Yangon Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Yangon.
Healthcare System
Yangon's healthcare system is a mix of public hospitals (which are generally under-resourced) and private international clinics that cater to expatriates and tourists. The public healthcare system faces significant challenges, particularly since 2021, with many healthcare workers participating in civil disobedience movements.
Hospitals
International clinics include Pun Hlaing Siloam Hospital, Victoria Hospital, and SOS International Clinic. These facilities have English-speaking staff and accept international insurance, but advance payment or insurance guarantees are typically required. For serious emergencies, medical evacuation to Thailand may be necessary.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies are widely available in Yangon, with many located in shopping centers and along main roads. Common medications are available, though quality can be inconsistent. Bring prescription medications from home with proper documentation. International-standard pharmacies include those in City Mart supermarkets and major hospitals.
Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is absolutely essential. Ensure your policy covers Myanmar and includes evacuation to Bangkok or Singapore, as local facilities cannot handle serious medical emergencies.
Healthcare Tips
- Carry a basic medical kit including anti-diarrheal medication, antibiotics (prescribed before travel), and any prescription medications
- Drink only bottled or purified water; avoid ice in drinks unless at international hotels
- Ensure vaccinations are up to date, including Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid, and routine vaccinations
- Keep contact information for your embassy and international clinics readily accessible
- Medical facilities may require cash payment upfront; keep emergency funds available
- Consider registering with International SOS or similar medical assistance services before arrival
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Since the 2021 military coup, protests, demonstrations, and civil unrest can occur with little warning. Military and police presence is significant in certain areas, and situations can escalate quickly.
While less common than in other Southeast Asian cities, pickpocketing and bag snatching can occur, particularly in crowded areas and tourist sites. Opportunistic theft has increased due to economic hardship.
Traffic in Yangon is chaotic with poorly maintained roads, inadequate signage, and unpredictable driving behavior. Motorcycles weave through traffic, and pedestrians must be extremely cautious.
Traveler's diarrhea and food poisoning are common risks. Tap water is not potable, and food hygiene standards vary significantly between establishments.
Internet access is restricted and monitored. VPNs are commonly used but can be unreliable. Mobile data and WiFi may be cut without warning during periods of unrest.
International sanctions and banking restrictions have severely limited ATM access for foreign cards. Many ATMs do not accept international cards, and those that do often have low withdrawal limits or are frequently out of service.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Friendly locals approach tourists and convince them to buy gems or jewelry as an 'investment' that can be resold at profit. The items are typically fake or worth far less than claimed. Sometimes involves elaborate stories about family connections in the gem business.
Taxi drivers claim their meter is broken and quote inflated flat rates, or use rigged meters that run fast. Some take unnecessarily long routes to increase fares.
Unlicensed guides approach tourists at major sites offering tours at seemingly reasonable rates, then demand much higher payment afterward or add numerous 'required' fees. Quality of information is often poor.
Individuals approach tourists claiming to collect donations for monasteries, orphanages, or charitable causes. Money rarely reaches intended recipients. Some use children to solicit donations.
When exchanging money, dealers use sleight of hand or confusing counting methods to short-change customers, or swap good bills for counterfeit ones during the transaction.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
Political Awareness
- Register with your embassy upon arrival and maintain regular contact
- Avoid all political discussions in public and on social media
- Stay away from protests, demonstrations, and large gatherings
- Monitor news from multiple reliable sources daily
- Have an evacuation plan and keep important documents accessible
- Respect curfews if imposed and follow local authority instructions
- Maintain a low profile and avoid drawing attention to yourself
- Keep your embassy's 24-hour emergency contact number saved
Money and Valuables
- Bring sufficient clean USD bills (post-2013 series preferred) as backup
- Keep cash in multiple secure locations on your person and in luggage
- Use hotel safes for passports and excess cash
- Carry only what you need for the day
- Make copies of important documents and store separately from originals
- Be discreet when handling money in public
- Keep emergency cash hidden in a money belt or concealed pocket
Transportation
- Use Grab app or hotel-arranged taxis rather than street taxis
- Avoid traveling after dark when possible
- Always wear seatbelts in vehicles
- Be extremely cautious when crossing streets; traffic rarely yields to pedestrians
- Keep bags and valuables secured and out of sight in vehicles
- Avoid riding motorcycles or renting vehicles yourself
- Have your destination written in Burmese script to show drivers
Communication
- Purchase a local SIM card for mobile data (tourist SIMs available at airport)
- Download offline maps before arrival (Google Maps, Maps.me)
- Install and configure VPN before arriving in Myanmar
- Save important contacts and addresses offline
- Learn basic Burmese phrases for emergencies
- Keep your phone charged; carry a power bank
- Be aware internet may be cut off during periods of unrest
Cultural Respect
- Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites (cover shoulders and knees)
- Remove shoes and socks before entering pagodas and temples
- Never point feet toward Buddha images or monks
- Ask permission before photographing people, especially monks
- Avoid touching people's heads, which is considered sacred
- Women should not touch monks or hand items directly to them
- Show respect for images of Buddha and religious sites at all times
Health Precautions
- Apply mosquito repellent regularly, especially at dawn and dusk
- Consider antimalarial medication if traveling outside Yangon
- Wash hands frequently or use hand sanitizer
- Avoid contact with animals, especially dogs and monkeys
- Seek immediate medical attention for any animal bites
- Protect against sun exposure with sunscreen and protective clothing
- Carry prescription medications in original containers with doctor's letter
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
Women travelers generally report feeling relatively safe in Yangon compared to other Southeast Asian cities, with harassment being less common than in neighboring countries. However, the current political situation adds complexity, and women should take standard precautions. Local culture is generally conservative, and modest dress is both respectful and practical for reducing unwanted attention.
- Dress conservatively: cover shoulders and knees, avoid tight or revealing clothing
- Use registered taxis or Grab rather than walking alone after dark
- Stay in well-reviewed accommodations in central, tourist-friendly areas
- Be cautious about accepting drinks from strangers or leaving drinks unattended
- Trust your instincts; if a situation feels uncomfortable, remove yourself
- Carry a charged phone and share your itinerary with someone you trust
- Consider joining group tours for visits to more remote areas
- Be aware that solo women may attract curiosity but this is usually benign
- Avoid isolated areas, particularly beaches and parks, when alone
- Keep a scarf or shawl handy to cover up when visiting religious sites
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Homosexuality is technically illegal in Myanmar under colonial-era laws, with potential penalties including imprisonment, though these laws are rarely enforced against tourists. There are no legal protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.
- Exercise discretion; avoid public displays of affection regardless of sexual orientation
- Be aware that same-sex relationships are not legally recognized
- Research LGBTQ+-friendly accommodations in advance if this is important to you
- The current political climate has made the situation more precarious; maintain low profile
- Connect with local LGBTQ+ organizations discreetly through international networks if desired
- Be cautious about discussing LGBTQ+ topics publicly or on monitored internet connections
- Some international hotels may be more understanding and accommodating
- Dating apps should be used with extreme caution due to potential risks
- Emergency services may not be sensitive to LGBTQ+ issues
- Consider that cultural conservatism affects all travelers; modest dress and behavior are expected of everyone
Travel Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance is absolutely critical for visiting Yangon and Myanmar. The political instability, limited medical facilities, potential need for emergency evacuation, and restricted banking access make insurance essential rather than optional. Many standard policies may exclude Myanmar or have specific restrictions, so carefully review coverage before purchasing.
Planning your trip? Make sure you have the right travel insurance for Yangon Safety Guide before you go.