(a) Passport: Required

(b) Visa: Required
All visitors are required to have a valid visa to enter Myanmar. A 28-day tourist visa is usually sufficient for most visitors. The current regulations for entering Myanmar are as follows:

• FIT visa (Foreign Individual Traveller)
This visa is issued by the Myanmar embassy or consulate. An invitation letter is not required and it usually takes 3-5 working days to issue this visa.

• Package Tour visa
This visa is issued by the Myanmar embassy or consulate and is only given if Gold Backed has sent a letter of invitation. Usually it takes 3-5 days to issue the visa. Upon arrival at the airport in Yangon you are not required to change US Dollars into FECs. With the confirmation of your booking Gold Backed will send an authorization letter to the embassy. Gold Backed need the full names, passport numbers, nationality and name of the Myanmar Embassy where the visa is to be collected. One copy of the authorization letter is sent to the embassy and another to the client by fax or e-mail.
If the country you are living doesn’t have a Myanmar Embassy you can either send your application to the closest country with a Myanmar Embassy or ask Gold Backed to arrange a visa upon arrival. Detailed passport information (a copy of the first four pages of each passport) should be faxed to us. Gold Backed can take care of the procedures and upon arrival you will get your visa stamped in your passport and pay the visa fees. It is important to remember to bring 3 passport pictures. Please note that we need at least 2 weeks for visa on arrival arrangements and this service is only available for citizens of countries where there is no Myanmar Embassy.

(c) Weather & Climate
Myanmar enjoys a tropical climate.
1. Hot Season - March to May with average temperature 30-35 C.
2. Rainy Season - June to September with average temperature 25- 30 C.
3. Cool Season - October to February with average temperature 20- 24 C.
Cool season is the best time to visit Myanmar.

(d) Local Time in Myanmar

0070 hrs on Monday	GMT + 6 .5	Yangon
0030 hrs on Monday	GMT + 0	London
0730 hrs on Monday	GMT + 7	Bangkok
0830 hrs on Monday	GMT + 8	Hong Kong
1030 hrs on Monday	GMT+10	Sydney
0130 hrs on Monday	GMT+1	Paris
1930 hrs on Sunday	GMT-5	New York

(e) Customs
At the port of entry all foreign currencies and cameras must be declared to a custom officer. Export of antiques and archaeological objects is prohibited.

(f) Currency & Credit Card
Visitors are advised to change their foreign currencies only at authorized moneychangers in banks, airports and hotels. You can use credit card in major hotels only. The use of credit card is very limited in Myanmar. American dollars are used widely & nobody here used “ euro”. So, it is advisable to change your “ euros” to “US $”. Every incoming tourist can bring in US $ 2000 in hard currency on arrival to Myanmar.

(g) Where to Stay
Visitors have a choice of accommodation from Budget Class Guest House to Deluxe Hotels. There are 513 hotels and guesthouses all over the country. Room rates vary according to location, facilities, standard and service.

(h) Travel & Tour
Licensed travel agencies can arrange for travel and tours to the tourist destinations. Travel to certain areas in Myanmar is restricted.

(i) Entrance Fees
Entrance fees are collected at the famous pagodas, temples, monasteries, museums, old palaces and archaeological zones. Tickets offices are at the sites.

(j) Tour Guide
Visitors are advised to avoid touts and use the services of licensed guides available at the licensed travel agencies.

(k) Shopping
You are advised to buy gems, jewelleries and silverware at the authorized gem-shops where you will be given a voucher with a permit for Export. Visitors are required to ignore touts who may approach you for offering guide services, for exchanging foreign currency into local currency or for selling gems of a doubtful nature. The offer may appear to be attractive but you could get into trouble and spoil your visit.

(l) Duty Free Allowance
Duty free allowance is two bottles of liquor, two cartons of cigarettes, 100 cigars and half a litre of perfume.

(m) Health
No inoculations or vaccinations are required unless coming from or passing through an infected area.

(n) Voltage
220-230 Volts A.C

(o) Telecommunication
IDD telephones and fax facilities are available in most hotels.

(p) Religion
Theravada Buddhism is the predominant, with 80% of the people embracing it. Christianity, Islam and Hinduism are also practiced among the minority.
If you prefer you can join meditation groups. Many foreigners are trying meditation. They claimed that it made them more decisive in their corporate management day-to-day decision-making. Why don’t you give it a try?

(1) Chan Myae Yeik Thar Kyaung
     55 A, Kaba Aye Pagoda Rd, Yangon
     Ph. 951- 661479

(2) International Maha Si
     Near Nawaday Cinema Hall, Yangon
     Ph. 951- 664762

(3) International Meditation Center
     31 A, Ground Fl. Inya Myaing Road,
     Shwe Taung Gyar Ward (1), Yangon
     Ph. 951- 531549

(4) Maha Si Sasana Yeik Thar
     9 mile, Mayangone, Yangon
     Ph. 951-661167

(5) Mogok Meditation Centre
     82, Ground Fl., Nat Mauk St.
     Bo Cho Ward (1), Bahan, Yangon
     Ph. 951- 541860

(6) Mogok Vipasana Yeik Thar
     82, Nat Mauk St. Bahan, Yangon
     Ph. 951-541860

(7) Myittar Aye Maha Si Sasana Yeik Thar
     San Pya 5th St.
     Sanpya Si Man Kein Ward, Thinganjune, Yangon
     Ph. 951-572116

(8) Nyaung Kan Aye Kwin Kyaung Sasana Yeik Thar
     Aung Tha Pyay St. Kyee Pwar Yay Ward, Thinganjune, Yangon

(9) Nyaung Kan Aye Sasana Yeik Thar
     16, Yangon- Insein Road, Insein
     Ph. 951-642219

(10) Nyaung Kan Aye Shwe Pyi Yeik Thar
       6, Aye Yar Waddy Patt St. Pabedan, Yangon

(11) Shwe Minn Wun Sasana Yeik Thar
       70, Kaba Aye Pagoda Rd. Shwe Gone Daing (Mid) ward
       Ph. 951-572876

(q) Language Capabilities
Myanmar is mother tongue but English is widely understood. Myanmar was a British colony for 100 years & most Myanmars speak English. The local guides & tourism community staff are fluent in English. You can also get the services of guides who are fluent in German, French, Italian, Chinese, Japanese & Indian.

(r) Food
The basic Myanmar Food is mainly rice and curry. Mohinga, rice noodles with fish gravy: and Ohn –No- Khaukswe, noodles with coconut and chicken curry, are popular Myanmar dishes for breakfast and light meals. Myanmar is also a country of seafood. Crabs, prawns, lobsters and other shellfish are among the popular dishes available at most Myanmar and Chinese restaurants in Yangon and in other parts of the country. Other Asian foods include Thai, Vietnamese, Japanese, Korean and Singapore-style. European food is served mostly at the hotels and there are a couple of restaurants in Yangon serving Italian food.
Myanmar is a country of teashops and there are several fast food centres and snack bars in Yangon and Mandalay.
Myanmar has a variety of vegetables and fruits, both tropical and citrus all year round or seasonally. The most common ones are avocado, banana, durian, jackfruit, grapefruit, grapes, mango, mangosteen, orange, papaya, pomelo, pineapple, watermelon and Washington navel.

(s) Three Domestic Airlines
Named Air Mandalay, Yangon Airways and Myanmar Airways International are operating domestic air route.

(t) Flight Connections
There are two direct flights daily from Singapore & Bangkok to Yangon. Many airlines (e.g Thai Airways) fly into Bangkok from London, Copenhagen, Stockholm, Geneva, Frankfurt, Berlin, Paris, Rome & Madrid. Singapore Airlines ( Silk Air ) flies direct to Singapore from London, Copenhagen, Stockholm, Geneva, Frankfurt, Berlin, Paris, Rome & Madrid. Currently, the following ( 11 ) airlines connect Myanmar ( Yangon ) to various countries with a two way traffic.

Myanmar Airways International ( 8M )
Thai Airway International ( TG )
Air China ( CA )
Indian Airlines ( IC )
Malaysia Airlines ( MH )
Biman-Bangladesh ( BG )
Mandarin Airline ( AE )
Silk Air ( MI )
Air mandalay ( 6T )
Eva Air ( BR ) &
China Yunan Airlines

Gold Backed T&T is able an authorized travel agency and should an international tourist and foreign traveler are desirous to make a tour in the restricted area, Gold Backed T&T can arrange the tour after getting prior permission from the authority concerned.

* Provided a tourist wants to stay more, we can make a visa extension of two weeks.
* Our tour tariff is more attractive comparing to other travel agency.
* We can provide prompt emergency assistance should it is needed.
* We can give full guarantee to the satisfaction of our clients.

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Package Tours are exempted from this requirement. But may exchanges sufficient money to cover personal expenses. U.S $ or F.E.C is mostly required at Hotel, Travel Agents, Entrance Fees to edifices & monuments etc. Only leading hotel would accept American Express, Visa Or Master Card. Credit Cards could be exchanged into F.E.C at the Myanmar Foreign Trade Bank in Yangon.
The following travelers' cheque is accepted at exchange Counters Hotels.

1. Master Card Travelers' Cheque.
2. American Express Travelers' Cheque.
3. Bank of Tokyo Travelers' Cheque.
4. CITI Corp. Travelers' Cheque.
5. Visa Travelers' Cheque.
6. Bank Of American Travelers' Cheque.
7. National Westminster Bank Ltd. Travelers' Cheque.
8. First National CITI Bank Travelers' Cheque.
9. Swiss Bankers Travelers' Cheque.
10. Commonwealth Bank of Australia Travelers' Cheque.

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*AIR PORT TAX

The departure tax for international flights is U.S $ 10 per head payable either in U.S $ . Domestic flights are tax-free.

*ADMISSION / ENTRANCE FEES ( US $ PER HEAD)

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*GENERAL BOOKING CONDITIONS

Except as otherwise expressly agreed, TRAVELS MYANMAR SERVICES and its client (or "Client") and/or Agent (or "Agent") agree that the terms and conditions for the services rendered by TRAVELS MYANMAR SERVICES to the Client, whether on an individual or a tour basis (or the "Services") shall be governed by the General Booking Conditions set out below and that the said General Booking Conditions shall form an entire part of the service contract, whether verbal or written, entered into between TRAVELS MYANMAR SERVICES and the Client/Agent:

*VALIDITY

All prices quoted to the Client/Agent are on a net basis and in United States Dollars and valid according to the date specified on the TRAVELS MYANMAR SERVICES printed tariffs and/or quotation and/or invoice issued to the Client/Agent. TRAVELS MYANMAR SERVICES  warrants that the prices or rates quoted to the Client/Agent are correct at the time of issuance of the Client's/Agent's quotation and/or invoice but are subject to change in line with market, tax or currency fluctuation, with or without prior notice.

*RESERVATION & CONFIRMATION

Reservations are to be made to our office or to our appointed General Sales Agent. Upon confirmation of a reservation, a 30% (thirty per cent) deposit is requested, and the total package tour price for the Services should be paid at least 30 days (thirty days) prior to client's arrival in Myanmar or starting date of the tour, or otherwise TRAVELS MYANMAR SERVICES may at their sole discretion cancel the bookings without any refund of sums already paid to TRAVELS MYANMAR SERVICES  by the Client/Agent.
TRAVELS MYANMAR SERVICES also reserves the right to change any arrangement (including tours, programmes, prices and services) in the best interest of its Client/Agent, with or without prior notice.
Payment
Except as otherwise agreed by TRAVELS MYANMAR SERVICES, Client's payment shall be executed by cash or credit card or travellers cheques. Except for cash payment, service charge may apply. The Client/Agent is responsible for any bank charges relating to bank transfers. In cases credit facilities have been agreed with the Client/Agent, payment shall be executed by swift, telegraphic transfer or bank draft to the following bank account:

*CANCELLATION

Save for the case where a Client/Agent loses its deposit as mentioned above, charges for cancellation of bookings are not levied by TRAVELS MYANMAR SERVICES but if hotels, carriers and other contractors apply charges for cancellation, the Client/Agent shall be liable to pay those charges to TRAVELS MYANMAR SERVICES or to the concerned parties directly as the case may be.

*VOUCHERS

Agent's Vouchers are to be issued for all booking arrangements. A copy of the Client's itinerary should be enclosed with the voucher and should reach TRAVELS MYANMAR SERVICES at least ten days prior to the Client's arrival or beginning of the arrangements booked. Vouchers are to be issued by TRAVELS MYANMAR SERVICES for all booking arrangements. A copy of the Client's itinerary should be enclosed with the voucher and should reach the Client on their arrival or beginning of the arrangements booked.

*LIABILITY

TRAVELS MYANMAR SERVICES shall always do its utmost to provide the Services to the best of its capacity and upon the satisfaction of the Client. It is the understanding of the Parties that TRAVELS MYANMAR SERVICES acts as an intermediary between the Client/Agent and airlines, hotels, transport operators, local tourist offices and other contractors providing the Services to the Client. TRAVELS MYANMAR SERVICES shall in no event be liable to the Client/Agent, by reason of breach of Services or unsatisfactory Services provided to the Client by third parties or by way of indemnity or in tort or otherwise, for any loss, injury, damage, delay, change in schedule or other adverse events which are beyond the control of TRAVELS MYANMAR SERVICES and/or sustained by an act or default of any person or company providing the Services to the Client. The Client/Agent warrants that TRAVELS MYANMAR SERVICES shall not be responsible and/or liable for additional expenses and/or damages incurred due to any delay, accidents, natural disaster, political action or unrest.

*CLAIMS

All disputes, claims and litigation regarding the Services shall first be settled by way of negotiation and mutual understanding. In the event such negotiation and mutual understanding would fail, the disputes, claim or litigation shall be finally settled by arbitration of the Union of Myanmar. All claims must be submitted in writing within 30 days after the end of the Services.

*RESPONSIBILITY

TRAVELS MYANMAR SERVICES reserves the right to substitute hotel and means of transportation of the tour if such changes as may be necessary due to circumstances.
TRAVELS MYANMAR SERVICES acts only as an agent for the passenger in regard to travel whether by railroad, motorcar, motor coach, boat, plane or any other means of transport.
TRAVELS MYANMAR SERVICES will not be liable for any personal injury, property loss or other damage to any tour member sustained on the tour or otherwise. The acceptance of the initial service to be provided under the tour shall be considered an acceptance by the tour member of these conditions.

*TERMS OF PAYMENT

Full payment to be made (30) days before the commencement of tour.

*CANCELLATION

No Cancellation Fees - If cancelled 25 days before the commencement of tour.
10 % Cancellation Fees - If cancelled within 25 - 15days
25 % Cancellation Fees - If cancelled within 14 - 10days
100 % Cancellation Fees - If cancelled within 09 days

*COMMUNICATION

TELEPHONE & FAX: Overseas call can be patiently made through operators. IDD phone can be available at some telephone offices, companies and hotels.
E-MAIL: E-mail can be available at companies and hotels. Email available at hotels & companies. Now we have email & internet access at Cyber Cafes also. Dial up internet in Yangon & broadband internet in Yangon, Mandalay & other remote areas with IP Star satellite System.

*POST & TELECOMMUNICATION

Central Post Office, corner of Bo Aung Kyaw Street and Stand Road, Open 9:30 am to 4:30 pm. Make international calls, send telexes and faxes at the Central Telegraph Office, 125 Pansodan Street, Yangon.
DIALING OUT CODE:00

*MEDIA

Radio Myanmar
Radio Myanmar is on the air in English from 8:30 hours to 9:00 hours in the morning, 13:30 hours to 15:00hours in the afternoon and 21:00 hours to 22:30 hours in the evening. Now we have MRTV 3 channel for tourist & City FM radio from 7 am to 9 pm daily.

Myanmar Radio & Television (MRTV)
TV Myanmar with NTSC System, TV Program start from 16:00 hours to mid-night and Satellite News at 20:45 hours in the evening. On every Saturday and Sunday, TV Myanmar starts from 08:30 hours to 09:30 hours. In the afternoon from 12:00 hours 14:30 hours.

Myawaddy TV
This TV Station transmits every day 07:00 hours to 08:20 hours in the morning and 16:00 hours in the evening to mid-night.

Satellite TV
CNN, CNBC, BBC, STAR, TV5, CCTV, SITV, etc.

Newspapers
The New Light of Myanmar is the only newspaper in English. Four Newspaper in Myanmar- "Myanma Alin", "Kyemon" (the Mirror), “Myodaw” (evening tabloid in Myanmar) and "Yandanabon" (in Mandalay).

*GAZETTED HOLIDAY (Offical Holidays)

NOTE: Hindu Dipavali, Islam Idd,. Other sectarian and bank Holidays allowed under Government Notification according to their respective Calendars.

*TIPPING

Tipping is a common practice even when service charge is show on bill. Bargaining is essential when shopping on the street.

Miscellaneous ( Markets/ Festivals/ Beach)