Tour Mandalay
offers travellers some helpful ideas and suggestions when
planning your trip to Myanmar. If there is specific information
you require please contact our office and we will make every
effort to assist you.
ACCOMMODATION AND MEALS
Please note that Tour Mandalay reserves the
right to substitute a hotel or restaurant of similar standard
should the situation require it. Please also note that
first-class international accommodation may not be available in
some Myanmar destinations. When travelling to the more remote
areas of Myanmar we will always arrange the best accommodation
available in each location.
AIRPORT TAX
Any passengers departing Myanmar on international
flights will need to pay a departure tax at the prevailing rate.
As of March 2006 the fee is US$ 10.00 per person.
CANCELLATION FEES & REFUNDS
Tour Mandalay understands that cancellations are
a part of the travel business. So we try to be as flexible as
possible with our policy. Company operation and communication
costs and direct charges which may be levied by our local
providers such as hotels, airlines, etc. Will normally be
charged to the client. We will always try to minimize any
cancellation fees to all our clients. We do recommend that our
clients carry adequate travel insurance which cover costs in
case a cancellation charge is required.
During peak season travel times and for certain size
groups there may be special cancellation fees so please inquire
when booking.
After commencement of travel no refund either in full
or in part, will be given for unused services included in the
program unless it is directly caused by Tour Mandalay.
CHILD DISCOUNT
One child under 12 years old is generally granted a
reduction of 50% of the tour price, provided that he/she is
accompanied by at least two full-paying adults and stays in the
same room in an existing bed. Please check with Tour Mandalay
when making your reservations.
CLIMATE & WEATHER
Myanmar has three seasons.
-
Cool Season - October through February
with average temperatures 20-24 C
-
Hot Season - March through May
with average temperatures 30-35 C
-
Wet Season - June through September
with average temperatures 25-30 C
Myanmar can be
visited all year round regardless of the seasons. Even during
the wet season, Yangon normally receives morning and afternoon
showers while rainfall in Bagan and Mandalay is very low. The
weather around Inle Lake and Southern Shan State is usually
quite pleasant all year round but cold at night from December to
February,
COMPLIMENTARY POLICY
The 16th member of a group will be complimentary on
half twin basis subject to a maximum limit of two members.
CREDIT CARDS
Presently credit cards are not generally accepted in
Myanmar so you should carry sufficient cash to cover your
incountry expenses. Please check with our office if you need
updated information before your arrival. Banks are closed on
Saturdays, Sundays and all public holidays.
CURRENCY
We recommend visitors to bring US Dollars cash (small
denomination notes). US Dollars are widely accepted throughout
Myanmar and are easily exchangeable for the local Kyat currency.
TRAVELLER CHEQUES
Traveller Cheques are not accepted at present.
DEPOSITS & PAYMENTS
Upon confirmation of a reservation Tour Mandalay
will usually require a deposit to secure all travel services.
When booking please enquire. Normally the balance of the tour
price should be paid at least 30 days in advance unless other
arrangements are agreed when booking is confirmed. For special
groups or for services during certain peak periods normal
deposit fees may be increased by our Providers. Please inquire
upon booking.
DOMESTIC AIRLINES & FLIGHTS
Air Bagan, Air Mandalay and Yangon
Airways are privately operated airlines flying throughout
Myanmar. There is a 20 Kilo limit for baggage per person and
excess baggage fees may be charged. We suggest you leave items
not needed upcountry in Yangon and collect them upon your
return.
DRINKING WATER
Only drink purified bottle water. Bottled water is
readily available and some hotels provide complimentary. Carry a
bottle with you throughout the day. Tour Mandalay
manufactures our own “Eau Minerale Mandalay” purified
water produced at our own bottling plants in Yangon, Bagan,
Mandalay and Shan State. We supply many of the leading hotels
throughout Myanmar as well as offering free bottled water
throughout Tour Mandalay tours to all our clients.
DUTY FREE ALLOWANCE
Two bottles of liquor, two cartons of cigarettes or 100
cigars and half litre of perfume are allowed per person. Yangon
Airport arrival hall has a selection of duty free shops with a
full range of items at a good price.
GRATUITIES & TIPPING
Myanmars are genuinely happy to
help foreign visitors and don’t expect anything in return. But
if your guide or any other person during your trip was
especially kind or helpful a gratuity would be a generous
gesture and greatly appreciated.
HEALTH
No inoculations or vaccinations are required unless
coming from or passing through an infected area. Clients should
bring sufficient medication with them if required and should
check for updated health recommendations before your departure
to Myanmar regarding hepatitis, malaria, typhoid, etc. Please
contact us if you would like detailed information on emergency
health services available.
IMMIGRATION & CUSTOMS FORMALITIES
Your valuables (jewelry, electronic equipment, etc.)
should be declared on your customs declaration form upon
arrival. Receipt of purchase and an export permit voucher for
locally bought goods such as gems and jewelry may be required
upon departure.
INSURANCE
We recommend all clients to obtain the necessary
personal baggage, medical and accident insurance before arrival.
All vehicles used by Tour Mandalay are insured in
accordance with local regulations. SOS Worldwide has a local
representative office in Yangon with a 24 hour on call service
for emergency evacuation and medical assistance.
LANGUAGE
The majority of the people speak Myanmar (Burmese) and English
is widely used.
LEFT LUGGAGE
Our office (or your Yangon Hotel - if you are returning
there) will be happy to store luggage or belongings which you do
not need to take upcountry.
MOBILE PHONES
Hand Phones or Mobile Telephones and Satellite phones
from other countries currently do not operate in Myanmar.
OPENING BORDERS
If you are also planning to travel through Northern
Thailand or Yunnan, China you must receive a visa to Myanmar
before arrival at the border. If you book a full package tour
with Tour Mandalay we may be able to arrange special
permission for your arrival either from the Thai border at Mae-Sai
into Myanmar at Tachilek or from the Chinese border town of
Ruili in Yunnan into Myanmar at Mu-se. Departing from Myanmar
through these border towns may also be arranged. Please contact
our office.
Next >>