Myanmar Dos and Donts

From the view of travel expert, we believe that a proper attitude of travelling in Myanmar will be good for your time in Myanmar. As a discerning travelers, we recommend you to spend time learning about Myanmar dos and donts and it would be extremely helpful for your trip through the country:

For greeting

• Do say “Mingalarbar” when meeting someone, use “U” in front of men names and “Daw” in front of women names;
• Do let the oldest be served first;
• Do offer articles with both hands and keep both feet on the ground;
• Do bend slightly in front of the elders;
• Do dress and act decently, speak slowly and clearly;
• Do ask permission before taking photographs;
• Don’t touch anybody’s head; Don’t touch women;
• Don’t point a finger straight in the face;
• Don’t step over any part of the person;
• Don’t go where you are advised not to go;
• Don’t traffic, handle, or use narcotic drugs;
• When entering pagodas or monasteries, wear decent clothes (no shorts, bare shoulders or chests) and take off your shoes;
• Don’t sit with your back towards Buddha’s image;
• Show respect to monks, novices and nuns, don’t offer to shake hands, a woman should not touch a monk, don’t step on a monk’s shadow;
• Don’t handle Buddha images or sacred objects with disrespect or keep them in inappropriate places (on the floor for example)

(This article was originally published under http://www.mekongresponsibletourism.org/myanmar/10-profile-myanmar/40-pe...)

Manners

• Not always necessary to shake hands.
• Don’t hug or kiss in public.
• Don’t touch any adult on the head.
• Don’t step over any part of a person, as it is considered rude.
• Accept or give things with your right hand.
• In Myanmar, unlike the Indian continent, nodding mean YES, and shaking head means NO.

Eating

• For hygiene reasons, eat only in decent restaurants. When not available, always eat heated food.
• Don’t drink tap water.
• Drink only bottled water and soft drinks that haven’t been opened yet.
• Let the oldest be served first.
• Myanmar food are often complained as ‘oily’.

Shopping

• When buying gems, sculptures, or any expensive souvenir, make sure it comes with an export permit.

• Buy arts from authorized dealers only and get a certified receipt.

Religion

• At religious places, remove footwear, but to remove headwear is not necessary.
• Avoid shouting or laughing.
• Avoid being a nuisance when taking photographs.
• Tread Buddha images with respect.
• Tuck away your feet. Don’t point it toward the pagoda or a monk.
• Don’t play loud music in these areas. Note that Buddhist monks are not allowed to listen to music.
• Do not put Buddha statues or images on the floor or somewhere inappropriate.
• Don’t touch sacred objects with disrespect. Hold them in your right- hand, or with both hands.
• Leave a donation when possible.
• Show respect to monks, nuns, and novices (even if they are children).
• Don’t offer your hand to shake hands with a monk.
• Sit lower than a monk and elders.
• Don’t offer food to a monk, nun, or a novice after noon time.
• A woman should not touch a monk.

(Originally published under http://www.myanmartourism.org/dosanddont.htm)