- Never drink tap water. Purified, bottled water is available everywhere.
- Use an insect repellant against mosquitos, especially in upcountry and forested areas. A hat and high-factor block cream is adviseable as protection against the hot tropical sun when sightseeing, especially a pair of sunglasses.
- Casual and light clothing is required, preferably natural fibres, year-round, but a sweater or jacket may be useful in hill areas, particularly during winter months, when evenings can be quite cool. A windproof jacket is essential when touring Inle Lake November to February. An umbrella or raincoat is essential if visiting during the monsoon months (May-September).
- Travellers should take adequate supplies of any prescription medicines they may need, as supplies may not be available locally. A spare pair of eye glasses, if worn, is also advise able. Useful, too, is a flash light, for exploring caves or details of temple interiors which are often not properly illuminated.
- Take plenty of film, as locally available supplies are not always reliable. Photography in airports, railway stations and near any military installation is forbidden. Please use discretion when photographing people, especially with tribal people, who may have superstitions against this. For close-up shots always ask first.
- Visitors are required to dress decently within the precincts of religious buildings. Ladies should not wear shorts or bra-less T-shirts in such places. Shoes and socks/stockings must always be removed at pagodas and monasteries. Shoulders and knees should be covered. Disregard of these rules causes serious cultural and religious offence to the devout Myanmar people.
- Visitors are advised to ignore touts who may approach them to exchange foreign currency, or to sell gems of dubious quality. Such offers, although apparently attractive, are breaking strict laws.
- Begging is not widespread in Myanmar and visitors are requested not to encourage development of this practice by giving money, sweets etc. to children. If travelers wish to contribute to say, a village community, gifts should be directed to the local school teacher or headman. Contributions can also be arranged for recognized local charities.
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