Yangon, Myanmar Report of what it's like to live there - 01/30/25
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?
No, previously lived in Africa and other posts in Asia.
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?
U.S.A. Long flights are usually through Korea, Singapore, or Japan. Expect a minimum 24 hours of travel time. If you're flying to the East Coast, it will include a beastly 15 hour flight.
3. What years did you live here?
2024 - Present
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.)?
Diplomatic mission.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Housing is mostly serviced apartments that are fully furnished, provide daily housekeeping, and include things like internet. The Embassy owns a few stand alone houses around Inya Lake, but the majority of folks live in the serviced apartments.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Cheap. Absurdly cheap. I probably spend less than $100 a month on groceries. Lots of brands from Thailand. Incredible fresh fruits. Great chicken and pork. A few places import Australian, U.S., Japanese, or Korean Beef but quality is hit or miss. I've been able to find pretty much whatever I have wanted, and the DPO/Pouch helps fill in the gaps. I didn't do a consumable shipment and am glad I did.
Most expats shop at a chain called MarketPlace by City Mart, which is the local version of a whole foods, and it's great quality.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
Diet coke? Dr Pepper? Honestly not much. This place is foodie paradise.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
Tons. Food Panda or Grab will deliver for basically nothing. Hundreds of restaurant choices available from the various ethnic cuisines or Myanmar, to Western, Thai, Japanese, Korean, Indian, and even decent Mexican.
Even better, it's all dirt cheap. Eating in a local restaurant will probably run you less than $5 per person. Going to a fancier expat restaurant might run you $10 a person including a beer or two. Spend some time in the U.S. and this place feels like it costs nothing.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
Not really, sometimes little tiny aunts and the occasional gecko. Facilities and the serviced apartment folks are incredibly responsive.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
DPO and Pouch. DPO is best and surprisingly quick. Most shipments take about two weeks. No clue about local facilities but DHL is present.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Available and cheap. Even in the serviced apartments many folks hire someone to do their laundry and cook a couple of times a week. I pay $300 a month for a lady to come 3 times a week to do my laundry and cook for me. She also does all my grocery shopping. This is on the high end of wages. Many have full time in their stand alone houses for similar prices.
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?
Definitely. Despite it being a special incentive post (SIP), we have pretty decent freedom of movement around town. I walk to and from work regularly.
4. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
The are various nice gyms around town and a good quality embassy gym. Nothing here is expensive.
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?
Yes and yes. It's usually better to turn your USD to cash locally for a more favorable exchange rate than the card companies will give you.
6. What English-language religious services are available locally?
Several church services in English of many denominations.
7. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
None really. Where the expat community lives, most stores and restaurants have menus in English and their staff with be solidly proficient. Outside the city it's almost non-existent. The embassy has a great language instructor, but Burmese is very difficult. Even folks that run through FSI still struggle.
8. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Definitely. All the roads are paved and are fairly well maintained, but often uneven and there isn't really space or consideration in most place for those with disabilities.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Yes. Grab (SE Asia Uber) is the method of transport for most embassy folks without a car. A trip completely across town might run you $3-4. Most locations where we live will cost at most $2. It's absurdly 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?
None. Buy from a departing diplomat. The regime just passed a rule that you must bring a car less than one year old. I know I wouldn't want to bring a new car into this traffic chaos. Most common are small SUVs of varying brands like Nissan, Ford, or Toyota. If I brought a car I'd probably choose a smaller car that's easier to park. Good mechanics are everywhere and the Burmese are good at maintaining their vehicles for decades. There are so many old (20+ years) 4runners on the road.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
It is. If you live in the serviced apartments it is free and runs about 250mbps. I can stream or play games without much trouble. Not sure about the stand alone houses but the embassy assists in that regard.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
Google Fi doesn't really work here. It's supposed to, but the regime makes it ineffective. I still brought my phone and it works great on Wifi and will receive texts for bank verification, etc. Still love having Google Fi because it works flawlessly in the region. The embassy will also give you a phone and it's possible to get local sim card if you want to use you personal phone locally as well.
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?
Not sure about kennel services but there are good vets. No quarantine as far as I am aware.
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?
They work at the embassy. Telework would also be possible with COM approval. No one works on the local economy. A "good" wage here on the local economy is like $400 a month.
2. What volunteer opportunities are available locally?
A few NGOs throughout the city, and Community Liaison Office (CLO) could probably make more recommendations.
3. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Business casual outside of formal meetings and events. The embassy has a pretty relaxed vibe.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Petty crime isn't common but the country is in the middle of a civil war and there are targeted strikes against regime targets in Yangon on a weekly basis. They never really hit close to where the Embassy or diplomatic community lives, but they do happen. Otherwise, Yangon is very safe and the people are very respectful and friendly.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Like most of the developing world diarrheal illness is quite common. No issues with malaria or other infectious diseases really. The embassy has a well equipped HU with a great team. On the economy, medical care is mediocre. Some things like quality MRIs and other imaging are dirt cheap and can be done in very nice facilities.
Dental care is also solid. The biggest perk is we are a cheap 1 hour flight from Bangkok where world class healthcare and specialty care exists for incredibly affordable prices and all accepted under most FS insurance plans. Medevacs do occur but not nearly as bad as my previous AF post.
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?
Solid until the winter months when people start burning trash, etc., when it gets slightly cool. I would say ten months of the year it's great quality, with December to early February being bad in the morning, and back to normal by the afternoon. Yangon is on a river and near the ocean so nothing settles for long.
4. What do people who suffer from environmental or food allergies need to know?
Use your consumables for food allergies. Peanuts, fish sauce, soy, is basically in everything here and this isn't a cultures that knows food allergies exist.
If you have asthma or seasonal allergies, bring enough meds for the short winter season.
5. Are there any particular mental health issues that tend to crop up at post, such as Seasonal Affective Disorder (winter blues)?
Not really. This is a great post. Our local staff have it much harder since they are constantly at risk of being conscripted or harassed for their affiliation with us.
6. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
There are 3 "seasons" in Yangon. Hot from March through May. Rainy/hot/humid from May through Oct/Nov, and warm/dry from Nov to Feb. The coldest it will ever get at night is maybe 65 degrees and I would guess the average daytime temp is also around 90.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
They exist but kids currently aren't allowed at my mission. Pre coup they had a good reputation.
2. 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?
Yes, but can't speak to quality. I assume they are very affordable though.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Pretty large with good morale. Everyone seems to enjoy their time here across the missions and it's very common for dips to extend their tours here.
2. What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
Sporting events, social clubs like the American or Aussie club. Pickle ball. Various craft fairs. Join the American Club if you have the opportunity. They host several activities a month that are very cheap.
3. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
Pre-coup it was great for everyone.
I would say it's still great for singles and couples. All the popular dating sites exist and it isn't uncommon for officers to leave Myanmar with a new partner in tow. This goes for men, women, and members of the LGBTQ community.
For couple there's tons to do in town, in country, and regionally.
4. Is it easy to make friends with locals here? Are there any prejudices or any ethnic groups who might feel uncomfortable here?
Definitely. Burmese people are so friendly, and you never feel like an interaction with them is transactional in nature. If you go to lunch, they will refuse to let you pay for anything. Considering everything going on in the country, it's amazing how generous these people are. I haven't experienced anything like it in the world.
5. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
I think so. Myanmar is more conservative than Thailand where it is much more open, but gay bars exist and the popular gay dating apps all work. The few single gay folks I know seem to do well for themselves.
6. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
In Yangon, not really. In Myanmar? Everywhere. Just about all the major players in the civil war are drawn on ethnic lines. Myanmar is a Burman dominated country and all the sizable ethnic minorities are tired of it.
7. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
Trips to Mandalay, Bagan, and Inle Lake are basically once in a lifetime bucket list opportunities that are simply magical. This whole country is one big highlight with the golden pagodas everywhere you turn and the gracious people welcoming you everywhere. This doesn't even factor in the great regional travel at your finger tips.
8. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
The whole place is a hidden gem. Myanmar has never been a tourist hot spot, and I kind of love it for that. It's so culturally rich, everyone wearing their national dress all the time, and even Yangon is beautiful. The city is so green with lakes everywhere, well kept gardens, and old colonial era buildings. It's a shame so much of the world hasn't been able to experience its beauty.
9. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Definitely. All the ethnic groups have their own fabrics, patterns, etc. Everyone in the mission walks out with beautiful recycled hand made teak furniture. Whole markets dedicated to arts and crafts throughout the city. You have to try really hard to not walk out of here with a boatload of incredible pieces.
For those wanting a more western experience, large shopping malls with common western brands like Adidas and Armani are also here.
10. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
Friendly people, great food, beautiful scenery, low costs. If here with a diplomatic mission, you'll earn a lot with basically minimal cost of living.
Words of Wisdom:
1. What do you wish you had known about this particular city/country before moving there?
How wonderful this place is. Even in the throws of a civil war, Yangon is a magical place filled with beautiful people. If you're thinking about bidding, the Danger's are real, but you also aren't living in a bubble the same way you would be if you serve in Iraq or Pakistan.
2. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Yes, yes, yes. If given the opportunity to serve here again I would be back in a heartbeat.
3. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
winter clothes.
4. But don't forget your:
sun screen and deodorant. It gets extra sweaty here.
5. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
Burmese Days by Orwell. River of Lost Footsteps by Thant Myint U
6. Do you have any other comments?
Bid Burma. It's the best.
