View Full Version : Exchanging Cash into FEC's in Myanmar


WinginIt
Aug 6, 01, 9:57 am
I am traveling to Myanmar in November and I read that one is required to change $400.00 into FEC's (Foriegn Exchange Certificates) upon arrival into Myanmar. Has anyone experienced this lately?
I have read that policies are always changing. Some say that you can get by showing customs a credit card or exchange $400 per couple.

UAL Traveler
Aug 6, 01, 10:51 pm
The exchange area is after immigration, and before customs. The last time I was there, the counter was maybe 20 paces to the right from the middle of the immigration area. What I found interesting is that no one really monitors you to see if you go there and make the exchange. Nor did I notice any followup in the customs area, although this could change. I have met several people who said that they simply walk towards the counter, and then veer left towards customs at the last minute.

The official policy is (at least was), that each person had to get the certificates. The point is not that they are trying to verify that you have enough money to function in Burma (anyone who has the wherewithall to simply fly into Rangoon has more than enough money), but rather to shake down visitors for hard cash; the kyat is anything but a hard currency.

WinginIt
Aug 8, 01, 11:43 am
This help considerably. Now I know what to expect. Thank you.

rollins
Aug 21, 03, 10:24 am
The FEC requirement has gone away as of last week. See the Lonely Planet discussion forum for details.