Burma forum

Yes euros can be exchanged. In fact I got the impression that Yangon moneychangers would rather have euros than US dollars. They were always asking if I had any euros to change as well whenever I changed dollars there last December.

All notes still need to be pristine and you always get a better rate for large denominations than small notes.

Hotel and guesthouses did still still seem to want to be paid in US dollars. Of course, I didn't visit every single hotel in Myanmar but the ones I stayed at wanted to be paid in $US (pristine notes also).

Things are changing every fast though, so it could be different when you get there. You can even change money at normal rates at the airport now! I notice an exchange booth just outside the front door at the airport when I was leaving last time and their rates were as good or better than what you could get in town which rather surprised me. A few years ago you used to get just 6 Kyats to the dollar at the airport (official rate) while blackmarket rates were 1000 Kyats to the dollar so the rule was: NEVER change money at the airport!!

This rule no longer applies now (unless they've removed the booths since I was there).

Anyway, it rather looks like official and black market rates are the same now. The rates on Oanda look reasonable and approximately what I'd be expecting to get on the street. Why don't you just use an online currency converter?

The government floated the currency in April - hence the good rate now available in banks and at the airport.

So how come the banks and airport were already offering the same (or better) rates than black market money changers at the end of last year?

Hi Will they accept US 50s 20s !0s in pristine condition. Has anyone ever changed Australian Dollars.. Would the exchange place at the airport be open around 5 to 6 pm. Thankyou.

Loral,

Pristine US$ is still a must.
As for withdrawing Kyats, forget it, it can't be done.

Carrying plenty of money in Burma is not a problem, as crime against foreigners is EXTREMELY rare as the consequences are dire for the offender. The usual commonsense approach is all that is required.

Not too sure about AUS$.

You're most welcome.