Do they accept other currencies except the kyat?
Q: I plan to visit Burma next month. What's the situation with exchanging money in the country and are there any ATM machines? Do they accept other currencies except the kyat? Peter R
A: The kyat has been the currency of Burma since 1952 although the US$ is still popularly used by visitors to Burma. It's best to prepare enough US currency to cover your spending during your trip, as there are no ATMs inside Burma.
There have long been reports of poor exchange rates at the airport and government banks, so many tourists change dollars to kyat on the street. However, the situation seems to be improving with the government granting permission to private six banks to officially exchange money at market rates. All the banks along Thain Phyu Street now have exchange counters though the queues are often long.
Currency exchange counters in public places are gradually being opened but at the moment, the private banks are your best bet. The current rate is about 830 Kyat to the US$ while street traders are offering 825 Kyat to the dollar. Banks and traders will also accept euro notes of all denomination for exchange but the rates tend to be less advantageous.
Rangoon Airport has two exchange counters - one before customs and the other in the main arrivals hall. Both offer decent exchange rates.
In terms of currency usage, the Kyat is more convenient when paying for meals at restaurants and buying things at local markets and souvenirs shops. If you pay in dollars, you can expect to receive your change in the local currency. However the US currency is required for entrance fees, airport tax and also hotels and travel agencies. Hope this helps!
Q: I'm travelling with my husband and three children - two boys aged eight and 11 and a girl aged four - to Koh Samui in April. Are there any sightseeing trips that would suit us all? Thanks SS
A: Many tourists enjoy heading out on a speedboat to Ang Thong National Marine Park for a day but if you prefer to stay on the island, you have the options of a water park and safari tour, both of them great for kids.
Paradise Park Farm, on Khao Pom, Samui’s highest mountain, can be a fun day out for all, with hundreds of birds, pleasant walking trails, an infinity swimming pool and a restaurant. Coco Splash Samui Water Park on Lamai beach offers water slides for kids to ride down to the swimming pool as well as a Mini-Splash area for very young children.
A jeep safari will take you on a full day from your hotel to see the rocks of Hin Ta Hin Yai, visit a rubber plantation, watch monkeys picking coconuts and enjoy elephant rides.
Elephant safaris are offered by a couple of companies, the most popular of which is at Na Muang Safari Park near Na Muang falls. They offer a variety of programmes ranging from two and half hours up to five hours.
Samui also has an aquarium, located in the Samui Orchid Resort to the south of Lamai Beach. It's small and can't be compared to any of the modern aquariums in Bangkok or Pattaya but children will have fun looking at the sharks and lion fish. Nearby is the Butterfly Garden, home to dozens of species of the colourful insects.
Add any of these to the sun, sea and sand in Samui and I guarantee your holiday will be memorable for the entire family.
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