Mastercard ATMs now in Yangon
Dec 12, 2012, 10:36 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Yangon
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Mastercard ATMs now in Yangon
I know a lot of FTers are travelling to Yangon at the moment and thought you might find it useful to know that the first ATMs to accept Mastercard have started to appear (not accepting Visa yet but I am sure that will follow very soon).
So far I have seen two one at the Chatrium hotel and one at the bank on the corner of U Wisara Road and Dhamma Zedi Road (but I am sure there are others as well)
So far I have seen two one at the Chatrium hotel and one at the bank on the corner of U Wisara Road and Dhamma Zedi Road (but I am sure there are others as well)
Dec 16, 2012, 1:15 pm
#2
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Europe
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Has anyone tested yet? Do they spit out USD or Burmese kyat only? Would be interesting to know what kind of fees are being charged. If it's similar to withdrawing cash in a hotel I wouldn't consider it such a big deal. Regardless, most MasterCard issuers charge a hefty fee for ATM withdrawals, so I guess bringing in a huge pile of cash will still be the primary mode of accessing your money in Burma.
Dec 16, 2012, 10:26 pm
#3
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Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Yangon
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I believe they only issue Kyat. I have not tried them as I do not have a Mastercard but when the visa ones come I will give them a try.
But yes definitely not a solution you will still need to bring in USD for hotel and flight costs. But for the first time there is now a back up if you run out of cash here.
But yes definitely not a solution you will still need to bring in USD for hotel and flight costs. But for the first time there is now a back up if you run out of cash here.
Dec 17, 2012, 6:47 pm
#4
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I am in Burma now and noticed such ATM in Yangon and Mandalay. But that doesn't mean they accept foreign cards.
However, the CC situation will change rapidly in Burma. Some hotels told me they will accept payments by CC next year.
For those of you who are coming in Burma, do not forget to bring brand new undamaged and unfold dollar notes. The slightest "damage" or marking will make your note unusable. This is absolutely crazy. They are also refusing notes from "old" series. Take this very seriously, otherwise you will get in trouble here without money and without possibility to have some "fresh" one.
However, the CC situation will change rapidly in Burma. Some hotels told me they will accept payments by CC next year.
For those of you who are coming in Burma, do not forget to bring brand new undamaged and unfold dollar notes. The slightest "damage" or marking will make your note unusable. This is absolutely crazy. They are also refusing notes from "old" series. Take this very seriously, otherwise you will get in trouble here without money and without possibility to have some "fresh" one.
Dec 18, 2012, 3:44 pm
#5
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Omaha
Posts: 1,674
In addition, add some extra money to your budget. During my 1 week stay last month, many guest houses were full and we had to stay in more expensive options. Also we found many unique souvenirs that cost us a few extra kyat. ^
Dec 20, 2012, 8:08 pm
#6
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: SLC
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Posts: 208
I tried to use my Mastercard at the ATM in the Yangon airport that was supposed to accept them, but the phone lines were down at the time, so it didn't work. As others have said, they are downright brutal about having new bills. The exchangers were more lenient than hotels and travel agents, but in order to save a lot of stress, get BRAND NEW bills. I had what I thought were very good bills, but some of the hundreds had once been folded in the middle and there was a slight discoloration where there had been a crease, and I had a lot of trouble getting anyone to take them.
Dec 20, 2012, 11:48 pm
#7
Join Date: Mar 2006
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What sort of denominations (USD) should I be bringing into the country? Should I change all my dollars into kyats at the money changer or hold onto some dollars?
Dec 21, 2012, 1:09 am
#8
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Location: Yangon
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Posts: 319
You should bring a selection of notes.
For changing into Kyat you will normally get a better rate if using USD100 or USD50 notes. But they really need to be spotless or else some will reject them.
It is good to have some smaller notes as well to pay entrance fees to some of the sights.
Although for most places want and prefer Kyat (remember it is still technically illegal for Myanamr citizens to have foreign currency without special permission). Still some tourist focused places only accept USD eg hotels.
For changing into Kyat you will normally get a better rate if using USD100 or USD50 notes. But they really need to be spotless or else some will reject them.
It is good to have some smaller notes as well to pay entrance fees to some of the sights.
Although for most places want and prefer Kyat (remember it is still technically illegal for Myanamr citizens to have foreign currency without special permission). Still some tourist focused places only accept USD eg hotels.