Yangon, Myanmar Report of what it's like to live there - 10/03/16
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?
Five previous expat experiences, mostly in Africa.
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?
U.S.A. We usually go from Yangon to Seoul to Detroit. There's a new flight directly to Dubai. Either way, it's a long haul.
3. How long have you lived here?
About two years.
4. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
U.S. Government.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
There are houses and serviced apartments. The serviced apartments are very fancy (pools, gyms, restaurants, etc.). The U.S. Embassy is moving toward only using houses near the embassy, as traffic is getting worse in the city due to fast economic growth. Most people have a 15-30 min commute.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
You can basically get whatever you want now. There are fancy "City Marts" popping up all over town. Luxury items like blueberries are expensive, but available.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
You can save money by shipping laundry detergent and household goods. Most things are available here.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
It's not Bangkok, but food scene has really grown. There are many trendy hipster options and new places are opening every weekend.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
There are ants and mosquitoes in houses. The serviced apartments have fewer problems.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
Embassy.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Household is reliable and ranges from $250-350 per month.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
New fancy gyms are starting to emerge. The American club and the U.S. Embassy both have gyms for embassy personnel.
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?
Credit card use is getting easier in Yangon, but it's mostly a cash economy.
5. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
It helps to learn basic phrases, but not required. People here are so nice that you can usually get by.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Taxis are safe, cheap, and everywhere. You could survive here without a car.
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?
A Toyota Rav4 or similar type vehicle is ideal. You want something that is high enough for water and potholes, but small enough for narrow streets.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
The serviced apartments get a connection as part of their rent. People with houses pay between $100-200 per month. A new undersea cable comes online in 2017, which will speed things up considerably.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
Cheap and easy here. We pay about $5 per month for unlimited data.
Employment & Volunteer Opportunities:
1. What volunteer opportunities are available locally?
Many.
2. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Formal at the Embassy. Everywhere else is less formal. Flip-flops are always welcome.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
This place is very safe. Many people don't even lock doors.
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 great. Bangkok and Singapore are good options for anything more than stitches. It takes about 45 minutes via airplane to get to Bangkok.
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?
Fair. The fast economic growth has added a lot of cars. It's much better than most posts in Asia.
4. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
November to February is glorious. Aside from those months, it's either hot or raining.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
Our kids are very happy at ISY. Sometimes older kids struggle with transferring into ISY because it's very rigorous academically. Most people seem happy.
2. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
The American club has lots of options. Our kids LOVE the club. They can run around free in big packs of friends.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Getting bigger fast.
2. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
The people here are wonderful. They are incredibly kind and honest. The beaches require some travel time, but they are beautiful and not overrun by tourists...yet
3. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Inle lake, Bagan, and all the undiscovered local attractions.
Words of Wisdom:
1. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
YES. It's a special time to live here. The country is changing so rapidly and the future seems bright. It's a rare good news story in the world.
2. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
Socks.
3. But don't forget your:
Sun screen.
4. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
"Land of the Green Ghosts" and "River of Lost Footsteps."
5. Do you have any other comments?
Morale here is high. Most people feel a deep sense of purpose in their jobs.
