Kyat (MMK) = 100 pyas. Notes are in denominations of MMK1,000, 500, 200, 100 and 90 pyas. Coins are in denominations of MMK1, and 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1 pyas. MMK100,000 is known as a lakh, and MMK10 million as a crore. Kyat is pronounced like the English word ‘chat’. To combat the black market and limit the financial power of dissident groups, currency denominations are occasionally declared invalid without prior notice. Limited refunds are usually allowed for certain sectors of the population.

Note: The import and export of local currency is prohibited.

FECs, which are printed in China, are Myanmar’s second legal currency and are issued by the Bank of Myanmar specifically for visiting tourists. They come in denominations equivalent to US$20, 10, 5 and 1. Payment for FECs is only accepted in US Dollars. One US Dollar equals one FEC. FECs can be exchanged into Kyats at officially authorised banks, bureaux de change, hotels and Myanmar Travel and Tour offices and can be spent anywhere in the country. Cash payments can also be made in US Dollars, but only at establishments (eg hotels, railway stations, airlines) that have an official licence allowing them to accept dollars. Wherever possible, it is advisable to change US Dollars into Kyats rather than FECs, as FECs usually have a poorer exchange rate than Kyats. However, US Dollar traveller’s cheques can only be exchanged into FECs and not directly into Kyats unlike US Dollar cash. It is also recommended to carry small change as large notes may be difficult to change. Euros are now also accepted in all banks and currency exchange bureaux.

It is unlikely that credit or debit cards will be accepted; it is best to check with your card company prior to travel. There are no ATMs.

Accepted, although probably not by all establishments. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take traveller’s cheques in US Dollars or Pounds Sterling.

Mon-Fri 1000-1400.

Date	Apr 07
£1.00 =	MMK12.69
$1.00 =	MMK6.42
Eur;1.00=	MMK8.59

The following goods may be taken into Myanmar by persons over 17 years of age without incurring customs duty:

• 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g tobacco.
• 1l of alcohol.
• 0.5l of perfume or eau de cologne.

Note: Jewellery, electrical goods and cameras must be declared; failure to do so may result in visitors being refused permission to export it on departure. Video cameras will be held in safe custody at the airport and will be returned on departure.

Playing cards, gambling equipment, antiques, archaeological items and pornography are prohibited.

All gems, jewellery and silverware purchased from authorised shops can be taken out of the country.