Typical Character
- Friendly, helpful, honest, but proud.
- Treat everyone with respect and you will be respected.
Speaking
- When addressing people, don't leave out U (which stands for Mr) or
Daw (which stands for Ms/Mrs).
- Speak slowly and clearly.
- The Myanmar people are friendly, helpful and polite.
- Respect the Myanmar people and their unique traditions.
- Don’t take any photos that may make people feel embarrassed.
- Do smile.
- Don’t point with your foot.
- Wear decent clothes when visiting religious sites.
- Do tuck away your feet.
- Don’t touch anyone on the head.
- Please learn the basic words of Myanmar language.
- Women travelers are very safe in Myanmar.
- Don’t kiss in public.
- Don’t disturb people praying or meditating.
- Calling with your finger up means calling for a challenge.
- Please learn the local customs before visiting ethnic minority villages.
- Do try Myanmar traditional transport facilities.
- Visitors should be understanding when experiencing electricity outages.
- Don’t touch the robe of a monk.
- Spread your wealth, use your money wisely.
- Myanmar is a cultural destination.
- Myanmar currency should be exchanged at the official exchange counters and banks.
- If tourists wish to help the people of Myanmar, they should consider creative ways to contribute to communities, not to individuals.
- Giving money or sweets to children is not advisable.
- Myanmar people are delighted when tourists participate in their festivals.
- Using drugs is illegal in Myanmar.
- Help protect Myanmar wildlife by refusing to purchase wildlife products.
- To maintain Myanmar’s unique heritage, do not buy antiques. Buy arts and crafts instead.
- Help us keep Myanmar clean.
- Practice safe sex.
- Do not go where you are advised not to go.
- Relax and enjoy your holiday!
Religion
- At religious places, remove footwear, but to remove headwear is not necessary.
- Avoid shouting or laughing.
- Avoid being a nuisance when taking photographs.
- Treat Buddha images with respect.
- Tuck away your feet. Don't point it toward the pagoda or a monk.
- Don't play loud music in these areas. Note that Buddhist monks are not allowed to listen to music.
- Do not put Buddha statues or images on the floor or somewhere inappropriate.
- Don't touch sacred objects with disrespect.
- Hold them in your right-hand, or with both hands.
- Leave a donation when possible.
- Show respect to monks, nuns, and novices (even if they are children).
- Don't offer your hand to shake hands with a monk.
- Sit lower than a monk and elders.
- Don't offer food to a monk, nun, or a novice after noon time.
- A woman should not touch a monk.
