Packing list for Myanmar, travel insurance for Myanmar and taking your belongings

What to take to Myanmar: brief

To pack and check:

• Documents and money: a passport valid for at least 6 months upon arrival and a valid visa or eVisa (depending on current regulations). Bring multiple paper and digital copies of your passport, visa, and travel insurance. You may also need your vaccination booklet. Myanmar uses the kyat (MMK). Due to the political situation, foreign debit and credit cards often do not work. Therefore, bring sufficient cash, undamaged (important!) US dollars or euros, and research currency exchange options in advance.
• Clothing: light, airy clothing (e.g., cotton or linen) for the heat and humidity. Covered shoulders and knees are important for temples and religious sites. A light raincoat or poncho is useful during the rainy season (approximately May through October).
• Shoes: comfortable walking shoes or sneakers are suitable for cities and temple complexes such as Bagan. Flip-flops or sandals are also practical, as you will frequently need to take off your shoes at temples. Packing and protection: a rain cover for your backpack, waterproof bags for electronics (especially if you are heading into nature during the rainy season), and a small daypack.
• Insects and animals: a good mosquito repellent containing DEET or picaridine is essential.
• Sleeping and sleeping: a sleeping bag liner can be pleasant in simpler accommodations. If you are staying outside the larger cities, an impregnated mosquito net is also a good investment.
• Medicines and travel first-aid kit: a comprehensive travel first-aid kit with plasters, blister plasters, ORS, painkillers, anti-diarrhea medication, hand sanitizer, and personal medication.
• Outdoors and handy items: a reusable water bottle (with filter), sunglasses, a hat or cap, and a flashlight or headlamp. Power outages occur regularly in parts of Myanmar.
• Technology and equipment: Myanmar mainly uses Type C, D, F, and G sockets. Carrying a universal travel adapter will prevent dead batteries. Furthermore, a good power bank is useful because the power can go out quite often.
• Safety and theft: always follow the most up-to-date travel advice. Due to the political situation, certain regions are unsafe or inaccessible. Check in advance which areas you can visit and be prepared for internet and power outages.
• Personal care and hygiene: sunscreen with a high SPF, lip balm, wet wipes, and hand gel are useful given the combination of heat, dust, and limited sanitation facilities.

To consider:

• A sarong or light scarf for temple visits or sun protection.
• Quick-drying travel towel.
• Water purification tablets or a water filter when you are traveling outside tourist areas.
• A small gift if you stay with local families; hospitality plays an important role in Burmese culture.
• Knowledge of local customs, such as removing your shoes at temples and homes, and respectful adherence to Buddhist traditions.

Are there mosquitoes in Myanmar?

• Yes, mosquitoes are present all year round, with larger numbers during and immediately after the rainy season. In large parts of Myanmar, mosquitoes can transmit malaria and dengue. Additionally, chikungunya and Japanese encephalitis occur in certain areas.
• You can protect yourself well with protective clothing, an insect repellent containing DEET or picaridine, and, where necessary, a mosquito net.
• More about protection against mosquitoes and insects.

Are there sandflies in Myanmar?

• Yes, sandflies are found in parts of Myanmar. They are mainly active around sunset and at night, and their bites cause nasty, long-itching bumps.
• An insect repellent containing DEET and protective clothing also offers protection against sandflies.
• More about sandflies and sand fleas.

Can you buy DEET, or other insect repellents, in Myanmar?

• Yes, but the selection varies. In Yangon, Mandalay, and other larger cities, DEET and other insect repellents can be available at pharmacies and larger supermarkets.
• Outside the cities, insect repellents are difficult to find, or the choice is limited. It is therefore advisable to bring enough of your own trusted mosquito repellent, especially if you are traveling to rural areas.
• More about DEET and insect repellent.

Can you buy a joint or weed in Myanmar, or bring it to Myanmar?

• Although Myanmar was once one of the few countries to protest the international ban on cannabis, the answer is now: no, absolutely not. Myanmar enforces a strict anti-cannabis policy. Cannabis is illegal, and possession, use, trade, and import can carry severe penalties.
• Medicinal cannabis is also illegal, even though many local groups use the plant as medicine.
• Bringing cannabis to Myanmar is an absolute no-go. You risk a 15-year prison sentence or possibly the death penalty.