Yangon, Myanmar Report of what it's like to live there - 11/24/25
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?
I have lived in Germany, India, Cambodia, Chile, and Angola.
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?
Washington, D.C. It is not easy, as there are connecting flights in Bangkok and Doha. If you time the day of the week correctly you can get back to DC in 24 hours. I've left Yangon at 4 p.m. on a Friday and gotten into DC by 10 a.m. on Saturday. Still it's a tough flight back to the US. However, regional travel is great. Roundtrip flights to Bangkok, a stepping stone to much of SE Asia, are cheap and plentiful.
3. What years did you live here?
2024 to 2025.
4. How long have you lived here?
One year.
5. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
US Embassy.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Housing is quite good. The one thing to be aware are the near-constant power outages and backup generators going on. Make sure you have a UPS for your internet and computer.
Embassy housing is a mix of standalone houses and serviced apartments. Embassy provides a shuttle (about $3/ride); some folks bike or even walk to the Embassy. Most folks are no more than 15 minutes from the Embassy. Grab, the ride-hailing app in SE Asia, is pretty good except when there are heavy rains and cheap, think about $2 for a 15-minute ride (although the cabs can be pretty beat up). Serviced apartments have daily housekeeping and are on compounds with pools, gyms and spas with massage services, small grocery stores and restaurants, almost all having room service. There were multiple occasions I was cooking dinner and debated why I didn't just go to the restaurant where a pizza and a beer would be about $8.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
There is a lot of available foods: beef from Australia, local seafood, amazing local fruits and vegetables, though not as much as in the US. I shipped canned tomatoes, olive oil, snack foods, etc., in my shipment, but had lots of stuff left since you could get items on local economy and dining out was affordable. Take specific household supplies; your local choices on economy are more limited.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
Specialty beverages (they don't have Diet Coke or Diet Sprite if that's your thing).
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
Food options are amazing, and Grab and Panda Express deliver almost everything to your door. Options range from great street food to high-end restaurants that cost $100 a person. That said there brew pubs, speakeasies, pizza joints and Asian cuisine restaurants where you can get a superb meal and drinks for $20.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
None. My major disappointment was never seeing a Burmese python.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
DPO. Takes about three weeks.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Readily available. I paid $200 a month, which was on the high end, for a two-days-a-week housekeeper who did my grocery shopping, cooked, cut up my fresh fruit (always had my fridge stocked with fresh season fruit), did my laundry and whatever other chores I needed done.
3. Do you feel that it is safe to walk, run or hike outside? Are there areas where bike riding is possible? What is the availability and safety of outdoor space for exercising? Are these easily accessible?
Lots of outdoor spaces and parks. Crime is real but I never felt threatened or at risk running or walking outside.
4. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
Many gyms for about $50 a month. The Embassy had multiple fitness groups, soccer and volleyball teams and a gym. The serviced apartments had gyms and regularly organized 10ks and 5ks. Burma roads can be very slippery so you need to be careful but there are many runners and recreational cyclists.
5. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
ATMs are common for both local and USD. You can exchange USD for local currency at official shops. There are blackmarket traders on streets but I would not use them. Find an official exchange shop that uses a money counter. Almost all restaurants take credit cards.
6. What English-language religious services are available locally?
There are several.
7. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
Not necessary but helpful. Embassy has a very good language teacher.
8. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Definitely. Few sidewalks. The sidewalks and streets get very slippery when wet.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Local buses are safe but very crowded. Grab is the go-to taxi app. Very affordable.
2. What kind of vehicle(s) including electric ones do you recommend bringing to post, given the terrain, infrastructure, availability of parts, burglary/carjacking risks, etc.? What kind of car or vehicles do you advise not to bring?
Severe import restrictions makes bringing a car to post expensive and time consuming. Buy something from local dip community. Most people buy from departing diplomats, but prices can vary widely.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Serviced apartments come with high speed internet which is good for streaming (Netflix, etc.) but there are challenges with internet restrictions. People use multiple VPNs. What may work one day may not work the next. Local SIM cards are okay. You can TRY to keep your US-based cell service but will be unreliable.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
I kept my US-based plan and used it for wifi calling at home. Embassy will give you a local phone number.
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?
People have brought cats and dogs with them; it limits housing options but totally doable. Import process is tricky due to limited options and flights but again doable.
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?
EFMs can find jobs at Embassy; there are more jobs than EFMs. Various volunteer opportunities.
2. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
From suits to business casual.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
There are weekly safety updates and the post is a no-minors posts. Many parts of the country are no-go zone and even though Yangon has no-go zones few people have safety concerns.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Many people have digestive issues but that may be person dependent. Medical care is solid but for most things you'll be MEDEVAC'd 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?
Air quality is good.
4. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
December-January is more mild but heat and humidity can be very high. If you want to exercise, you'll be out there at 5:30 a.m. to try to stay cool.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
Are International Schools that seem good, but no American diplomats can bring children.
2. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
No basis for information but there appear to be lots of sports programs for young people.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Morale is high given the quality of lodging, the strength of the dollar, intermission interaction, variety of food and entertainment options and ease of in-country and regional travel.
2. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
Good for everyone.
3. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
Seems to be.
4. Is it easy to make friends with locals here? Are there any prejudices or any ethnic groups who might feel uncomfortable here?
Yes. Both within the Embassy community and with locals. Many opportunities to meet and greet and interact.
5. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
Definitely in different parts of the country, but not so much in Yangon.
6. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
Myanmar is fascinating. Bagan is amazing. Make sure to take a balloon ride. Exploring the food markets and local craft markets. Getting custom-made teak furniture. Running in races all over the city.
7. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
There are no hidden gems as most people know the best things to do. One of my favorites were twice-weekly 90-minute massages for $20.
8. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Yes. Custom made teak furniture. There are amazing Myanmar painters known for their portraits. Jade jewelry.
9. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
Saving money while living in a vibrant city with amazing food and a delightful cocktail scene.
Words of Wisdom:
1. What do you wish you had known about this particular city/country before moving there?
You read about the civil war that is going on outside of Yangon and the military coup and you are prepared for the worst. The impact of the coup on the economics of Yangon and rest of country can't be overstated. You will hear repeatedly how tourism has nearly vanished, but the Burmese people are friendly and resilient. The city is much more developed than anticipated. The food options are amazing and Yangon has many nooks and cranies to explore and love. You will be surprised and enchanted and not want to leave. That said, it is very far from the United States.
2. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Absolutely.
3. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
your sweaters.
4. But don't forget your:
swim trunks and sense of adventure.
