AboutNancy B Expertise One of my all-time favorites. I`ve been there more than 10 times (for at least a month each time), done the tourist loop five times and travelled to several permit-only areas. Aside from the Yangon, Bago, Inle, Kalaw, Mandalay, Pagan, Pyay route, I`ve travelled twice to Sittwe, Mrauk-U and the Chin areas and then down to Ramree Island, Ngapali and Pathein. Been on the wonderful boat from Bhamo to Mandalay and sojourned in the south a bit past Moulmein. Most recently I trekked in the northern Kachin state, camped and stayed with the Rawang tribe, for 2 weeks on the way to Phonekan Razi to see the Himalayas from the east. I`ve taken nearly every mode of transport--trains, planes, buses, boats, bikes, oxcarts, trekking on foot. I can answer logistical questions about airfare, hotels, restaurants, trekking, trains, restricted/open areas and, especially, cultural/religious sites and their significance.
Experience The world is a fascinating place and nothing reveals this more thoroughly than exploring faraway lands. I've got a penchant for the exotic, a friendly face and a true curiousity about the people, art and life.
Question Dear Nancy: I really enjoy reading your answers and now would like to bring up the money changing issue. To wit: everyone I know who has gone has taken new $100.00 bills and changed them on the black market. When I queerie this information I see that all those people were men. four older women are going in January and we need to understand how we can manage our money. Four four weeks, with all hotels and travel costs excluding food covered by our travel agency in Rangoon, how much money will we need and how do we handle it?
thank you in advance for your most respected opinion.
susanne monson
Answer Sorry, Susanne,
I neglected to list my "vacation" for the Thanksgiving holiday!
Money changing . . . basically everything is "black market" since the government insists on maintaining this fantasy exchange rate of 6 kyats to the dollar (instead of more than 1300). It's really no problem for anyone to change money. Just make sure you count your kyats carefully, and tell the changer up front that you will not be giving any "tips" for his services. You can also change (at a reduced rate) a bit more "officially" (but not really) at your hotel. Sounds like you'll only need money for drinks, small tips, buying things and independent times. If you're staying in fancy hotels and buying drinks, you may have to pay in dollars. For local joints, most souvenirs and small tips, you'll need kyat. How much you need depends on how much you intend to buy. I'd bring about $500 USD (generally only two $100 notes though your exchange might be a tiny bit better, approx 4 $50 dollar notes, maybe a $20 and the other $70 in small notes, which you always need). Order from your bank in advance to make sure all the notes are brand NEW to avoid problems. Often, even creased bills are not accepted. If you're going to buy a lot (more than $100USD) you may want to bring more. Don't plan on using your credit card anywhere (nor traveler's checks or an atm).
Have fun!
Nancy B
