Southeast Asia
Money, cards and tipping in Myanmar
MMKKyat
Money in Myanmar
Mostly cash Largely cash-based. Bring crisp, unmarked US dollars to exchange into kyat at banks; damaged notes are refused. US$1 ≈ K2,096.72 (03 Oct 2026).
Key facts
- Tipping: Not expected; small tips for guides, drivers and hotel staff are welcome.
- ATMs: Many ATMs reject foreign cards and daily limits are low; Visa works more often than Mastercard. Don't rely on ATMs.
- Paying by phone: KBZPay and Wave are everywhere but need a local account and SIM; visitors mostly pay cash.
- Price level: about 38% of US prices (World Bank PPP).
Cash or card, by place
| Place | Cards | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Yangon | Mostly cash | Mostly cash in kyat. Bring crisp US dollars to exchange at banks; card payment is limited to larger hotels and ATMs often reject foreign cards. |
| Bagan | Mostly cash | Cash in kyat or US dollars. Hotels may accept cards, but ATMs often fail for foreign cards; bring cash from Yangon. |
| Mandalay | Mostly cash | Cash in kyat or crisp US dollars. ATMs often reject foreign cards; bring cash and keep small bills. |
| Inle Lake | Mostly cash | Cash in kyat or crisp US dollars. ATMs are limited and often reject foreign cards; bring cash from Yangon or Mandalay. |
Quick answers
Do you tip in Myanmar?
Not expected; small tips for guides, drivers and hotel staff are welcome.
Is Myanmar cashless?
Mostly cash. Largely cash-based. Bring crisp, unmarked US dollars to exchange into kyat at banks; damaged notes are refused.
What currency does Myanmar use?
The Kyat (MMK). US$1 ≈ K2,096.72 (03 Oct 2026).
Sources
- ExchangeRate-API open rates
- US State Department travel advisory
- Myanmar eVisa (Ministry of Immigration and Population)
- UK FCDO travel advice: Myanmar
- Speedtest Global Index: Myanmar
- World Bank open data
Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.