Yangon, Myanmar Report of what it's like to live there - 11/13/08
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?
Yes.
2. How long have you lived here?
2 years.
3. Travel time and best routes to this city from Europe or the US:
Around 40 hours from the U.S.
4. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
State Department.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Large colonial houses for families, serviced apartments for singles.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Vegetables are extremely affordable. Meat and cheese can get pricey. Household supplies are very affordable.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
You can purchase or substitute almost anything on the market.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
No fast food, but lots of great restaurants.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
We have limited APO.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Very affordable: Maid - US$90 a month; Nanny - US$80 a month; Driver - US$90 a month; Gardener - US$80 a month.
3. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
Not available in Burma. You cash checks at the Embassy.
4. What English-language religious services are available locally?
Yes.
5. English-language newspapers and TV available? Cost?
No reliable news or newspapers in Burma. All media is government owned. Embassy personel have 3 AFN channels and can purchase Thai satelite.
6. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
Not much at all, most Burmese speak English.
7. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Several, this is a third world country. No access ramps, sidewalks have holes, roads have potholes.
Transportation:
1. Do you drive on the right hand side of the road or the left?
Right side of the road.
2. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Buses are NOT recommended. The train is more for an evening out instead of commuting. Taxis are in abundance and affordable, but are definitely an adventure!
3. 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?
SUVs are ideal.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
No.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
Extremely expensive and not reliable. The lack of technology is the hardest part of post.
3. What is the best way to make phone calls back home?
IVG access is only available in the Embassy.
Pets:
1. Quality pet care available (vets & kennels)?
Dr. Martin is the best vet. He makes house calls.
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?
None besides teaching at an International School.
2. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Conservative.
Health & Safety:
1. Pollution index (Good, Moderate, Unhealthy, or Very Unhealthy)?
Good.
2. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Petty theft.
3. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Burma does not have good medical care. There is an International SOS Clinic with an excellent French Doctor. Major health needs will be taken care of in Bangkok or Singapore.
4. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Hot and humid.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
International School of Yangon (ISY) - excellent for elementary school, not recommended for high school.
2. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
Not available.
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?
Network Preschool - excellent preschool, most families use this preschool.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Pretty small, you get to know everyone here in a few months.
2. Morale among expats:
Good.
3. What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
Lots to do! It's a small community so people have parties all the time.
4. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
Yes.
5. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
Yes.
6. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
No, expats are treated like royalty out here.
7. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Lots! This post is what you make of it. There are a lot of outdoor activities and a supportive community. The country lacks technology, but you can go to Bangkok for modernization.
8. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Burma has a lot of things to purchase. Antiques, pearls, gems, wood carvings, materials, laquerware, monks, etc.
9. Can you save money?
Yes.
Words of Wisdom:
1. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Yes!
2. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
Technology.
3. But don't forget your:
Positive attitude.
4. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
5. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
6. Recommended movies/DVDs related to this city:
7. Do you have any other comments?
This is a great post. We have a small, supportive community and lots of activities. You have to be proactive to meet people and find out what's going on, but your schedule will be as busy as you want it to be.
