in Yangon, while not metered, are surprisingly cheap for the time they spend in traffic. While the norm in Asia is to negotiate a lot with drivers before entering, you can relax a bit in Yangon. An exception is for taxis to and from the airport; You will pay a premium (US $ 8 – $ 12) for the long trip to the city.
  • Buses: Night and long-distance buses in Myanmar are great deals given the amount of distance traveled. A night tour bus, with snack, water and movies included, from Hsipaw in northern Myanmar to Yangon, costs around US $ 20. Public buses are very cheap (around 25 cents per trip), however discover routes it can be difficult without local help.
  • Trains: Traveling by train is the way to go in Myanmar. Although the cars and tracks certainly show their ages, the scenery and experience make up for the bumpy ride. The negligible price difference between classes on trains is often worth it for the added convenience.

accommodation

When budget travelers claim that Myanmar is much more expensive than neighboring Thailand or Laos, they are often referring to accommodation prices. Prices for government-approved budget guesthouses and hotels are higher than in other parts of Southeast Asia. The good news is that the standards are often higher, too. A full-service hotel in Mandalay with elevator attendants and construction can cost as little as $ 30 a night. Most decent-sized hotels include a free breakfast.

Backpackers traveling to Myanmar will find that the cost of hostel beds is certainly higher than in other Southeast Asian countries, up to $ 16 per night. If you are traveling as a couple, the cost of two shared beds is usually the same as that of a private double room.

A mid-range hotel in Yangon starts at around US $ 40 a night; Prices increase depending on the location.

Food

Food in Myanmar can be cheap, although portion sizes are certainly smaller. Breakfast is often included in the price of your hotel room. Restaurant prices vary, but a plate of noodles or curry rarely costs more than $ 2 at a basic restaurant.

Many restaurants serve family-style meals, which means you order multiple dishes to share around the table. The price of your meal obviously depends on how many meat, salad, vegetable, soup, and rice dishes you choose.

As always, attempts at Western food in tourist-oriented restaurants and eating at your hotel will cost more.

Drink

Beer, even in restaurants in Myanmar, is incredibly cheap. You can enjoy a large bottle of local beer for US $ 1; Expect to pay double at the best restaurants.

Although you won’t see any of the ubiquitous 7-Eleven minimarts found throughout Asia, bottles of local rum or other alcohol can be purchased in stores for around $ 3. Imported spirits cost significantly more.

Entrance fees

Along with accommodation, entrance fees to popular places in Myanmar will be one of the biggest hits for your budget. Tourists always pay more than locals. Expect to pay US $ 8 for the Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon, US $ 10 to enter the Inle Lake area, and US $ 20 to enter Bagan. Less popular places like the Yangon Drug Elimination Museum (admission: $ 3) and the National Museum (admission: $ 4) are relatively inexpensive.

Saving money in Myanmar

In short, how much money you need to travel to Myanmar is really up to you. You’ll spend more if you choose to book tours, hire private drivers, and stay in luxury hotels. The more you move and the more sights you choose, the more you will ultimately spend on traveling to Myanmar. Budget travelers can get by on the cheap!

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