Dos and Don’ts for Visitors

Offering a peek into the unique culture of Myanmar to help preserve and maintain the charm of the country, the present Dos and Don’ts are designed to help tourists visit Myanmar responsibly respectfully and more aware.

• “Mingalaba” – The Myanmar people are friendly, helpful and polite.
  The Typical Myanmar character is friendly, helpful, kind polite and trust worthy.
  
  
• Respect the Myanmar people and their unique traditions.
  Visitors are not asked to abandon their ways, they are asked to adapt to the Myanmar environment.
  
  
• Don’t take any photos that may make people feel embarrassed.
  For example, it is considered disrespectful when tourists take photos of women taking a shower,
  
  
• Do smile.
  The Myanmar people are very friendly; A smile will lighten up everyone’s day.
  
  
• Don’t point with your foot.
  In Myanmar the feet convey messages. Pointing with your feet means disrespect.
  
  
• Wear decent clothes when visiting religious sites.
  Please cover your shoulders and knees, and take off your shoes and socks when entering pagoda areas.
  
  
• Do tuck away your feet.
  When you sit, your legs should not be stretched out and your feet should never face the Buddha.
  
  
• Don’t touch anyone on the head.
  The head is the most esteemed part of the body. To be touched on the head is considered aggressive.
  
  
• Please learn the basic words in Myanmar language.
  People will be delighted to meet visitors who are willing to immerse themselves in the language.
  
  
• Woman travelers are very safe in Myanmar.
  Myanmar is a very safe place for tourists, but it is recommended women dress decently.
  
  
• Don’t kiss in public.
  Displaying physical closeness in public places is frowned upon in Myanmar.
  
  
• Don’t disturb people praying or meditating.
  Visitors should avoid lout talk and should take care not to touch people meditating.
  
  
• Calling with your finger up means calling for a challenge.
  Calling someone with your fingers down is considered polite.
  
  
• Please learn the local customs before visiting ethnic minority villages.
  The people of Myanmar are very diverse; each ethnic minority has their own local customs. For example, when tourist visits Akha villages they should know not to take photos of pregnant women.
  
  
• Do try Myanmar traditional transport facilities. It’s sustainable and benefit the locals.
  If they wish, visitors are encouraged to be a bit adventurous and to support local transport facilities.
  
  
• Visitors may experience electricity outages.
  Tourists are urged to be understanding about the electricity situation in Myanmar.
  
  
• Don’t touch the robe of a monk.
  Monks are very revered: they observe many rules, study the Dhamma, practice meditation, and are highly respected in Myanmar society. Visitors should never touch the robe of a monk, not even if they see a warm crawling up his robe.
  
  
• Spread your wealth, use your money wisely.
  Tourists should purchase non-precious items at the local market. Licensed shores will give certificates that guarantee the authenticity of the items, whereas unlicensed stores, as depicted in this cartoon, cannot guarantee the authenticity of the items.
  
  
• Myanmar is a cultural destination.
  Visitors are encouraged to learn about Myanmar’s traditional festivals and ceremonies.
  
  
• Myanmar currency should be exchanged at the official exchange counters and banks.
  Visitors should change their money at the reliable exchange counters, no on the black market.
  
  
• It tourists wish to help the people of Myanmar; they should consider creative ways to contribute to communities, not to individuals.
  For example, visitors can donate to communities; schools, health facilities, NGOs or monasteries that take care of children.
  
  
• Giving money or sweets to children is not advisable.
  Instead of creating children’s dependency on tourism, visitors should consider the saying: “Don’t give a helpless person a fish, each it how to catch a fish and they will learn for a lifetime”.
  
  
• Myanmar people are delighted when tourists participate in their festivals.
  It makes Myanmar people very happy and proud of their traditions if they see foreigners participate in their festivals.
  
  
• Using drugs is illegal in Myanmar.
  The use of drugs is against the law and will destroy your life.
  
  
• Help protect Myanmar wildlife by refusing to purchase wildlife products.
  The illegal selling of wildlife endangers the species native to Myanmar. Tourists should not buy these products.
  
  
• To maintain Myanmar’s unique heritage, do not buy antiques. Buy arts and crafts instead.
  Myanmar loses its heritage every time antique items are taken out of the country.
  
  
• Help us keep Myanmar clean.
  Visitors could set a good example by collecting their rubbish and educating Myanmar people about environmental responsibility.
  
  
• Practice safe sex.
  Prostitution is illegal in Myanmar.
  
  
• Do not go where you are advised not to go.
  Myanmar is slowly opening up and more destinations will be accessible to foreigners in future.

Relax and enjoy your holiday the present Dos and Don’ts merely offer some useful hints for tourists who wish to visit Myanmar responsibly.

Reference from: http://umtanet.org/index.php/information/general-information/dos-dont-s