What You Need to Know About Living and Working in Yangon, Myanmar

The country of Myanmar is a fascinating place, in spite of being largely ignored by the outside world (both in Asia and in the West). The majority of people are Buddhist although you will also find a smattering of Hinduis, Muslims, and a few pockets of Christians up in the northern hills. Though the people are friendly and competent in their use of English, it is still helpful to know something about them before attempting to traverse the streets on your own. These are some things to keep in mind.

Shopping in the Market

-Don't look too interested in anything you don't actually want to buy. Picking things up and handling them in a store in America may be fine, but in Myanmar this will tell the peddler or shopkeeper that they are halfway to making the sale. If you are bad at saying a very direct "no" to a persistent seller then don't even pick it up to begin with.

-Keep moving. Whether you are shopping in an open market or just walking down the street, keep moving unless you are interested in buying something around you. Don't stop and look lost or you will get swarmed by peddlers and beggars trying to sell you everything including: postcards, magnets, keychains, wooden fans, or painted greeting cards. In order to avoid being mobbed by insistent raggedy children, look like you know where you're heading and don't stop for any period of time. Even if you're not sure where you are going, look confident and keep moving.

Eating Out

-Be careful when eating out on the street. The streets of Yangon are full of little street-side stands that sell treats and snacks, or even a full meal. However, remember that the people who grow up there have grown immune to the local bacteria and germs. They may be able to eat it and not get sick, but it's very likely that you, as a foreigner, will get sick from it. Be careful and picky with where you decide to eat if you eat anything on the street.

-Don't drink the water. This should be pretty obvious to people who've traveled to a 3rd world country before, but for those who haven't I'll say it anyway. Don't drink any water that isn't out of a bottle that was sealed. The worst case scenario would include you getting Typhoid from the water; the best case would be your stomach just feels unsettled and sick for a little while.

Transportation

-Taxi. Taxis are cheap in Yangon, and fairly reliable. It's typically the safest, cheap transportation available within the city. Though some drivers are better than others, you won't get overcharged too badly. Make sure to get the price agreed on before you get in the car.

-Bicycle Rickshaw. If you're not in a hurry or not going too far and want a ride that's slow enough to take good pictures and enjoy the scenery, you might like a bicycle rickshaw better than a taxi. It's definitely a cultural experience that will add to your time there.

-Bus. Buses in Yangon are fairly comfortable and criss cross the city pretty extensively. The only hindrance to this is that it can be difficult to read the signs and figure out the bus schedules and locations. If you are interested in taking the bus, I would find out enough in advance or get some help from a local to find your way and make sure the bus stops there.

Safety Tips for Walking

-Watch your feet. This is hard to imagine unless you've been through it before, but the sidewalks often are full of holes or torn up. You will sometimes need to watch where your feet are going so you don't fall or trip, especially in crowds when it's harder to stop suddenly.

-Keep your money close to you. Though Yangon is one of the safest large cities in the entire world, it is still a good idea to carry your money on your person or at least in a bag that you keep your eye/hand on at all times. The crime rate is extremely low and you will hardly be safer anywhere else, but it does help to employ common sense when walking around. Don't carry money or your passport in a zippered pocket facing away from you. Put it somewhere that will be hard to get away from you.

Phrases to Learn

Mingalaba: Hello.
Nei kaung la: How are you?
Kaung de: I am fine.
Ma chai bu: I don't want it.
Be lau le: How much is this?
Zi chi de: Too expensive.
Yu may: I'll take it.

*Note: These phrases aren't transliterated as a Burmese would write them, but this is basically how they sounded to me as an American.

Some Miscellaneous Cultural Notes

The yellow powder they wear on their cheeks and faces is called Tanakha. It's the Burmese version of makeup, sunscreen, and skin coolant. It protects their skin and keeps it soft and lighter than otherwise. It's made from natural ingredients and does a great job of cooling off the skin in very hot weather. It has no religious significance that I'm aware of, it is only cultural.

The men do often wear skirts, known locally as longyis. Though both men and women wear ankle-length skirts, there is little blurring of gender lines. Men's longyis are heavier material, usually a darker, bolder plaid pattern, tied with a large ornate knot right in the front. Women's longyis tend to be more flowery patterns or plain colors and and tied smoothly on the side and tucked in. Although younger Burmese and tribals are wearing jeans and Western clothing, there are still quite a few who wear the traditional clothing.

When handing something, receiving something, or shaking someone's hand, it is polite to point at your elbow with whichever hand you're not using. This shows respect for the person you are interacting with. Also in formal occasions always receive whatever you're being given with both hands.

Yangon is a great city to visit: the people are open and friendly, and the weather can be gorgeous. Whether it's a cheap vacation or a life-changing experience in teaching English, it's a great place to spend some time engaging the local culture, eating the local food, and getting some local clothes tailor-made to take home with you.