Yangon, Myanmar Report of what it's like to live there - 04/06/09
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.
2. How long have you lived here?
2 years, 2007-09.
3. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Government.
4. Travel time and best routes to this city from Europe or the US:
One day+, via Bangkok.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Expats tend to live in serviced apartments near Golden Valley. All the options are decent, but some are nicer than others. There are houses with generators and water filtration systems that make living in certain neighborhoods very easy.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
There are grocery stores, you can find what you need, but maybe not always what you want. If the goods are from beyond Burma, you will pay a premium, but if the Burmese can make it or grow it, it's cheap. Wet markets are plentiful and fresh produce is cheap.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
Olive oil. You can get it, but it's expensive. Nail polish...OPI gets marked up to over US$15 a bottle and it's old and clumpy.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
There is no fast food really...plenty of good restaurants though, and being adventerous pays off.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
Mosquitos, dengue fever, malaria carrying mosquitos.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
Hah. If you're not eligible for APO/Pouch, forget it, get yourself a box in Bangkok and plan frequent trips.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Whatever you need, you can find, and it's all very affordable.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
There are gyms at all the serviced apartments and hotels.
4. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
You can't. Full stop. No credit cards or ATMs. No. None.
5. What English-language religious services are available locally?
Yes, notably Catholic.
6. English-language newspapers and TV available? Cost?
Kind of...not sure of the cost.
7. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
Some helps, but none is necessary. Get a driver and a cook that speak some English and you're set. Most Burmese read English better than they speak it, so you may have better luck writing things out than repeating yourself over and over and louder and louder...
8. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
A lot. The roads are bad, there are no sidewalks, there are few buildings with reliable lifts and the electricty goes out a lot.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Taxis are as safe as anything else...and very cheap. Buses and trains aren't really safe. But very affordable
2. 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?
Any car will do, but having the extra clearance of an SUV is nice during the rainy season. Also, bring an extra set of tires.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Again, kind of, set up is pricey, but the monthly fees are comparable to the U.S.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
Don't count on it. SIM cards are overregulated and expensive. The service sucks anyway, smoke signals work better. Really,
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?
No.
2. Quality pet care available (vets & kennels)?
There is a vet.
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?
Only with the NGOs and the international schools, really
2. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Business professional for diplomats, business casual for everyone else.
Health & Safety:
1. Pollution index (Good, Moderate, Unhealthy, or Very Unhealthy)?
Moderate.
2. What immunizations are required each year?
Not entirely sure. You need the rabies series, typhoid popped up while we were there, Japanese encephalitis is recommended.
3. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Not for expats.
4. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Medical care is minimal, if the chances are good that you might need emergency care, stay out of Burma.
5. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
There are three seasons, dry, hot and rainy. Dry season is warm and dry days, cool and dry nights...pure bliss. Hot season is very, very, very hot and humid. Rainy season is wet. Very wet. Monsoon style rains, almost all day, every day.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
International School of Yangoon is the only true international school in Rangoon. The teachers are primarily American and it is an international school board that supports the American administrators in the running of the school. The curriculum is American, although there are only a handful of American students. Yangon International School is a proprietary school, not yet accredited, but with the procedures under way. It is not a true international school, with the vast majority of students being Burmese. The international School of Myanmar is also a proprietary school. It has been recently accredited. Again, it is not a true international school with the vast majority of students being Burmese. Horizon is an up and coming international school managed by Turks, with the majority of teachers being Turkish, but teaching in English. Total is also a growing school, primarily focused on preschool and elementary school age students. Network is an amazing nursery, preschool and kindergartern, which also has an elementary school program. It works off a British curriculum with UK trained educators as well as Americans.
2. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
None of the schools in Rangoon is equipped to accomodate special needs kids, although many will say they are and will try. There are no special education professionals working in Rangoon at this time.
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?
The most popular preschool in town is Network, but there are others. Network is the school they all compare to, though. Domestic help is available, and very affordable. Most families with young children have one or two Nannies.
4. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
Not really. Only through the schools and there is one gymnastics school. Tennis, golf and swimming lessons are available by appointment.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Small...claustrophobic at times, comforting at other times.
2. Morale among expats:
Varies. Get involved with the sports folks and you'll have no choice to either be happy or drunk.
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?
You end up at lots of dinner parties...and hosting some as well. It's old school diplomacy and lots of fun if you like people and gin.
4. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
Good for families with young children, but there's little to do for older and teenage children. It's also a good place for couples, with a fair amount of sporting events for adults, but you have to get out there and become part of the community. If you are happy to make your own entertainment, this is a great place. If you want to go to a different night spot every night, it won't hold your attention for long.
5. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
Yes, there is little prejudice and a thriving gay community.
6. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
Not for expats, there are some prejudices based on the ethnic groups within the country.
7. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Explore, the world outside of Rangoon is absolute magic.
8. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Furniture, textiles, jewelry, lacquer ware...but there are sanctions in effect on teak, jade and rubies.
9. Can you save money?
Somewhat.
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:
Snow gear and boots.
3. But don't forget your:
Flip flops.
4. Recommended movies/DVDs related to this city:
5. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
Burmese Days, Saving Fish from Drowning (not the ending though), the Glass Palace, The Piano Tuner.
6. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
Burmese Days, Saving Fish from Drowning (not the ending though), the Glass Palace, The Piano Tuner.
7. Do you have any other comments?
Come in without expectations and you will be rewarded. The people of Burma make it an special place to live, the climate and the government make it a challenge, but it's always interesting.
