Local Currency & Cost
MONEY
The currency of Myanmar (Burma) is the Burmese Kyat . The currency code for Kyats is MMK
You should expect to rely on cash for most of your stay;(preferably US dollars. Visitors bringing in excess of $10,000 (or equivalent) in foreign currency should declare this to Customs on arrival or risk facing imprisonment
Once in country it’s easy to exchange US dollars into Kyats and exchange rates are generally fair
An increasing number of hotels, restaurants and shops now accept credit and debit cards, but there’s widespread distrust of electronic payment and banking. If you intend to pay for hotels or restaurants with a credit or debit card, you should phone ahead and confirm that this will be possible. Many vendors will charge a high service fee for paying by card.
ATMs are now widely available but aren’t always reliable and you should monitor your transactions regularly. Western Union operates for inward transfer of funds via Burmese banks.
You can daily see the exchange rate on: www.xe.com : The current rate of 2016: 1 USD = around 1,270 MMK
Tipping
Tipping is not customary in Myanmar, though little extra gifts are sometimes expected (even if they're not asked for) in exchange for a service (such as unlocking a locked temple at Bagan, helping move the luggage at hotels or showing you around the sights of a village). Given the low level of wages, too, it's a good idea to leave change for waiters in restaurants.
Have some small notes (K50, K100, K200) ready when visiting a religious temple or monastery, as donations may be requested and you may wish to leave one even if it's not.