Burma

Terrorism is a threat throughout the world. You can find more information about this threat in our General Advice to Australian Travellers.

We continue to receive reports that terrorist elements in the region are planning attacks.

We advise you to exercise a high degree of caution in Burma because of the uncertain security situation and the possibility of civil unrest. Pay close attention to your personal security at all times and monitor the media for information about possible new safety or security risks.

Acts of political violence can occur. The frequency of bomb attacks in Burma has increased, including in Rangoon, Mandalay and Nay Pyi Taw. Attacks have occurred or have been planned in areas frequented by tourists and expatriates, including shopping centres, supermarkets, markets, hotels, transportation hubs, on public transport, including taxis, and other public places. Further attacks could occur at any time.

Recent attacks include:

• On 21 December 2011, a bomb exploded in a public toilet at Hledan junction, north of downtown Rangoon, killing two people and injuring several others.

• On 24 June 2011, a number of bombings occurred in Nay Pyi Taw, Mandalay and Pyin Oo Lwin, reportedly causing injuries in public places.

• On 10 June 2011, a bombing in a busy market in Nay Pyi Taw reportedly injured two people.

• On 18 May 2011, a bomb exploded on a passenger train at Tarkone Station near Nay Pyi Taw, killing two people and injuring nine.

• On 15 April 2010, three explosions occurred in large crowds near Kandawgyi Lake in central Rangoon during the Burmese traditional water festival (New Year) celebration, killing ten people and injuring a large number of onlookers.

Several other attacks have also occurred recently in various parts of Burma, including in public areas.

Protests are illegal in Burma. You should avoid protests and demonstrations as they may become violent. You should also avoid areas cordoned off by security forces. You should avoid taking photographs of demonstrations, the military or police as this may not be tolerated by the Burmese authorities.

Throughout September 2007, demonstrations led by monks protesting for political reform took place across Burma, including in Rangoon, Sittwe and Pakokku. Burmese authorities responded with gunfire and tear gas and detained protesters. There were numerous deaths and injuries, including a foreign journalist killed in demonstrations in Rangoon.

Freedom of speech, movement and political activity is restricted. Foreigners have been detained, imprisoned or deported for distributing pro-democracy literature and visiting the homes or offices of Burmese pro-democracy leaders. Curfews are occasionally imposed.

In the past, there have been incidents of politically motivated violence on or around public holidays such as Armed Forces Day (27 March) and Martyrs Day (19 July). Other significant events, including the anniversary of the 1988 uprising (8 August) and the anniversary of demonstrations led by monks to protest for political reform (26 September) are likely to see an increase of police and security forces in Rangoon and elsewhere in Burma.

China, Laos and Thailand border areas: We strongly advise you not to travel to the areas bordering China, Laos and Thailand because of the risk of ethnic conflict, banditry and unmarked landmines.

There is a risk of crime, such as mugging, petty theft and burglary. There have also been incidents of violent crime directed against foreigners. Local law enforcement officials have a limited capacity to respond to or prevent crime.

Before you go, you should consider how you are going to access your money. You should bring enough cash to cover your expenses for the duration of your stay as Burma’s few automatic teller machines (ATMs) do not accept foreign cards and cash advances on credit/debit cards and cheque cashing facilities through banks are not available. You should be aware that banks, money changers and commercial establishments in Burma occasionally refuse foreign currency on the basis of reports of counterfeit currency in circulation.

US currency is widely accepted at commercial establishments, however, notes with marks, folds or tears are not always accepted due to counterfeit concerns. Other foreign currencies and travellers' cheques are rarely (if at all) accepted for payment at hotels or for the purchase of goods or services, including airline tickets. Credit cards are not accepted in Burma.

Foreign currency (including US dollars, Singaporean Dollars and Euro) can be exchanged for the Myanmar Kyat (MMK) or Foreign Exchange Certificates (FECs) issued by the Burmese Government. FECs have the same face value as US dollars and can be exchanged for MMK or used to pay for goods and services where FECs are accepted.

It is illegal to exchange money except through authorised money changers, which can be found in the airport, at banks and in government stores.

Make two photocopies of valuables such as your passport, tickets, visas and travellers' cheques. Keep one copy with you in a separate place to the original and leave another copy with someone at home.

While travelling, don't carry too much cash and remember that expensive watches, jewellery and cameras may be tempting targets for thieves.

As a sensible precaution against luggage tampering, including theft, lock your luggage. Information on luggage safety is available from Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority.

Your passport is a valuable document that is attractive to criminals who may try to use your identity to commit crimes. It should always be kept in a safe place. You are required by Australian law to report a lost or stolen passport. If your passport is lost or stolen overseas, report it online or contact the nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate as soon as possible.

You are required to pay an additional fee to have a lost or stolen passport replaced. In some cases, the Government may also restrict the length of validity or type of replacement passports.

The safety record of domestic airlines in not publicly available, nor is information on the Burmese government’s oversight of maintenance standards of domestic airlines. This lack of transparency raises concerns about airline safety in Burma.

Staff at the Australian Embassy in Rangoon are advised to avoid flying on Myanmar Airways (MA) wherever possible because of concerns about maintenance and safety standards. Myanmar Airways should not be confused with Myanmar Airways International (MAI).

In February 2012, an Air KBZ plane crash landed at Thandwe airport. While the place was severely damaged, none of the passengers were injured. The cause of the crash is yet to be determined. In June 2009 a Myanmar Airways flight slid off the runway at Sittwe Airport. The plane was severely damaged and three people were injured. In 2008 there were two reported incidents on Air Bagan services. In March 2008, an Air Bagan flight from Rangoon to the resort area of Ngapali in Rakhine State experienced a significant mid-air engine problem which required the aircraft to return to Rangoon. The aircraft was reportedly on loan from Myanmar Airways. In February 2008, an Air Bagan aircraft was severely damaged during an aborted take-off from Putao in northern Kachin State.

For further information, please refer to our Aviation Safety and Security travel bulletin.

Burmese are deeply respectful of their religious and cultural traditions. Visitors should remove shoes and socks before entering religious buildings and compounds. Wearing short-sleeved garments and shorts may cause offence when visiting Buddhist temples.

There are conservative standards of dress and behaviour in Burma and you should take care not to offend. If in doubt, seek local advice.

It is considered seriously offensive to touch or pat a child or adult on the top of the head.

Burma does not recognise dual nationality. This may limit the ability of Australian officials to provide consular services to Australian/Burmese dual nationals who are arrested or detained. We strongly advise you to travel on your Australian passport at all times.

Our Dual Nationals brochure provides further information for dual nationals.

The monsoon season extends from June to September. Heavy rains can cause flooding and landslides. Severe weather can often precede the monsoon season.

Cyclones can occur between April and October. In the event of a tropical cyclone or typhoon, monitor local media reports and follow the instructions of local emergency officials. You can check the latest information at the India Meteorological Department website. You should identify your local shelter if one is available. In some areas, adequate shelter from a severe cyclone may not be available. If you are staying in a hotel, you should familiarise yourself with evacuation plans. For further information, see our Travel Bulletin: Severe Weather – Cyclones, Hurricanes and Typhoons.

All oceanic regions of the world can experience tsunamis, but in the Indian and Pacific Oceans, there is a more frequent occurrence of large, destructive tsunamis because of the many large earthquakes along major tectonic plate boundaries and ocean trenches. See the Tsunami Awareness brochure.

Information on natural disasters can be obtained from the Humanitarian Early Warning Service. If a natural disaster occurs, travellers should follow instructions from local authorities, monitor media and weather reports, and check with tour operators before travelling to affected areas.

Australians are advised to respect wildlife laws and to maintain a safe and legal distance when observing wildlife, including marine animals and birds. You should only use reputable and professional guides or tour operators and closely follow park regulations and wardens' advice.

For general information and tips on travelling with children see our Travelling with Children brochure.

If you are planning on placing your children in schools or childcare facilities overseas we encourage you to research the standards of security, care and staff training within those establishments. You should exercise the same precautions you would take before placing children into schools or childcare facilities in Australia.

Ideas on how to select childcare providers are available from the smartraveller Children's Issues page, Child Wise and the National Childcare Accreditation Council.