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.
Manners
Not always necessary to shake hands.
- Don't hug or kiss in public.
- Don't touch any adult on the head.
- Don't step over any part of a person, as
it is considered rude.
- Accept or give things with your right
hand.
In Myanmar, unlike the Indian continent,
nodding means YES, and shaking head means NO.
Eating
For hygiene reasons, eat only in decent
restaurants. When not available, always eat
heated food.
- Don�t eat food purchased from street
vendors.
- Don't drink tap water.
- Drink only bottled water and soft drinks
that haven't been opened yet.
- Let the oldest be served first.
- Chinese food is common and suggested.
- Myanmar food are often complained as
'oily'.
To try good Myanmar food, go to decent
restaurants in Yangon area, where they cook
Myanmar food according to international
standards.
Shopping
When buying gems, sculptures, or any expensive
souvenir, make sure it comes with an export
permit.
Buy arts from authorized dealers only and get
a certified receipt.
Safety
Don't leave expensive items in your room.
Use safe deposit box.Beware of cheats,
swindlers, imposters.
Health
- Stay away from narcotic drugs.
- Carry some medicines for diarrhea.
If sick, don't worry. All doctors are
English literate.
- Health insurance is not available.
Traveling:
- Accept that facilities may not be the
best.
- On trains, keep windows shut.
- Speed or distance descriptions are in
miles, not kilometers.
- Carry toilet paper in your bag.
Visiting
Most Myanmar do not wear shoes in their
homes. Take off when visiting.
Moving About
- Don't jay walk. Watch where you walk and
what you step on.
- If driving, city speed limit is 30 mph.
Drive on the right side.
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.
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