Road Travel Report: Union of Myanmar (Burma)

ROAD TRAVEL REPORT: UNION OF MYANMAR (BURMA)

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO…

The country is slowly recovering from the May 2-3, o Drivers must 2008 cyclone. Conditions have improved greatly in have Yangon and some other areas. The Irrawaddy Delta passengers region still lacks many basic necessities. Access to the check to see if Irrawaddy Delta is restricted access to authorized relief it is safe to workers. pass another Defensive driving is essential, due to poor road car. conditions, dangerous driver and pedestrian behaviors, o If the steering inadequate lighting and the diverse traffic mix, wheel is on including many pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists, the right, the bicycle rickshaws and animal-drawn carts, as well as bus doors are cars, buses and trucks. on the left, so Post-Nargis Cyclone recovery: Access to Ayeyarwady passengers (Irrawaddy) Delta is restricted except to authorized must board or relief workers. Roads in rural and remote areas may be disembark impassable. However, conditions are greatly improved using a traffic in Yangon (formerly Rangoon) and other areas. lane. About 80% of vehicles are imported from Japan or Hospital officials indicate that road crash fatalities and Thailand and have the steering wheel on the right. Such injuries statistics reported by police are much lower vehicles increase road crash risk in Myanmar, where than numbers of they people treat. driving is on the right. The problems this causes There are 13.73 fatalities per 10,000 vehicles in include: Myanmar compared to 2.0 in the United States and 1.5 in the United Kingdom.

ROAD REALITIES DRIVER BEHAVIORS Motorcycles account for about 68% of the vehicle fleet. Right of way is usually respected. Fatalities, injuries, permanent disabilities and property The most common factors in road crashes in Yangon damages resulting from road crashes consume about are driver’s ignorance of driving regulations, careless 3% of Myanmar’s annual GDP. pedestrians and reckless trishaw drivers. Vehicles are often in poor working condition. GENERAL ROAD CONDITIONS Requirements for vehicle registration and driver’s Most transport in Myanmar is by road. licenses are inadequately enforced. Roads in more remote areas are in very poor condition. Many drivers have no driver’s license. Most roads outside of Yangon (Rangoon) are 1- or 2- Many motorcycles are unregistered. Numbers of lane, potholed, unpaved and unlit. registered motorcycles jumped from 479, 275 to 945,058 through one campaign.

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The traffic mix includes many pedestrians, bicycles, 3- Mawlamyinegyun, Pyapon, Kyaiklatt and Dedaye. wheeled trishaw, animals and slow-moving vehicles. Recovery efforts are progressing slowly. Drive cautiously. Be especially alert for pedestrians. In Yangon Division, primary and secondary roads and Registered and unregistered motorcycles account for bridges suffered little damage. After the storm, however, about 43% of the vehicle fleet. main transport routes were severely damaged by heavy Motorcyclists are involved in about 22% of road crash goods vehicles, bringing in relief supplies to affected fatalities. areas. Security checkpoints are common outside of tourist In coastal areas, secondary roads, bridges, trails and areas. bamboo foot bridges were damaged. Four Asian Highways pass through Myanmar: AH1, AH Repair of major roads is almost complete. Repair of 2, AH.J, and AH14, linking the country with China, secondary and tertiary routes is ongoing. India, Thailand and other countries via Yangon’s port. Major roads open in border areas: About 40% of these highways need to be upgraded to a o Lashio-Muse road minimum standard. o Lashio-Hsipaw-Loilem-Kengtung road Three GMS (Greater Mekong Sub-region) Economic o Tachilek-Kengtung-Mongla road. Corridors run through Myanmar. These corridors link national roads in GMS member countries and make Flood control embankments in hardest hit areas are transportation of goods and people through the region being repaired or rebuilt. New and restored more efficient. embankments are 1.5 meters higher than previous embankments. Joining the GMS-Economic Cooperation Program (Greater Mekong Sub-Region) has accelerated Restoration of inland waterways and replacement of improvements on Myanmar’s arterial roads. ferries are progressing, but current transport capacity is inadequate in affected rural areas. Border crossings being upgraded: Key road projects on Ayeyawaddy Peninsula: Maubin to o Myawaddy – Mae Sot Mawgyun, Mawlamyinegyun to Pinzalu, Laputta to o Tachileik – Mae Sai Pinzalu, Bogalay to Katonkani and Laputta to Teikzun o Ruili – Muse roads. Much of Chin State is mountainous. Some mountain o Completed roads will have concrete surfaces and ranges are 5,000 feet or more. All main roads in the facilities to prevent damage in storms and high tides. state are paved. Over 1,000 miles of road have been o Some roads will be 20-30 feet above the surrounding constructed in recent years. Some remote areas have all- ground, creating a “dyke” to prevent future severe weather access to the national road network. floods. A drainage system lets water from inland Most roads on the Ayeyarwady (Irrawaddy) Delta are areas to escape to the sea. unpaved. Many villages are accessible by vehicle tracks o Completion of these road projects is expected in during the dry season. In the rainy season, all transport 2011. is by boat. The central lowlands are surrounded by high, rugged mountains.

CYCLONE NARGIS UPDATE: On May 2-3, 2008, tropical cyclone Nargis severely damaged the road network. Ayeyarwady and Yangon Divisions on the Ayeyarwady Delta were hardest hit. Heaviest damage on the Delta occurred in Labutta and Bogale, and there was substantial damage in Ngaputaw,

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URBAN TRAVEL Few streets have lighting. Be alert for rickshaws and other slow-moving vehicles Street vendors are common in most cities. traveling in the middle of the road or against the flow of traffic. These vehicles may be overloaded.

MANDALAY: CONDITIONS USEFUL INFORMATION Car taxis, trishaws and motorcycle taxis provide Taxis are available at taxi stands (specific locations where taxis wait transport. Many residents use trishaws or for passengers.) motorcycle taxis. Using them is not recommended Mandalay International Airport, 35 km south of the city in Tada-U. due to higher road risk. The trip to the city takes about 1 hour.

MEIKTILA: CONDITIONS USEFUL INFORMATION Located near Naypyidaw, the city includes Shante Air Base, Myanmar’s main air force facility. An express train links the city with Naypyidaw.

MAWLAMYINE: CONDITIONS USEFUL INFORMATION Seikah (also known as pedal cabs or three-wheeled The city is also known as Mawlamyaing (formerly called rickshaws) and motorcycle taxis provide transport. Moulmein). Traveling by seikah or motorcycle taxi is not Thanlwin bridge in Mawlamyine links Myanmar’s southeastern recommended due to higher road risk. region with Yangon. o Most drivers do not speak English. When The main bus terminal is near the train station in the Myay Ni possible, have your destination printed in Gone quarter, about 3 km from city center. Buses, passenger Myanmar script on a card. pickups, pedal cabs and motorcycle taxi provides transport to o Seikah provide transport, usually over short city center. distances (2-3 km). A seikah has two seats, back There is regular bus service to Yangon. to back. Agree on fare before departing. o Agree on fare before departing. A helmet is required between 8:30am and 5pm. If the driver does not have a helmet for you to use, wait for another taxi.

NAYPYIDAW: CONDITIONS USEFUL INFORMATION There are few vehicles. Traffic is not congested. The capital of Myanmar. The main road to the city (Yangon-Naypyidaw Road) Cell phone service is not available. is 2-lane and heavily potholed. Train service is improving. Many roads are under construction. There is no international airport. Military leaders utilize a small Completed streets are wide and straight. local airport. Other travelers must come by road. There are few traffic lights and no street vendors. Photographing anything in the city is illegal.

PYIN OO LWIN: CONDITIONS USEFUL INFORMATION Many of the country’s military facilities are in the city. Anikasan Airport, in Anikasan, a city just outside of Pyin Oo Lwin. Photographing anything is illegal.

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TAUNGGYI: CONDITIONS USEFUL INFORMATION The road to the city is narrow, steep and winding with Capital of Shan State. The city rests at an elevation of about 4,500 many sharp, hairpin turns. Construction of a second feet on a small plain on the side of a mountain. The plain is road for traffic descending the mountain has about 4 miles long and one mile wide. reduced road risk on this dangerous road.

YANGON (RANGOON): CONDITIONS USEFUL INFORMATION The number of vehicles on the roads is increasing The names of many streets and parks were changed after Myanmar rapidly. gained independence. Many people have rejected these changes, Traffic congestion is increasing, partly due to large so getting directions can be very confusing. numbers of illegally imported, unregistered cars. Trishaws, bicycles and motorcycles are illegal in the city. Even main roads are often in poor condition. Many residents must rely on public transport. Available public Lighting is poor. transport is inadequate. There are frequent power outages.Traffic jams quickly Several private and public bus companies provide transport in develop when traffic lights stop working. Yangon. Buses are often crowded. o Recently, solar powered traffic lights were Most inter-city buses operate out of Aung Mingalar Terminal, installed at a few intersections. which is outside the city. Some of Yangon’s satellite towns are being rapidly Yangon Central Railway Station is the main train station. developed, while others lack good roads or basic city o Trains provide transport to cities throughout Myanmar. services, such as trash pick-up or 24-hour electricity. o Commuter rail service is available to the city’s satellite towns. Cyclone Nargis caused heavy damage in many sections Trains are old and often overcrowded in rush hour. of the city. Repairs are underway. Yangon International Airport, in Mingaladon, about 20 km (13 miles) north of city center. Confirm your flight, as flights may be canceled any time. o Taxis provide transport. Airport taxis accept US dollars. o Buses provide transport to city center. o Inter-city buses have routes to main cities in other states. o Rental cars are available. Fares include a driver and fuel.

RURAL TRAVEL Most drivers do not turn on headlights until it is Few roads in remote areas are paved. completely dark. Many drivers never use headlights. Bicycles often lack lights and reflectors. Roads to villages may be impassable during heavy rains. In Yangon, traffic levels are three times higher in the Mountainous roads are very hazardous during heavy rains. Landslides may close roads. Allow extra time to day than at night. However, the road crash risk is 70% reach your destination. higher at night than during the day. Roads in mountainous areas are often narrow, winding and steep. Blind curves are common. Guardrails are PEDESTRIAN TRAVEL often lacking. Many smaller towns are easily toured on foot. There are few school buses. Be alert for children NIGHT TRAVEL walking to or from school, especially in areas where there are no sidewalks. Driving is particularly dangerous at night. There are few pedestrian crosswalks or lights.

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Use caution when crossing streets, as drivers often fail Many drivers may drive under the influence of alcohol to yield to pedestrians. or drugs during the Buddhist water festival in mid- Pedestrians account for about 11% of road crash April. fatalities. Public holidays in 2008: Jan. 4th, Independence Day; th nd st About 50% of road crashes in Yangon involve reckless Feb. 12 , Union Day; Mar. 2 , Peasant’s Day; Mar. 21 , th behavior of pedestrians while crossing or walking along Full moon day of Tabaung; Mar. 27 , Armed Forces th roads. Day; April 12-16 , Thingyan Festival (Water Festival); April 17th, Myanmar New year Day; May 1st, May Day Pedestrians frequently jaywalk. (Workers’ Day); May 19th, Full moon day of Kason; July Some pedestrians involved in road crashes were 17th, Beginning of Buddhist Lent; July 17th, Full moon walking while under the influence of alcohol. day of Waso; July 19th, Martyrs’ Day; Oct. 14th, End of Buddhist Lent (Thadingyut Festival of Lights); Nov. SEASONAL TRAVEL 12th, Tazaungdaing Festival of Lights; Nov. 22nd, th th During the rainy season, Floods are common during National Day; Dec. 25 Christmas Day; Dec. 27 , Kayin the mid-monsoon season (June to August), especially in New Year Day. the Chindwin, Ayeyarwady, Thanlwin and Sittaung river basins. In the Ayeyarwady Delta, extended periods POLICE ENFORCEMENT of flooding are possible if heavy rains occur when tides Enforcement of traffic laws is inadequate. are high. Storm surge can increase flooding along rivers Police are understaffed and have insufficient that empty into the sea, especially during high tides. equipment. The rainy season lasts for 6 months. Many roads are Load restrictions on heavy goods vehicles are poorly impassable during heavy rains. Travel is slow and enforced. difficult in mountainous areas. Landslides may close roads during heavy rains. Yangon police have increased the number of police patrolling the streets at night in an effort to reduce the During the Southwest monsoon season (June to high numbers of nighttime road crashes. September), the weather is often hot and humid. Tropical monsoons may occur. Northwest monsoon season (December to April) is Myanmar’s winter. Milder temperatures, little rain and lower humidity are typical. Fires are common during the dry season. Fires are often caused using wood-burning stoves in dry thatch roof houses.

ROAD REGULATIONS Driving is on the right. However, many vehicles have part way through the intersection, you must stop and the steering wheel on the right. back up. Seat belts are not required. Vehicles seldom have seat Military convoys and motorcades always have belts. For increased safety, use a seatbelt when it is precedence. available. Road crashes are generally settled on the spot. The Child safety seats are not available. When needed, bring party at fault must pay for damages. one with you. Road crashes requiring an investigation are settled There are no laws regarding the maximum blood quickly, but rarely result in criminal charges. However, a alcohol level. motorist involved in a road crash with a pedestrian, is Driving through a yellow light is illegal. Even if you are always considered at fault and is subject to fines and arrest, regardless of the circumstances.

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ROAD WATCH ROAD INFORMATION

ROAD CONDITIONS & USEFUL INFORMATION

MAIN ROAD FROM YANGON TO A paved road; the main trading route between Myanmar and Thailand. Traffic THAILAND BORDER includes many trucks. There are no service areas for purchasing diesel fuel. Due to a ceasefire between Myanmar’s government and the Ethnic groups, security is not an issue. Check with U.S. Embassy for current security conditions. Conditions along the route: o 1st section from Yangon: Terrain is flat; road conditions, poor. o 2nd section through the Highlands: road conditions are fair. o 3rd section from the Highlands to Thai border: road conditions are fair.

AYEYARWADY DELTA Cyclone Naris (May 08) caused minimal damage to roads and bridges. However, YANGON DIVISION some main roads were heavily damaged by large numbers of heavy goods vehicles, transporting relief supplies to affected areas of the Delta. Road conditions will likely continue to decline, due to poor enforcement of truck load restrictions and the coming rainy season.

AYEYARWADY DELTA A paved road; 6-meter wide. The main road between Yangon and Pathien. YANGON TO PATHEIN NATIONAL HIGHWAY

AYEYARWADY DELTA Most main roads are 3-4 meters wide and have a water bound macadam surface MAIN ROADS (a road surface made of crushed stone, cemented together with a mixture of stone dust and water). Most were in fair condition prior to Cyclone Nargis.

AYEYARWADY DELTA Most roads, even those leading to township capitals, are unpaved. Many lack ROADS IN REMOTE RURAL AREAS AND bridges. Most villages are accessible by vehicle tracks in the dry season. Tracts COASTAL AREAS are impassable in the rainy season. The region’s inland water transport network is heavily used both for passengers and freight. This network was heavily damaged by Cyclone Nargis, but has been partially restored.

AYEYARWADY DELTA Vehicle tracks to the capitals of Mawlamyinegyun and Ngapudaw Townships. MAWLAMYINEGYUN AND NGAPUDAW The tracks are not linked to main road network. The cities rely on water TOWNSHIPS transport.

AYEYARWADY DELTA A 2-lane paved road, with many potholes. Road mix includes ox-carts. Travel YANGON- NAYPYIDAW ROAD time to Naypyidaw is 8-10 hours. The road intersects with a modern 8-lane highway to a nearby military complex.

AYEYARWADY DELTA The road has been upgraded. The trip between the cities takes only 1 hour now. PYIN OO LWIN TO MANDALAY ROAD

AYEYARWADY DELTA The road is being upgraded. NAYPYIDAW TO MEIKTILA ROAD

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ROAD CONDITIONS & USEFUL INFORMATION

MON STATE Road has been upgraded. SITTAUNG TO MOTTAMA ROAD

SHAN STATE Narrow, steep, winding, mountainous road with many sharp, hairpin turns. A ROAD TO TAUNGGYI second road was built for descending traffic.

CHIN STATE A main road that has been widened and paved. HAKA-GANTGAW ROAD

CHIN STATE A main road that has been widened and paved. HAKA-MATUPI ROAD

CHIN STATE A main road that is being widened and paved. Upgrades are complete on Bar KALAY-FALAM-HAKA ROAD Bridge on this route.

CHIN STATE A main road that is being widened and paved. Before the road was upgraded, MINDAT-MATUPI ROAD traveling from Mindat to Matupi took almost 5 days. Now it takes about 6 hours.

CHIN STATE Has been upgraded. MINDAT-KYAUKHTU-PAUK ROAD

CHIN STATE Has been upgraded. MINDAT- PAKOKKU IN MAGWAY DIVISION

KACHIN STATE Some sections are mountainous areas, while others pass through swampy LEDO ROAD valleys. There are few service stations or tourists facilities. Built by Allied forces in World War II, the road links Ledo in northeastern India’s Assam Province to Bhamo in Myanmar’s Kachin State

SHAN STATE Many sections are mountainous. Links Bhamo, Namkham, Kyaukme, Hsipaw, OLD BURMA ROAD Lashio, Kutkai and Muse. From Muse, it crosses the Chinese border near the city of Mong Yu. China has upgraded the road from Mong Yu to Kunming in Yunnan Province. The section from Lashio to Muse is part of Asian Highway 14. The road was built by Allied forces in World War II.

GREATER MEKONG SUB-REGION In Myanmar, the R3 links Tachileik, Kyaington and Mongla This section of the NORTH-SOUTH ECONOMIC CORRIDOR R3 is part of the ASIAN Highway network and the GMS North–South Economic Corridor. R3: CHAING RAI TO KUNMING ROAD, The Mongla to Kyaington section has been upgraded to a 2-lane bituminous LINKS THAILAND, MYANMAR, LAOS AND road. Sections through some mountainous areas have curves that are too sharp CHINA or gradients to steep to meet international standards.

The Kyaington to Tachileik section has been paved and upgraded to ASEAN road class III standard. The road is paved. From Tachileik, the road continues to Jinghong and Kunming in China. A second Friendship Bridge across the Maesai River is open. The bridge links Tachileik to Maesai, Thailand. Border crossing facilities have also been upgraded. The road continues to Chaing Rai and Bangkok in Thailand.

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ROAD CONDITIONS & USEFUL INFORMATION

GREATER MEKONG SUB-REGION In Myanmar, the R4 links Lashio and Muse. The road is part of ASIAN Highway NORTH-SOUTH ECONOMIC CORRIDOR 14 (AH 14). The road has been paved and upgraded to ASEAN road class III standard. R4 KUNMING-LASHIO ROAD, LINKING CHINA AND MYANMAR

GREATER MEKONG SUB-REGION Lashio to Thibaw is 2-lane and paved. This section is part of major trade route. NORTH-SOUTH ECONOMIC CORRIDOR Traffic levels are high. Thibaw to Loilem is 1-lane and paved; traffic levels are very low. R7 LASHIO-LOILEM-KYAINGTON ROAD, Loilem and Kyaington is 1-lane and paved. The road is part of ASIAN Highway PART OF ASIAN HIGHWAY 14 2 (AH 2), a primary trade route between Thailand and Myanmar. Traffic levels are moderately high. The road is slowly being upgraded to 2-lane.

GREATER MEKONG SUB-REGION The road links Vietnam, southern Myanmar, central Laos and northern EAST-WEST ECONOMIC CORRIDOR Thailand. Road conditions are unpredictable, lighting is lacking and customs procedures are often lengthy. (MAWLAMYINE, MYANMAR TO DANANG, Section in Myanmar links Myawaddy, Thingan Nyinaung, Kawkareik and VIETNAM) Mawlamyine. Myawaddy-Thingan Nyinaung (Thingannyinaung) section upgraded in 2007. Construction of the Thingan Nyinaung-Kawkareik section in southeastern Kayin state began in April 2008. The Eindu to Mawlamyaing section has not been upgraded. The Myawady to Eindu Village section is part of ASIAN Highway 1 and of the India–Myanmar–Thai Trilateral Highway.

GREATER MEKONG SUB-REGION 992 km of the road are two-lane and paved, 520 km are one-lane and paved and WESTERN CORRIDOR (PART OF AH 1) 145 km are unpaved. Traffic jams are common on the Thmgannylnaung to Kawkareik section and LINKS MYAWADDY AND TAMU the Monywa to Kalewa section. Links Myawady (a city in Kayin State at the Myanmar-Thai border) with Tamu (a city in Sagaing Division near Myanmar-India border).

AH 2 807 km are 2-lane; paved. 444 km are 1-lane; paved. 120 km are unpaved. Links Tachilek, Kyaington, Meiktila, Mandalay and Tamu. Traffic jams are common on the Takaw and Kyaington section.

AH 3 5 km are 1-lane, paved. 88 km are unpaved. Links Mongla and Kyaington.

AH-14 A 453 km, 2-lane, paved road, linking Kunming in China’s Yunan Province to Muse at the China-Myanmar border. From Muse the road continues to Lashio and Mandalay.

ROAD RECOMMENDATIONS TRANSPORTATION OPTIONS Tourists pay higher fares, unless they bargain with the BUSES driver. Road Transport Enterprise, a government-owned Taxis can be hired for a day. Drivers will serve as guides. company, provides inter-city bus transport on many Tricycle rickshaws serve as taxis in most cities. Fares are routes. Service is undependable. Buses are often lower than fares for regular taxis. Not recommended uncomfortable. due to higher road risk. A few, privately owned, air-conditioned buses offer Horse-drawn carriages provide local transport in some service on some main routes. cities. Bus fares are reasonable. Long-distance buses often assign seats. Book at least a day ahead when possible. RENTAL CARS The ride is often rough due to poor road conditions. Rental fees are high. Self-drive vehicles are not available. Sitting near the front makes the ride less bumpy. Fee always includes a driver and fuel. Most commuters use buses, open trucks, Toyota Most rental cars are older models. “Traybacks” or taxis to get to work. Pickup trucks serve as minibuses in most areas of the TRAIN TRAVEL country. The rear of the truck has a canvas covering over two or three rows of seats. Some passengers stand Trains do not meet international standards. on the truck’s running boards and hold onto the truck’s Train schedules are often inconvenient. Many trains frame. The trucks leave when full. Trucks may be depart very early in the morning. overloaded. Fares are low. The ride may be rough and Trains connect Yangon with other cities in Myanmar. hot. Safety is a concern. Daily service is available to Mandalay. There are also Trucks may be the only transport option in more routes to Bagan and Inle Lake. remote areas. Rail and air travel networks in Yangon and the Buses and open trucks are often overloaded. surrounding region suffered little damage in Cyclone Buses are involved in about 50% of road crashes. Nargis. Bus drivers often race each other to get more passengers. AIR & WATER TRAVEL In Shan State, travel to other states is by bus. Buses Domestic air service is not up to U.S. standards. break down frequently. Road conditions are poor. Buy Myanmar Airways’ ticketing and registration system is ticket in advance to insure you do not have to ride inefficient; flights are often canceled or delayed. standing. Most large cities have at least a small airport. o Some privately-owned buses also provide transport Air or water transport may be the only options in areas in Shan State. Newer buses are generally in good where foreigners are not permitted to travel by land. condition and the ride is comfortable. Traveling by boat is slower than by road or air. Smaller o Routes tourists are permitted to use to reach other rivers may not be accessible by boat in the dry season. regions of Myanmar, are often limited. Tourists may Foreigners may only use Mandalay International have to fly to another state before continuing Airport when flying to cities in Shan State. overland. BICYCLES & MOTORCYCLES TAXIS Road conditions are not favorable for cyclists or Taxis are unmetered. Agree on fare before boarding. motorcyclists. Inter-city roads are often narrow, Many taxis are old and in poor mechanical condition. unpaved and heavily potholed. Many roads are Most taxis lack air conditioning and seatbelts. impassible in the rainy season.

Motorcyclists are required to wear helmets. Even when a region is not restricted, travel may be Rental bikes are available in most towns and villages. unsafe. Avoid areas near Myanmar’s borders with Thailand, India, China and Bangladesh, due the Motorcycles are banned in greater Yangon, except for presence of landmines in these areas. government, police or army use. Military clashes with rebel forces have occurred in Chin Motorcycles are more common in northern Myanmar, State and Sagaing Division near India and in Shan, especially in Mandalay. Mon, Kayah (Karenni), and Karen states near Myanmar’s border with Thailand. Thailand or CRIME & SECURITY Myanmar may close the border with little notice. Crime rates are lower than in many other countries in Myanmar’s government does not guarantee the safety of this region. However, reported crimes have increased in foreigners in the eastern Shan State, especially in Wa recent years. Special Region 2 (northeast Shan State). Foreigners are seldom targeted for violent crime. The U.S. Consular office is not always given prompt Carry your passport or photocopies of passport data notification of the arrest, detention or deportation of and visa pages. They provide evidence of your identity U.S. citizens. If arrested or detained, request to contact and U.S. citizenship, and travelers are required to show the U.S. Embassy immediately. Embassy personnel may them at all airports, train stations and hotels. not be able to respond quickly, especially outside Avoid even peaceful demonstrations, as the government Yangon, due to the difficulty of travel in Myanmar. has used considerable force to breakup these gatherings. Myanmar’s government may block consular officials’ access to American detainees. Travel to some areas may be restricted. To visit any of these areas, contact the Myanmar Travel and Tours Photographing anyone in military uniform, any office in Yangon (Number 77-91, Sule Pagoda Road, military installation considered a security interest, such Yangon). as bridges, airfields and government buildings or vehicles, can lead to arrest or confiscation of your camera and film. Avoid discussing or commenting on Myanmar politics.

EMERGENCY INFORMATION TOURIST ASSISTANCE Tourist facilities are well developed in Yangon, Bagan, Roadside assistance is not available. Ngapali Beach, Inle Lake, and Mandalay. In other areas, tourist facilities are limited. Assume that your actions and conversations are being closely monitored, especially when in a hotel, meeting Advanced permission is generally not required when with Burmese citizens or using a phone. going to main tourist areas, such as beaches. Telephone services are poor in major cities and non- Tourist information: Myanmar Travel and Tours existent in many other areas. Calling the U.S. is difficult (MTT), in No. 77, 91, Sule Pagoda Road, Yangon, and very expensive. Myanmar. Phone: 95-1-382243, 252859, fax: 95-1- 254417, email: [email protected]; website: The government closely monitors all internet use, including email. Internet access is very costly. All www.myanmartravelsandtours.com. There is a satellite internet service may be blocked by the government for office in Inle Lake. long periods of time. Make two photocopies of passports, airline tickets, visas and other important papers. Have the copies notarized. Limited email service is available at larger hotels. Most free email services such as Yahoo and Hotmail are Leave one set with friends or family. Carry the other set prohibited in Myanmar. Gmail (Google mail) can be with you. Store the original documents separately. used. Sending a photograph by email is very expensive—up to $2000 per photo.

CURRENCY RESTRICTIONS Bring an adequate supply of all required mediations. Travelers’ checks, ATM cards and credit cards can Most foreign medications are unavailable, except those seldom be used, due to a U.S. government ban on illegally imported into the country. Smuggled drugs are financial services to Burma. often counterfeit or adulterated and are not safe to use. Myanmar has no ATMs. Banks do not accept Traveler’s Care provided in private hospitals and clinics in Yangon Checks. Businesses do not accept credit cards. Take is below typical care provided in U.S. hospitals. Private enough cash to cover all expenses while traveling in hospitals or clinics in Yangon: Myanmar. o SOS (AEA) International Clinic, in Inya Lake Hotel Currency can only be exchanged at authorized Phone: 667871 or 667879. A Canadian doctor is locations (airports, banks and government stores). Do available on week days and for serious emergencies. not accept moneychangers offers to exchange currency o Asia Royal Clinic, No.14 Baho Road, Sanchaung. T/S for you. Phone: 511962, 510158 or 532802 Plane and train tickets and hotels can be paid only with o Sakura Medical Center, 23 Shin Saw Pu Road in U.S. dollars, other hard currency or Foreign Exchange Sanchaung Township. Phone: 511079, 510816, Certificates (FEC). Burmese kyats may be used for all 512668 other transactions. o Shwegondine Specialist Center, No.7 East U.S. citizens commonly run out of money while Shwegondine Road in Bahan Township. Phone: traveling in Myanmar, due to lack of access to cash or 544128, 541457, 542400 credit in the country. The Consular Office assists o Pun Hlaing International Hospital, at Pun Hlaing travelers’ friends or family to transfer money through Golf Estate Avenue in Hlaing Thayar Township. the Embassy to the traveler. Contact the Consular Phone: 684323, fax: 684324; email: Office personally if assistance is needed. For more [email protected]. information: call 1-888-407-4747, 8 am – 8 pm on Care in public hospitals in Yangon is much lower than weekdays, or access website: in U.S. facilities. In serious emergencies, a public www.travel.state.gov/travel/tips/brochures/brochures_1 hospital may be the best option until a patient’s 224.html. condition is stabilized. Public hospitals or clinics in Yangon: DISASTER PREPAREDNESS o Ear, Nose & Throat: Natmauk Road. Phone: 553955, Myanmar is prone to cyclones, landslides, earthquakes 552956 to 57 and droughts. o New Yangon General Hospital: Bogyoke Aung San o Strong earthquakes and cyclones have occurred. Street. Phone: 283022, 283097 o Flooding and landslides are common in the rainy o Yangon General Hospital: Bogyoke Aung San Street. season. Phone: 281722, 281440, 281441 o Central Women's Hospital: Min Ye Kyaw Swa Road. MEDICAL CARE Phone: 222811, 222804, 222805 Medical facilities are not up to Western standards. o Orthopedic Hospital: 132 Hanthawaddy Road, There are few trained medical professionals. Kyimyindine. Phone: 527088, 530120 There are very few ambulances. About 90% of patients o Yangon Children's Hospital: 2 Pyidaungsu Yeiktha are transported by taxis. Others come by private car. Road. Phone: 222807 thru 222810 Existing ambulances are poorly equipped. Attendants o Waibargi North Okkalapa Hospital (Infectious often have little first aid training. Only 20% of road Diseases Hospital). Phone: 690119, 690174 crash victims receive first aid treatment until reaching a Disclaimer: Neither ASIRT or the American Embassy in hospital. Burma assumes responsibility for the professional ability or reputation of the persons or medical facilities whose names Red Cross is actively working to train people in basic appear in the following lists of private and public medical first aid. facilities.

U.S. medical insurance is not always valid in other The U.S. Consular Section is located in the Embassy. countries. Medicare and Medicaid do not cover medical Phone: (95-1) 536-509, ext. 4240; email: expenses rendered outside the U.S. Medigap policies [email protected]. The Consular’s Office is (plans C through J) cover 80 percent of what Medicare open from 8:00 am to 4:30 p.m. on Monday through would cover in the U.S. for the first 60 days of each trip; Friday and closed on U.S. and Burmese holidays. a $250 deductible applies. Maximum lifetime limit of $50,000. Medicare Advantage may offer coverage for FOR MORE INFORMATION care abroad. Phone: 800-633-4227; website: Contact: www.medicare.gov/publications/pubs/pdf/11037.pdf. Association for Safe International Road Travel (ASIRT) 11769 Gainsborough Road, Potomac MD 20854, USA Telephone: (301) 983-5252 Fax: (301) 983-3663 EMBASSY INFORMATION Website: www.asirt.org Embassy of the Union of Myanmar (Burmese E-mail: [email protected] Embassy), 2300 S Street NW, Washington, DC 20008.

Phone: 202-332-4350, fax: 202-332-4351email: [email protected]; website: www.mewashingtondc.com. Permanent Burma Mission (Mission of Myanmar) to the U.N., 10 East 77th St., New York, NY 10021. Phone: 212-535-1311 or 212-744-1271; fax 212-744-1290. U.S. Embassy, 110 University Ave., Kamayut Township, Yangon. Phone: 95-1-536-509, ext. 4240; 24-hour

Embassy phone: 95-1-370-965, 24-hour emergency phone: 09-512-4330; after-hours mobile phone number is 09-512-4330 when calling inside Burma or 95-9-512- 4330 when calling from outside Burma; website: http://burma.usembassy.gov/.

ASIRT is a non-profit humanitarian organization established in memory of Aron Sobel, age 25, who was killed along with 22 other passengers in a Pamukkale Bus Company crash on the roads of Turkey. © ASIRT 2008

Disclaimer: ASIRT provides this information as a service to the traveling public. This report is intended to represent general road conditions, driving environment, quality of public transportation, medical care and emergency response. It may not be totally accurate in a specific location or circumstance.