# Tips & Tricks

Dos & Don'ts 

• Do Smile. (though you don't say a word in Burmese, it's perfect you smile.)
• Don't point with your feet. (it's considered "rude" using your feet to point.
• Don't kiss in public.
• Do not touch heads or shoulders of elderly people, Buddhist monks and nuns. 
• Do not shake hands with monks, novices and nuns.
• Do not ask monks, novices and nuns to pose for your picture.(You can take picture as the way they are.)  
• In Burma, it is considered rude or provoking if you summon someone by using your curled index finger".
• You will hear "kissing sounds" often it's to bring "attention" especially in a restaurant or in a bus.
• Although Buddha figures are used as decoration in Western countries, they are considered "holy" in Burma. Thus, if you have "Buddha" figures in your skirt, tattoo over your feet will not be tolerated by local customs. There are few cases this year. This August 2014, a Canadian professor made to leave Burma due to anger over Buddha tattoos on leg. 

During the trip, I'll maximize your experience with my knowledge about my Country, people, culture and controversial topics, please keep your questions until I finish the talk. There will always be a time for Q&As.    

We will have some walks in the sun when we are visiting the temples. Your clothes should include some that cover your shoulders and knees in respect of the Buddhist temple regulations. 

We do not wear "shoes" and "socks" when visiting major temples and monasteries as a part of our culture. To me, it's more handy to have a pair of flip-flop/sandals to get in and out of a place.     

Oh.. wait a sec! How many times do you take off your shoes in this trip? I'd say "16 times !" 

Money matters... 

Torn, dirty, folded, stained and old U.S bank notes are not accepted at all though the regulations are being relaxed to an extent. Please note Bigger Bills got better exchange rate. Usually 100 USD notes can fetch better exchange rates. For your convenience with small transactions, you should obtain some local currency. I will take you to an official money changer during the transfer from the airport to town. Our local currency is called “Kyat” (pronounced as Chat).

ATM - are now available in most of major tourist sites, airports and some hotels we are staying. 

Health 

A lot of travelers asked me that if Malaria is an issue for this trip. According to CDC, the first 3 destinations of this adventure, Yangon, Bagan and Mandalay has no Malaria but Kalaw and Inle lake. However local doctors says malaria has not been found for 3 years now in Inle area. Inle lake is generally at 3000 feet ASL and Kalaw is at 4000 feet ASL.