The official currency is the Burmese Kyat (MMK). US Dollars are the most widely accepted foreign currency for exchange. At the time of publishing the exchange rate is US$ 1 = 1390 MMK.

Credit and debit cards are accepted by major hotels in the main cities of Myanmar, but may be subject to transaction fees and unfavourable exchange rates.

You can also get cash with your debit or credit card from ATMs at the main tourists cities.

The official language of Myanmar is Burmese, although English, once an official language in this former British colony, is again taking a more prominent position in the nation's linguistic landscape.

The advent of tourism has contributed to the development of a tipping culture. Most workers in the tourism sector today receive tips from travelers ranging from 10% of the bill at restaurants to $7 - 10$ a day for guides.

Tap water in Myanmar is not fit for consumption.

There are currently three mobile phone operators in Myanmar and SIM cards prices range from around $2 without any credit to 15$ with call and data plans. Free WIFI is available at hotels, restaurants and cafes, among other public spaces. 

No vaccination is required, but visitors are advised to receive inoculations against hepatitis A and B, typhoid and tetanus. Inoculation for yellow fever and tablets for malaria are not necessary although doctors still usually recommend them.

Facilities and services in Myanmar are limited to Mandalay and Yangon. Routine treatments and basic services are adequate. Cash payment is to be expected prior to receiving any treatment. It is highly advised to secure health insurance that can cover or reimburse the costs of treatment including medical evacuation, since this might be required in the case of life threatening injuries.

Travel to most parts of Myanmar is safe. Visitors should exercise normal precautions when traveling in the country. Some regions like Rakhine State are to be avoided if possible.

Myanmar has a population of 53,7 million inhabitants with an average life expectancy of 66 years. 68% of the population is Bamar or Burmese, while ethnic minority groups include Shan (6.4%), Karen (5.2%), Kachin (1.8%), Chin (1.6%), Mon (1.5%), and Rakhine (1.5%). The dominant religion is Buddhism (88% of the population), while Christianity and Islam also have a sizeable following,  6.2% and 4.3% respectively.

While modern shopping has arrived in Myanmar in the form of malls, supermarkets and duty free shops, the real magic happens in local markets such as the famous Bogyoke Aung San Market, where prices aren't fixed and bargaining is acceptable.

Myanmar is 6 hours and a half ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+6:30).

In Myanmar the power plugs and sockets are of type C, D, F and G. The standard voltage is 230 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz.