Moving to Myanmar

This guide was written prior to the military coup in Myanmar in February 2021 and is therefore not reflective of the current situation. Travel to Myanmar is currently not advisable due to ongoing civil unrest, armed conflict, and severe restrictions on communications and transportation.

Fondly known as the Golden Land, Myanmar is home to more than 100 ethnicities, although ethnic tensions and persecution have created significant divisions within the country. Myanmar is a country of contrasts, where traditional Buddhist pagodas punctuate colonial British architecture while opulent modern cities are juxtaposed by relatively untouched villages.

While moving to Myanmar may not be for the faint of heart, you will find that the hospitality of the Burmese people more than makes up for the lack of modern conveniences.

Living in Myanmar as an expat

After more than 40 years of being closed off from the world due to ongoing conflict and military rule, Myanmar remains largely undeveloped. The country is one of the region’s poorest, and almost 70 percent of its population still lives in rural areas. Since the military coup in February 2021, the junta has been conducting violence against civilians while facing widespread armed resistance, and the military junta controls less than half the country’s territory. These conditions have made Myanmar an extremely challenging destination for expats, with most international organisations and businesses significantly reducing their presence.

In Myanmar’s lush central basin is the country’s newly built modern capital, Nay Pyi Taw, which serves as the administrative centre. Expats in diplomatic and humanitarian roles are likely to be stationed here, although numbers have greatly decreased since 2021. Thanks to the discovery of natural gas and petroleum, those with engineering, commerce and management experience previously had opportunities to work in some of Myanmar’s most lucrative industries, although the current political situation has severely limited such opportunities.

As one of Southeast Asia’s largest countries, Myanmar’s sheer area could come as a shock to expats from smaller countries. As a result, travelling times can be long and with a fairly extensive yet inadequate public transport network, most expats choose to fly across the country or hire a car and a driver.

Working in Myanmar 
Public Transport Network in Myanmar

Cost of living in Myanmar

Although the cost of living varies considerably, it has become increasingly unpredictable due to the severe economic crisis caused by the 2021 military coup and Western sanctions. The Myanmar kyat has collapsed dramatically, trading at over 7,000 kyat per US dollar in 2024 compared to the official rate of 2,100 kyat. Accommodation in Myanmar’s major cities is especially costly owing to the discrepancy in supply and demand. The standard of housing in the country varies considerably, and you will have to fork out for newly built Western-style apartments or detached houses to enjoy modern luxuries. Myanmar also suffers daily power outages and frequent water shortages, while high-speed internet is pricey. Thus, utilities are also set to take a large chunk out of your salary.

Luckily, you will be able to save on transport and grocery costs, as these are mostly inexpensive. The second-largest expense facing expat parents is the eye-wateringly expensive international school fees. You will also need to budget for full private healthcare insurance to ensure you are covered for medical evacuation, as the standard of healthcare in Myanmar is lacking and has deteriorated further since 2021.

Cost of Living in Myanmar 
Accommodation in Myanmar 
Healthcare in Myanmar

Families and children in Myanmar

Myanmar offers free compulsory primary education – but Burmese is the language of instruction, making it unsuitable for most expats. The country’s education system is also underfunded, so the quality of its public schools may be subpar. Fortunately, Myanmar passed a law in 2011 allowing private schools to operate in the country. These schools teach the national curriculum in the English language and offer a more affordable alternative to public and international schools.

Still, most expats send their children to international schools. This allows their children to continue in their home country’s curriculum or learn a global curriculum such as the International Baccalaureate programme. However, many international schools have closed or suspended operations since 2021 due to the security situation.

Expat parents will also not run out of things to see and do with their little ones during their leisure time. There’s an abundance of majestic natural scenery, temples and green spaces in Myanmar, although travelling outside major cities requires careful consideration of the security situation.

Education System in Myanmar

Climate in Myanmar

The weather in Myanmar is distinguished by three seasons. With a tropical monsoon climate, Myanmar experiences the cool (November to February), hot (March to May) and monsoon (June to October) seasons. Flooding is a common occurrence during the monsoon season, and you are advised to follow news on flood warnings. Generally, though, temperatures in Myanmar are warm, with the occasional cool evening.

Weather in Myanmar

While you will undoubtedly experience a level of culture shock when moving to Myanmar, the country’s natural splendour and friendly people can go a long way towards making acclimatising easier and enjoying an enriching once-in-a-lifetime experience. However, the ongoing military violence makes travel extremely dangerous, so consult with your embassy or consulate before travelling.

Local Culture in Myanmar

Fast facts

Population: 51.3 million

Capital city: Nay Pyi Taw (Yangon is the country’s largest city)

Neighbouring countries: Myanmar is bordered by China and Laos to the northeast, Thailand to the east and southeast, India to the north and Bangladesh to the northwest.

Geography: Myanmar is a country of hills and valleys. It is nestled between a few mountain ranges, with the Arakan Mountains on the west and the Shan Plateau dominating the east. The country’s long coastline borders the Andaman Sea and the Bay of Bengal and is another distinguishing geographical feature.

Political system: Military junta since February 2021 coup (previously a unitary parliamentary constitutional republic)

Major religions: Theravada Buddhism is the leading religion. Various forms of Christianity and Islam also have a significant following in the country.

Main languages: Burmese (official language), English and Mandarin Chinese

Time: GMT +6.5

Electricity: 230V, 50Hz. Plugs in Myanmar have two or three pins or three flat blades.

Money: The Myanmar Kyat (MMK) is the official currency, and it’s divided into 100 pyas. The currency has experienced severe devaluation since 2021, with black market rates reaching over 7,000 kyat per US dollar. Myanmar remains largely a cash-based society, with credit card use limited.

International dialling code: +95

Internet domain:.mm

Transport and driving: Cars drive on the right-hand side of the road. Expats often find driving in Myanmar risky and avoid driving their own vehicle, especially in the bigger cities, where it’s possible to get around quite easily using a taxi or public transport.

Emergency numbers: 199 (police), 192 (ambulance), 191 (fire). Emergency services are extremely limited or non-existent outside the major cities, and response times may be significantly affected by the current security situation.