The country is known as Myanmar (mee-an-mar) not Burma! The people are known by the region in which they inhabit. They don't like to be referred to as Burmese unless of course you are from the Bamar State. People from the Shan State are called Shan people and they speak the Shan language, the same goes if you are Kachin (Jingpaw), Chin, Mon, Karen, Lisu etc.

The currency is called Kyats (chats) There is approximately 1175 to 1250 Kyats to $1 USD. Only take US Dollars as they are not interested in any other currency. The hotels, travel agents, airlines, airport taxi drivers only take US Dollars. Local shops, restaurants and taxi drivers take Kyats.

Use US Dollars for temple fees, some take Kyats but will charge you more for the pleasure.

There are NO ATM's in Myanmar and never will be until the boycott is over. It may be possible to pay by Credit Card in some of the larger, expensive hotels but be prepared to pay a hefty surcharge.

Take a torch with you, you'll need it, there are no street lights in Myanmar!