Yangon, Myanmar Report of what it's like to live there - 05/17/16
Personal Experiences from Yangon, Myanmar
Background:
1. Was this post your first expatriate experience? If not, what other cities have you lived in as an expat?
No, we've also been posted to Beijing/ China, Tbilisi /Georgia, and Budapest/Hungary.
2. What is your home city/country? How long is the trip to post from there, with what connections? How easy/difficult is it to travel to this city/country?
California and Pennsylvania. The fastest flight is to LA via Taipei on China Airlines: 20 hours.
To the East Coast via China, Korea, or Japan takes upwards of 30 hours.
3. How long have you lived here?
We arrived in fall 2013 and will depart in July 2016.
4. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Husband working at the U.S. Embassy.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Housing is expensive, though with increasing competition, costs are coming down.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Fresh produce is plentiful, inexpensive, and best bought at local wet markets.
Things like milk, juices, cheese, beer, and household products can be bought at supermarkets such as City Mart. More and more we are finding Western products and it seems that almost everything is now available, though sometimes they run out.Imported products are more expensive than in the U.S. by approximately 10% to 50%.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
It's a consumable post if you work for the Embassy. We were glad we shipped wine and also Trader Joe's products such as; Dijon mustard, special sauces, peanut butter and other specialty items. Your favorite shampoos and soaps might also be good to ship. Paper towels and dish soap are not good quality here. Full service apartments supply tissues and toilet paper.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
Pizza Hut is now here, and also Swensens, Pizza Company, and KFC. We never go there.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
There are mosquitoes - malaria and dengue fever are a problem.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
Sent through the Embassy. I have received packages on occasion, but these must be picked up at the old GPO down town and are inspected before being released to you.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Cheap. Full service apartments include cleaning, though they don't clean dishes or the kitchen.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
Yes, but our "full service" apartment complex has a gym so I don' know about costs.
4. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
They are becoming more widespread and accepted.
5. What English-language religious services are available locally?
6. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
It is good to know some basic words and phrases, though almost everyone speaks a little English in Yangon. Once you leave the city it's a different story. Burmese is not always useful in some parts of the country where the local language is different.
7. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Yes, there are very few handicapped accessible public places.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Local trains are slow and not well maintained, but super interesting to travel on.
City buses are cheap, but dangerous as they are privately owned and drivers race each other to pick up more fares. There is talk of a government-run city bus line, but as of yet I haven't seen the buses. Long distance buses are quite good to some destinations, such as Bagan and Mandalay, with comfortable seats and air-con. Taxis are still unmetered, so you have to know the approximate prices for distances and agree on the fare before getting in. Some don't have air-con so you need to be selective if it's hot.
2. What kind of car do you recommend bringing to post, given the terrain, availability of parts, burglary/carjacking risks, etc.? What kind of car do you advise not to bring?
Four wheel drive is best. I don't know about parts or duties as we get our car shipped as part of our posting and it's relatively new. I have not heard of any carjackings or car theft at all. Motorcycles are not allowed in the city and bikes are technically not allowed either though you will see them on occasion. It's dangerous riding though as drivers are inexperienced and traffic is erratic.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Internet is expensive and still poor quality.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
Bring an unlocked one and get a sim card and plan on arrival.
Pets:
1. Are qualified veterinarians and/or good kennel services available? Do animals need to be quarantined upon entry to the country? Are there other considerations regarding pets that are particular to this country?
Employment & Volunteer Opportunities:
1. What types of jobs do most expatriate spouses/partners have? Locally based or telecommuting? Full-time or part-time? Can you comment on local salary scales?
Not really, but teachers will find plenty of work.
2. What volunteer opportunities are available locally?
Plenty!
3. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Modest dress. Shoulders and legs above the knee are usually covered. You cannot visit a Pagoda unless these parts are covered either.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
It is relatively a very safe country.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Medical care is not good, though there is an SOS clinic. For emergencies you'll need to go to Bangkok or Singapore. Biggest health concern is Dengue fever. We personally know several people who got it. Take precautions- use bug juice at night and cover up. Stomach bugs are also a frequent issue.
3. What is the air quality like at post (good/moderate/bad)? Are there seasonal air quality issues? Does the air quality have an impact on health?
Usually air quality is good, but in the evenings and during the dry season there is a lot of burning of garbage, which can be very unpleasant.
4. What do people who suffer from environmental or food allergies need to know?
Sorry, I don't know about seasonal allergies, but peanut oil is used in a lot of dishes.
5. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Weather is always warm, though hot season can be oppressive during mid-day and rainy season creates flooding and slippery sidewalks. Best time of year is November to January when it actually gets cool.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
We don't have kids, but there seem to be many choices.
2. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
3. Are preschools available? Day care? Are these expensive? What has been your experience with them, if any? Do the schools provide before- and/or after-school care?
4. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Large and very good!
2. What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
Go out to dinner, get together with friends, go to a gallery, bar, or club.
3. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
Good for all.
4. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
There is not a huge gay community, but they can be seen around town and people don't seem to be homophobic at all.
5. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
Not blatantly obvious, but underlying, yes.
6. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
Getting to know Myanmar people as well as expats from around the world. Visiting some remote areas that haven't seen many tourists and experiencing culture that has been trapped in a kind of time capsule.
7. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Visiting galleries, trying new restaurants, going to Chinatown, riding the "Circle Train", visiting local parks, shopping centers and wet markets.
8. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Handicrafts are beautiful.
9. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
This country has a colorful and interesting culture, which until recently has remained isolated from the outside world. People are lovely; very humble, honest, and kind. Yangon is still a very safe city. It is within close proximity to other interesting destinations in South East Asia and there are some great destinations within the country. There are plenty of restaurants in all price ranges, lots of art galleries, and beautiful crafts.
10. Can you save money?
Yes, and you'll save even more if you eat and live local.
Words of Wisdom:
1. What do you wish you had known about this particular city/country before moving there?
Where the good neighborhoods are. You want to be closer to downtown, NOT out by the airport. Traffic is increasingly worse and travel into town is unpleasant. We were lucky and were in a great location near Shwedagon Pagoda, but others were not so fortunate and had horrific commute times.
2. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Definitely!
3. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
Winter clothes!
4. But don't forget your:
Camera! This is an unbelievably photogenic place and people don't mind being photographed!
5. Recommended movies/DVDs related to this city:
Any recent documentaries.
6. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
Any recent guide books.
