Do’s & Don’ts of Myanmar
- Do say “Mingalarbar” when meeting someone, use “U” in front of men names and “Daw” in front of women names;
- Do let the oldest be served first;
- Do offer articles with both hands and keep both feet on the ground;
- Do bend slightly in front of the elders;
- Do dress and act decently, speak slowly and clearly;
- Do ask permission before taking photographs;
- Do Myanmar currency should be exchanged at the official exchange counters and banks;
- Don’t disturb people praying or meditating;
- Don’t touch anybody’s head; Don’t touch women;
- Don’t point a finger straight in the face;
- Don’t step over any part of the person;
- Don’t go where you are advised not to go;
- Don’t traffic, handle, or use narcotic drugs;
- When entering pagodas or monasteries, wear decent clothes (no shorts, bare shoulders or chests) and take off your shoes;
- Don’t sit with your back towards Buddha’s image;
- Show respect to monks, novices and nuns, don’t offer to shake hands, a woman should not touch a monk, don’t step on a monk’s shadow;
- Don’t handle Buddha images or sacred objects with disrespect or keep them in inappropriate places (on the floor for example).
