The Ministry of Hotel and Tourism proposes the following Do's and Don'ts:

 

Speaking

• When addressing people, don’t leave out U (which stand for Mr.) or Daw (which stand for Ms./ Mrs.).

 

Eating and Health

• For hygiene reasons, eat only in decent restaurants. When not available, always eat heated food. Don’t eat food purchased from street vendors.
• Carry some medicines for diarrhea.
• If sick, don’t worry. All doctors are English literate.
• Health insurance is not available.

 

Shopping

• When buying gems, sculptures, or any expensive souvenir, make sure it comes with an export permit and must be authorized dealer.
• Myanmar currency should be exchanged at the official exchange counters and banks.

 

Safety

• Don’t leave expensive items in your room. Use safe deposit box.
• Beware of cheats, swindlers, imposters.

 

Driving

• International Driving Permit required which must be presented to the authorities to endorse or issue a Visitor license (* Note: While the streets are planned for driving on the left side, citizens are driving from the right side).

 

Religion

• At religious places, remove footwear, but to remove headwear is not necessary.
• Don’t touch sacred objects with disrespect. Hold them in your right- hand, or with both hands. (* Note: the acquisition or export of a statue of Buddha or even his head is prohibited).
• Leave a donation when possible.
• Don’t offer your hand to shake hands with a monk.

 

All instructions issued by the Ministry of Tourism and Hotels can be reviewed via the following link: http://www.dosanddontsfortourists.com/images/DOS%20AND%20DONTS%20FOR%20TOURISTS%20BOOKLET%20(Desktop).pdf