before you travel to Burma and be mindful of some of our suggestions while you
..... Travellers who book private touring arrangements with Travel Indochina will ...
PRE-DEPARTURE GUIDE
2015 Burma information INTRODUCTION Thank you for choosing Insider Journeys for your journey. We’re sure you will find Asia as beautiful, captivating and intriguing as we do. To assist with your travel arrangements, we have prepared the following pre-departure information. Please read this carefully before you travel to Burma and be mindful of some of our suggestions while you are on the road. Whether you are travelling independently with us or joining one of our Small Group Journeys, we want to make sure you have a fantastic experience. Our team in Asia will look after your needs on the ground; until then, we hope this information helps you make the best possible preparations for your Asia experience. On the following pages you will find useful travel facts, background information and our suggestions to make your journey the best it can be. From details on currency and visas to recommended reading and responsible travel tips, we’ve covered it for you in this pre-departure guide. Please note that things change rapidly in our destinations, so you should use this document as a guide containing information which is subject to change. We’re sure you will have an amazing holiday with us. Until then, happy reading! The Insider Journeys team WHAT TO EXPECT A journey into Burma (Myanmar) is a journey into the Asia of days gone by. Visitors to Burma find that their ventures off the well-trodden tourist trail are rewarded with a wonderful, often touching travel experience rich in old-world atmosphere, natural beauty, culture and memorable encounters with its engaging people. Burma is a country of great beauty and diversity, dominated by lush mountain slopes covered with alpine forests in the far north and steamy jungles in the south; broad flat plains in central regions like Bagan; the famous Irrawaddy River and over 1,929 km (1199 miles) of coastline boasting some of Asia’s most stunning beaches. The Irrawaddy is the country’s main waterway and the source of much fishing and farming activity, and village life. Your travels in the country will take in some of the gorgeous river and mountain scenery in the country, the extraordinary temple studded plains of Bagan, the tranquil villages around lovely Inle Lake as well as the famous cities of Mandalay and Yangon (Rangoon). While these are the country’s biggest cities, they are relaxed, at times sleepy – a far cry from the huge size and frenetic pace of many other cities in Asia! If you have time to stay a little longer, you may also trek through Pa-O and Intha tribal villages in the hills which rise above Inle Lake, experience one of the country’s charming former British colonial hill stations or relax on glorious Ngapali Beach. The Burmese people are disarmingly warm and welcoming. They are both curious to learn about the places from which visitors to Burma have travelled and keen to share their views and the stories of their own country. The travel industry is slowly developing in Burma. While the freshness and novelty of tourism in the country is why many people choose to visit Burma, one should keep in mind that facilities and services do not often match Western standards. Electricity cuts (blackouts) are common and travelling through more remote areas will involve bumpy road travel and the use of clean but basic accommodation. Patience is something you must definitely bring with you when you travel to Burma. Lack of development, education and infrastructure, coupled with the laid back customs and lifestyle of Burmese Buddhism means things move at a pace much slower than both Western nations and even neighbouring Asian nations. Expecting the same levels of services at hotels, restaurants and bars that you may receive back home will only leave you disappointed and frustrated. Patience and calmness is the best way to optimise your enjoyment of this magical country. Displays of emotion and anger are rare in Burma and
Updated August 2014
1
considered taboo. It is this laid-back, care-free attitude which makes Burma so special and is one of the country’s many allures which draws travellers from around the globe. Money The local currency in Burma is Kyat, and outside of Yangon and the big hotels this is the preferred currency. US dollars are also accepted as currency. The exchange rate varies widely between different places. At present, the US dollar exchange rate is around 969 kyat (MMK) to the dollar, although this may vary depending on where you are within the country. The Kyat is a very fluid currency, so it is better to keep your money in dollars and change it into Kyat as and when you need to. Your local guide or tour leader will be able to advise you as to the best place to change money in each town/city. Credit cards are not widely accepted. Hotels and some other businesses in larger cities are starting to obtain the facilities to accept credit card payments, but it is not a reliable service, a hefty service charge will apply (of 4%-10%) and the service can be withdrawn at any time. ATMs are now appearing in larger cities in Burma although these are not numerous and it is not uncommon to find them out-of-order. Therefore, it is best to take all the money you will need for your journey in US dollars cash. When obtaining US Dollars in cash for your holiday, you must be sure to ask for ‘pristine’ bills (i.e. new, clean, unmarked, undamaged notes) issued after 2006. It is advisable to keep receipts for any purchases as these may be required by Burmese Customs upon departure. Approximate exchange rates at time of printing are: 1 USD equals 969 MMK 1 GBP equals 1,608 MMK 1 EUR equals 1,280 MMK 1 AUD equals 906 MMK 1 CAD equals 893 MMK 1 NZD equals 814 MMK Current exchange rates can be found online on various websites that have a ‘Universal Currency Converter’ facility such as www.xe.com/ucc/. Climate Most of Burma lies within the Tropic Zone. The hot season extends from March until October, and the cool season, from November through to February. Temperatures during these seasons range from 17 to 40 degrees Celsius (62 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit) in lower Burma. Temperatures in upper Burma are usually less and mountainous regions can at times be cold. The country receives almost all of its yearly rainfall between mid-May and October, the period of the Southwest Monsoon. Winter is from November to February and during these months, you will need to bring some warm clothing for late evenings and early mornings everywhere, especially areas at higher altitude such as Pindaya, Kalaw and Inle Lake. TEMPERATURE Celsius
Fahrenheit
RAINFALL Millimetres
Updated August 2014
2
Food & water Cuisine in Burma is best described as a combination of Chinese and Indian influences. A typical family meal consists of rice, usually eaten with a curry similar to the northern Indian variety, with fewer spices and more garlic and ginger. Rice is a staple in Burma, comprising about 75% of the diet. It is served with meat or fish, soup, salad and vegetables, and some relishes to complement the meal. During meals, all the dishes are laid out on the dining table and served together so that diners can share, making their own choices and combinations. The regional food in Burma is flavoured with an array of spices, but not often hot. Chilli and spicy sauces are sometimes served as an accompaniment for those who like to add a bit of a kick to their meals. Fish, rice, noodles and vegetables spiced with onions, ginger, garlic and chilli are the common local ingredients. Local dishes include Lethok Son (a spicy vegetarian rice salad), Mohinga (fish soup with rice noodles) and Oh-no Khauk Swe (noodles, chicken and coconut in a spicy sauce). You may also like to try Mandalay’s famous ‘mee-shay’ noodles or the Shan noodles favoured by those who live in the villages around Inle Lake. The avocados and tomatoes by Inle Lake are very good and Mandalay grows the best mangos. Delicious fruits are available in the markets and food stalls on the corners of most large towns. Chinese, Indian and Thai cuisine is offered in many hotels and restaurants. There is a good range of drinks available in Burma. Local beer brands include Burma, Dagon, Skol and Mandalay Beer, all of which are available at numerous 'Beer Stations' and very cheap. Burmese farmers particularly throughout central regions drink 'hatan ye' (palm juice), which is extracted from the toddy tree. Tea is a popular drink and an integral part of Burmese life and tea shops are abundant, particularly in some of the larger towns and cities. A simple, open-air affair of low tables and stools that spill out onto the pavement, tea here is served sweet and thick with condensed milk. An assortment of hot savoury snacks (such as samosas and delicious pancakes stuffed with vegetables and/or meat called ‘palata’) and sweet cakes are also available at most tea shops. Coffee is not common but is becoming increasingly popular, particularly in Yangon and Mandalay. Drinking local tap water is not recommended. Bottled water is cheap and readily available. Approximate food & drink costs (all prices in US Dollars): Tea/Coffee - $2.00 Soft Drink - $2.00 Bottled Water - $1.00 Bottle of Beer - $5.00 2-course meal in a local restaurant - $10.00 3-course meal in a mid-range restaurant- $20.00 Bottle of Wine - $20.00 BEFORE YOU LEAVE Passport Ensure you have an eligible passport with extra blank pages for visas, valid for at least six-months from the end of your holiday. It is also advisable to travel with a few passport photos. Visa requirements Most persons entering Burma (Myanmar) require a visa including Australian, New Zealand, United States, Canadian and British passport holders. All other nationalities should check with the Myanmar (Burmese) Embassy or Consulate in their country for up-to-date visa information. Travellers need a tourist visa which can be obtained from a Burmese embassy (Embassy of the Union of Myanmar) or consulate abroad before departure. The application process can take up to 30 days, particularly for travel during high season from October to March. Please check with the Embassy in your country for up-to-date information regarding the visa application process. At the time of writing, the Burmese government had just announced that an eVisa system will commence operation from 1 September 2014. Tourists from 41 countries including Australia, New Zealand, the UK, the US and Canada, will be eligible to apply for a visa to Burma (Myanmar) online at the following website: http://www.myanmarevisa.gov.mm. The visa fee is 50 US dollars per person for a single entry visa, valid for 3 months from the date of issue. The application process is expected to take 5 working days, however this service is yet to be tested and we therefore advise you to apply for your visa at least 21 days prior to your departure. Airline tickets It is your responsibility to check your airline tickets before departure and ensure that the passenger name stated on each ticket matches the name specified in your passport. We recommend that you reconfirm all your flights by contacting the relevant airline 48 hours prior to departure. Please note that some airlines in Burma will not honour your ticket if you haven’t rung to reconfirm each individual sector. Airline schedule changes do occur and it is essential that you arrive at the airport in time for your flight. It is recommended that you arrive at least 2-3 hours prior to the departure of an international flight and 60-90 minutes for domestic flights. Finally, always ensure you keep your tickets in a safe place whilst travelling. Updated August 2014
3
Travel insurance It is a condition of travel on our Small Group Journeys that all travellers are adequately covered by travel insurance prior to arrival. Insurance should cover personal accident and medical expenses, evacuation and repatriation, baggage loss, and cancellation or curtailment of holiday. Insurance details must be supplied to us at the time of booking, and where they are not provided we reserve the right to cancel bookings and apply charges as per our cancellation policy (in the booking conditions section of our brochure and on our website). Travellers will be asked to present their insurance details upon arrival in Asia as part of a registration process, and in the event that possession of insurance is unable to be confirmed, in the interests of the traveller and fellow travellers, Insider Journeys reserves the right to prevent participation in the journey. In such instances, we will assist with onward travel arrangements, however full cancellation penalties will apply. Note that travel insurance ‘attached’ to credit cards is often limited in scope (e.g. not covering serious medical, repatriation or evacuation expenses) and in any case is usually effective only if travel arrangements have been purchased with the card. Please note also that government regulations in Asia do not always require or enforce the possession of liability insurance by hotels, transport and other suppliers. Even when insurance is in place, it can be for very limited coverage only. Insider Journeys does its best to work with suppliers who possess liability insurance, however it is not always possible to find and contract with such suppliers. Travellers who book private touring arrangements with Insider Journeys will also be asked to provide insurance details at the commencement of touring, as part of a tour registration process. Your emergency contacts On the Tour Registration form (provided on arrival and to be completed by day 1 of your tour), you will be asked to provide or confirm the name and contact number (landline and/or mobile) of a next of kin NOT travelling with you Health & fitness Travellers to Burma should take precautions as they would elsewhere in Asia. In remote areas medical facilities can be particularly basic. Some of the diseases known to exist in Indochina include malaria, hepatitis A & B, typhoid, tuberculosis, Japanese encephalitis, dengue fever, diphtheria, tetanus, polio, rabies and HIV/ AIDS. We recommend you take adequate preventative measures to minimise your risk of exposure to these health risks. We are a travel company and we are not qualified to provide detailed medical information appropriate to your individual needs; it is recommended you consult with your local doctor or a specialist travel medical centre for current health information on vaccinations and medicine for your trip at least one month prior to departure. We suggest you bring: Aspirin or paracetamol Antihistamine Cold & flu tablets Diarrhea medication Nausea medication Rehydration sachets Insect repellent Antiseptic & bandages Sunscreen & lip balm Antibiotics (discuss with your doctor) Medication/prescriptions (it is a good idea to have a doctors letter if you are carrying a large amount of medication) As part of our registration process at the start of any trip with Insider Journeys, you will be asked to declare any serious preexisting medical conditions or allergies. Time to pack We strongly recommend you pack your luggage in a compact bag with wheels and a handle, or in a soft bag. Your baggage should be clearly labelled and kept to a reasonable minimum. Luggage limits on airlines are strictly enforced and space on vehicles and trains is limited. Many flights booked through Insider Journeys (domestic and international) have a check-in luggage limit of 20 kilograms (44 pounds) per person although luggage limits on domestic flights in Burma can be restricted to 15 kilograms (33 pounds) for check-in baggage and 5 kilograms (11 pounds) for carry-on luggage. You may be required to carry your own luggage at times where porters are not available – you should be capable of carrying your own bags on and off buses, and up and down stairs. If you are doing lots of shopping during your travels, it may be Updated August 2014
4
necessary for you to forward any excess to the city where your tour concludes, or ship purchases directly home. Keeping the amount of luggage you carry in check will ensure your safety and comfort, and the safety and comfort of your fellow travellers. For some of the longer more adventurous journeys passengers may like to bring an overnight bag when staying in towns and villages for only one evening. The bulk of your luggage may be left on your bus or boat. Porterage is not included in the cost of your journey; please ensure you pay porters around 1 USD per person for carrying your luggage. Should you wish to avoid such payments, please carry and take responsibility for your luggage. Comfortable casual clothes made of cotton are best in tropical and semi tropical climates – packing one set of smart casual clothes is advisable. Laundry services are available throughout the country, although hotel laundry costs can be relatively expensive. We suggest you include:
Flat walking shoes & sandals. Please note that all journeys through Burma will involve many visits to temples and pagodas at which all visitors are required to remove their shoes and socks. It is therefore recommended that you bring at least one pair of shoes or sandals which are easy to put on and take off during sightseeing. Hat & sunglasses Swimming attire Lightweight travel towel Money belt Lightweight waterproof coat or umbrella Basic first aid kit Alarm clock Small torch (flashlight) Travel plug/international adapter (remember to check the voltage in the ‘Electricity’ section) Women’s sanitary products Camera (plus any necessary camera equipment) Ear plugs. These are highly recommended as cities and towns ‘spring to life’ very early in the morning. Late night/early morning chanting at local temples and monasteries is also quite common. Eye mask Day pack and/or shoulder bag – for carrying items on touring days Clothes for temples – pants or skirts which cover the legs past the knee and tops which cover the shoulders/upper arms; and shoes which are easy to slip on/off Jumper/coat/gloves/woollen hat - if visiting in winter or mountainous high altitude areas
Please note that airlines insist all sharp items (knives, scissors, nail clippers etc.) are packed in your ‘check-in’ luggage. Alcohol is no longer permitted on board domestic flights and must also be stored in your check-in luggage. Electricity The electrical standard in Burma is 230 volts (at either 50Hz). Electric plug types are usually either the rounded two-pronged plug or the British square three-pronged plug.
Our responsible travel policy Insider Journeys practices a thorough, realistic responsible travel policy. We believe that travel should entail an exchange of knowledge and perspectives, a sharing of wealth, and a genuine appreciation of Asia’s beautiful natural environments. This philosophy underpins the heart and soul of our style of travel. It drives all that we strive to deliver to our travellers, and shapes the contact we have with our supplier colleagues in Asia. We recognise that poorly planned itineraries or poorly informed tourists contribute less to cross-cultural understanding and less to the livelihoods of local people. We also recognise that we largely work in a developing part of the world. Political and social factors sometimes impede the short term implementation of our responsible travel initiatives, so we do not make blanket, unrealistic statements about the achievability of our goals – doing so would make us ‘irresponsible’. We aspire to short or medium term implementation of our policies where this is realistic and to incremental change where there are constraints of a governmental or cultural nature. Insider Journeys is committed to measuring and assuming responsibility for our carbon emissions. We have worked with Cleaner Climate to offset emissions from our Australian, United Kingdom and USA offices. The emission reductions are generated from Clean Technology (Kyoto compliant) projects in India (run-of-river hydro) and Thailand (rice husk biomass). These not only reduce emissions, but also contribute to the sustainable development of disadvantaged communities and we Updated August 2014
5
hope to support similar projects in Burma in the future. For more information about Insider Journeys' carbon footprint or to offset your own emissions and help support these projects, visit our website. Before you depart for Asia we encourage you to read our ‘Tread Lightly’ booklet, downloadable from our website and full of useful pointers to make for a more informed and more responsible holiday. Helpful websites Please check the following websites to get the latest news and travel advice from the region: www.smarttraveller.gov.au - Australian Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade www.voyage.gc.ca - Canadian Foreign Affairs & International Trade www.mfat.govt.nz/travel - New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs www.fco.gov.uk - UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office www.travel.state.gov - USA Department of State www.who.int/en - World Health Organisation ON THE GROUND Arrival One airport arrival and one airport departure transfer is included in all Small Group Journey bookings. If you are joining a Small Group Journey or have booked an arrival transfer for your independent travel, you will find a representative from Insider Journeys waiting to meet you once you have cleared customs and immigration. Please look for a Insider Journeys sign with your name on it (not a hotel sign). The airport arrival area tends to get crowded with lots of people holding signs, so we have designated particular meeting points in some airports. Please look carefully for your transfer. If you cannot find a sign with your name please call the office of our local ground operator in Burma, using the contact details under the ‘Contact Us’ section at the end of this document. Missed/delayed arrival flight If your arriving flight is delayed or if you have missed your flight, advise us by calling the local office in the city to which you are travelling (listed on page 8). If you are travelling on one of our Small Group Journeys and are arriving after the tour welcome briefing, your local guide/tour leader will leave a message at the hotel to advise you of tour start details and make alternate arrangements to meet with you. If you miss the start of your tour, please contact our office (see the last page of this document) for instructions on how to catch up with the group. Any associated costs will be at your own expense (although, depending on the reason, you may be able to claim these from your travel insurance company, so ensure you keep all receipts). Welcome briefing for Small Group Journeys On day 1 of your tour, you will start with a welcome briefing conducted by your local guide or Western tour leader. This will be an opportunity to meet your fellow travellers, go over your tour itinerary, learn specific information regarding your tour and have any questions answered. This is an important introduction to your journey with us and we would appreciate you attending to ensure that you get the most out of your tour. On our Small Group Journeys, this is normally conducted in the evening of day 1 and details will be given to you on arrival in Burma. Safety & security Burma is generally a safe country, however petty street crime in towns and cities is on the rise as tourist numbers increase. In larger cities we recommend you wear as little jewellery as possible and make sure your spending money is kept in a secure place close to your body. We also recommended you take taxis rather than walk at night - carry a hotel card so your taxi driver knows where to take you as many drivers cannot read or speak English. Only take essentials out with you on the streets. Leave valuables (passport, credit cards, excess cash and jewellery) in hotel safety deposit boxes where available. It would also be advisable to make photocopies of your passport, credit card numbers, and airline tickets, and keep a detailed record of your traveller’s cheques. These documents should be kept in a safe place separate from the originals. When travelling on trains, clients may wish to take extra precautions with their finances by using money belts. For more information and to read our full safety guidelines visit our website www.insider-journeys.com/safety-guidelines Keeping in touch International mail generally takes at least 14 days to reach its destination and prices are a little less than Western postal charges. Parcels must be inspected by a customs official at the post office before being sealed and boxes are usually available at the post office. Reverse charge (collect) calls are available in many cities. Updated August 2014
6
International phone facilities are available in the main cities of Burma (far less so in rural areas) however they are expensive. International direct dial is available from most hotels for additional charges. Email services are inexpensive and available in almost all areas frequented by tourists. Hotels often have internet and email services which are convenient but a little more costly. Please note that international phone and email connections can be unreliable in all parts of Burma, particularly outside the major cities. More than likely, you will find that your mobile phone will not work in Burma. Your accommodation Our hotels offer the facilities you need to feel at home, even when you’re away from it. In some provincial areas, facilities may be more limited. Our hotels often have great extras like a swimming pool, however these are not always fenced, even in Pool Villas. Where possible, our hotels are chosen for local history, style and charm, and always for location. Each hotel is listed by name on your itinerary at each stop, so you’ll have total peace of mind knowing exactly where you’ll be sleeping every step of the way. Check-in and check-out times vary but most hotels require guests to check-out by 12 noon and do not allow check-in until 2pm. Many hotels may allow an earlier check-in or later check-out, subject to availability on the day, but may charge extra for this service. Where possible we endeavour at traveller request to accommodate couples in double rooms, however there may be occasions when this is not possible and a twin room or a room with an added roll-out bed is provided. Hotel renovations can occur at the last minute in Asia, and we will do our best to inform you prior to departure. Transport Vehicles In cities we generally use latest model air-conditioned buses with either 26 or 30 seats for our Small Group Journeys depending on the size of the group. In the more remote areas where roads are often unsealed, we use air-conditioned 4WD vehicles. Flights Our Small Group Journeys include domestic flights in Burma on a number of local carriers including the privately owned Air Bagan, Air Mandalay and Yangon Airways. Please note that flight schedules frequently change or flights can be cancelled and this can sometimes result in alterations to your tour program. Trains Trains in Burma are generally very slow and not particularly comfortable for a journey of longer than a couple of hours. Therefore we do not recommend local trains as a means of travelling between the main destination-points within Burma. Having said this, train travel does give travellers a great ‘local experience’ which often provides the opportunity to engage with local people and for this reason, we do include a short train trip (by day) on some of our journeys through the lovely countryside between the hill station of Kalaw and the junction town of Shwenyaun, near Inle Lake. During this journey, the majority of your luggage will be carried by road from Kalaw to Shwenyaun, so you will only carry a small day pack on board the train. Respecting local customs Service levels in Asia are more relaxed than those in more established travel destinations; it is best to treat this as a cultural nuance and to enjoy the ride. People are generally honest and eager to please; however, miscommunication can often occur due to language and cultural barriers. Showing anger is never a good idea in Burma; it will not assist you in achieving your goal and will cause you to ‘lose face.’ Exercising patience, tolerance and good humour is therefore essential. Burmese people are very conservative in their dress and behaviour and you should pay special attention to respecting their Buddhist traditions wherever you go, but particularly in temples and monasteries. Shorts and sleeveless shirts are frowned upon and in fact, are not allowed in shrines, temples and monasteries. Short skirts are also not recommended. You must also remove your shoes before entering such sites and it is wrong to point your feet towards a Buddha image. It is a common courtesy in Burma to use both hands when handing something to or receiving something from somebody else. Remember, you are the visitor – respecting local customs is not only polite, but will also lead to a more rewarding travel experience for you. Tipping If you are happy with the services provided by your local guides, drivers and your tour leader, a tip is appropriate and appreciated. While it may not be customary to you, tipping inspires great service, and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across Asia. You are free to tip as much or as little as you see fit, depending on your perception of service quality and the length of your trip. Updated August 2014
7
Should you be dissatisfied with the services provided by your Local guide, driver or Tour leader, please let us know. Small Group Journeys If you are happy with the services provided by your local guides, drivers and tour leader, a tip is appropriate and appreciated. Please refer to your final itinerary or to our website for our recommended total tipping amount to budget for your Small Group Journey.
When travelling on a Small Group Journey staffed with both a Western tour leader and local guides, allow up to 3 USD per person per day for your tour leader and each of your local guides When the Small Group Journey is led by local guides only, allow up to 5 USD per person per day for local guides An appropriate tip for a driver is up to 2 USD per person per day regardless of group size.
Our Small Group Journey prices include tipping of porters, boat pilots and any other local service providers used throughout the trip. Independent Travel For travellers not on a Small Group Journey, we suggest a sliding scale based on the number of people in your group:
If travelling alone we recommend you tip your local guide up to 7 USD per day If travelling in a couple, allow up to 10 USD per couple per day When travelling in a group of three to four allow up to 15 USD per group per day An appropriate tip for a driver is up to 2 USD per person per day, regardless of group size
We suggest you tip porters, boat pilots and other service providers 1 USD to 2 USD per time. Photography Digital photography is easily catered for in key cities in Burma, however as you are likely to travel for several days in remote areas, we recommend you take extra batteries and a spare memory card. If you have an older camera model, you will find print film available in major towns but again, we recommend packing spare batteries and film for the times when you will be travelling in remote areas. Please note that photography is sometimes restricted in monasteries and temples in Burma and an extra fee is payable in most museums for the use of still or video cameras. Shopping Burma is a shopper’s paradise, where you can buy an array of beautiful textiles and handicrafts, from the traditional ‘longji’ (a garment similar to a sarong, worn by both men and women) to lacquerware and jewellery. Don't forget, haggling is a vital part of the shopping experience! A few guidelines to follow when shopping: Bargaining is the norm in markets, although in department stores and high end stores, prices are usually fixed. To get the best price you will have to haggle a bit, though please keep perspective of how much the difference of one or two dollars may mean much more to the seller than it does to you. Generally, you can expect a discount of up to 30 percent Export of certain antiques is not permitted. Make sure the shop you are buying from can produce a certificate of authenticty for the item you wish to purchase. Fake reproductions are common. Make sure you know what you are buying, especially in the case of antiques Etiquette also needs to be exercised when shopping. Do not bargain for any items you have no intention of purchasing Once you have made a purchase do not enquire on prices for the same item in other locations as you will always find it cheaper Changes Insider Journeys will do everything possible to operate your holiday arrangements in accordance with your itinerary. Inevitably situations arise from time to time that make changes necessary, particularly in developing countries such as Burma. Sometimes these will be small (flight delays, etc.), however sometimes more significant alterations are required and we will need to reorganise elements of your journey. We will make every effort to ensure changes do not result in omissions from your tour. On rare occasions, omissions may be necessary. Insider Journeys will advise of any possible changes as soon as we become aware of them. Please note that we reserve the right to levy extra charges over and beyond the trip price, when, due to exceptional circumstances we are forced to pay for additional, unforeseen tour arrangements. Surveys At the end of your travel arrangements, your tour leader or local guide will provide you with a tour survey. We require our guides and leaders to give these to all travellers and to return them to ensure our survey process retains its integrity. We
Updated August 2014
8
welcome all of your feedback! Please assist us by filling in your survey. Should you have a principled objection to surveys, please simply write your name and leave the survey blank. Local time Burma has only one time-zone. 6.5 hrs ahead of GMT 3.5 hrs behind Australian Eastern Standard Time 5.5 hrs behind New Zealand 11.5 hrs ahead of Canada Eastern Time
14.5 hrs ahead of Canada Pacific Time 11.5 hrs ahead of US Eastern Time 14.5 hrs ahead of US Pacific Time
Important dates (banks and some public offices will be closed on these dates) 4 January - Independence Day 6 May - Full Moon of Kason 12 February - Union Day 3 July - Full Moon of Waso (Beginning of Buddhist Lent) 2 March - Peasants' Day 19 July - Martyr's Day 7 March - Full Moon of Tabaung 29 October - Full Moon of Thadingyut (End of Buddhist 27 March - Armed Forces Day Lent) 12-16 April - Maha Thingyan (Water Festival) 28 November - Full Moon of Tasaungmon 17 April - Burma New Year 8 December - National Day 1 May - May Day 25 December - Christmas Day Language The official language of Burma is Burmese, and there are also over 100 distinct languages and dialects spoken throughout the country. English is spoken in business circles. For some key phrases, please check http://www.insider-journeys.com/destinations/burma-travel/travel-tips/before-you-go. Recommended reading Happily there is a good range of great reading material for Burma, both fiction and non-fiction. A number of titles available in western countries are not sold locally (particularly non-fiction), so we would advise obtaining your reading material before you travel. A selection of our favourite / recommended titles can be found at http://www.insider-journeys.com/destinations/burma-travel/travel-tips/before-you-go. SMALL GROUP JOURNEY TRAVELLERS Small Group Journeys specifics Providing the group tour reaches a minimum of seven passengers a Western tour leader will guide you on your entire journey through Burma. All of our tour leaders have an in-depth knowledge of Burma and an enthusiasm for the country that is contagious. Your tour leader is your link with Burma and is there to ensure the smooth running of the trip. Your tour leader will try – wherever practical – to cater to your individual interests. Local English-speaking guides also accompany you on your tour. They impart local information about history, customs and culture that can only come from living in the area. Generally, we have a different local guide for each city or region we visit. Thus, local guides are usually only with the group for a few days. Group dynamics Our Small Group Journeys provide you with a good balance of group activity and personal discovery. Travellers need to be aware of certain personal responsibilities when travelling with a group. Simple things such as: being ready at agreed times keeping to the schedule to ensure the smooth running of the programme respecting the traditions and culture of the country you are visiting wearing the appropriate dress when visiting religious sites refraining from making comments or acting in a manner that would be viewed as unacceptable by your fellow group members or by the local people in the country you are visiting Please ask your tour leader or local guide for further clarification of the issues mentioned above. CONTACT US If you have any problems with services once you are in Asia (e.g. representative not at airport for arrival transfer or guide doesn’t arrive for touring), please contact the relevant ground operator below. If it is unable to help, please then contact the Insider Journeys office listed on your itinerary, contact details also appearing below.
Updated August 2014
9
Ground operators Tour Mandalay nd Number 02/03, 2 floor, Pearl Condominium, Building (A) Kaba Aye Pagoda Road Bahan Township, Yangon Tel: +95 1 540 475, 545 516, 543 801 After hours from inside Burma: 09 512 7631 Insider Journeys operated by Travel Indochina (Asia representative office) Suite 1308, Me Linh Point Tower 2 Ngo Duc Ke Street, District 1 Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam Tel: +84 8 3822 7390 Fax: +84 8 3822 7395 Email:
[email protected] After hours from outside Vietnam: +84 903 7242 06 or +84 903 7436 80 Worldwide offices Insider Journeys Australia (head office) Level 10, 403 George Street Sydney, 2000 Australia Tel: +61 1300 3653 55 Fax: +61 2 9244 2233 Email:
[email protected] Insider Journeys UK (head office) 2nd floor, Chester House 21-27 George Street Oxford, OX1 2AY UK Tel: +44 1865 2689 40 Fax: +44 1865 2689 59 Email:
[email protected] Insider Journeys North America (head office) 3051 W 105th Ave, #350051 Westminster, CO 80031 USA Tel: +1 303 568 9765 Toll free USA/Canada: +1 800 342 1957 Email:
[email protected] Disclaimer Information herein was correct at the time of preparation; however, the rapid development of tourism in Asia has the potential to make some of the information in this guide irrelevant. This information is intended as a guide only and Insider Journeys is not responsible for any inaccuracies. This document does not, in any way, alter our booking conditions. Please contact us with your comments if, during the course of your travels, you find that the information in this guide is incorrect or out of date.
Updated August 2014
10
