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Myanmar price guide

Prices in Myanmar in 2026: fair price vs tourist trap

Short answer: very cheap, if you pay what locals pay. Fair prices sit 45% below the 60-country median, while tourist prices are about 2.9× the fair price.

29 prices checked Apr – Aug 2026 4 verified and 25 estimates How I check

Fair prices at a glance

All 29 prices are also in the free app for iPhone and Android, and they work offline. Get it

One day in Myanmar: K 25,750 or K 70,250

About $12 or $34 a day.

The first number is what locals pay, the second what tourist spots charge for exactly the same day.

Same day, same things: the tourist version costs 2.7× as much.

Restaurant meal alone: K 35,000, or 50% of the tourist-trap day.

+K 44,500 (about $21) for the same day

What's in the day. Middle of each range
Item Fair (K) Trap (K)
Street food meal 3,250 8,500
Restaurant meal 12,000 35,000
Coffee (espresso) 3,150 6,500
Water 1.5 L 850 2,250
Local beer 4,200 11,500
Public transit ticket 2 rides 1,500 4,500
Short taxi ride about 1 km 800 2,000
Total 25,750 70,250
  • Sightseeing comes on top: a ticket to a top museum or attraction is K 5,000 –⁠ K 10,000 (about $2.40 –⁠ $4.80).
  • Accommodation is left out on purpose: it swings too much with the season and the night of the week for one honest number.

Check a price you were quoted

Pick what you are buying, type the price, and see where it lands.

about $0.95

Tourist-trap price

Fair K 600 – K 1,000 Trap K 1,500 – K 2,500

K 2,000 is 2.5× the middle of the fair range (K 600 –⁠ K 1,000).

Tourists often get charged K 1,500 –⁠ K 2,500. From K 1,500 you are paying the tourist-trap price.

In the app, every expense you log on a trip gets the same check, offline.

Fair vs tourist prices in Myanmar, item by item

What 29 everyday things should cost, and what tourists often pay instead. Typical for Yangon, Mandalay, and Bagan.

Show prices in
  • Fair price
  • Tourist-trap price
  • Verified
  • Estimate

Bars run from zero to each item's top tourist-trap price.

Food & drinks 8 prices, up to 2.9×

Restaurant meal: fair is K 6,000 –⁠ K 18,000. From K 25,000 you are on the tourist menu.

  • Water 0.5 L

    Bottled, convenience store

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 2.3× the fair price
    Fair K 1,000 – K 1,800 ≈ $0.48 – $0.86
    Trap K 2,500 – K 4,000 ≈ $1.20 – $1.90
  • Coffee (espresso)

    Cafe or street vendor

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 2.1× the fair price
    Fair K 2,100 – K 4,200 ≈ $1 – $2
    Trap K 5,000 – K 8,000 ≈ $2.40 – $3.80
  • Local beer

    Draft, at bar or restaurant

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 2.7× the fair price
    Fair K 2,100 – K 6,300 ≈ $1 – $3
    Trap K 8,000 – K 15,000 ≈ $3.80 – $7.20
  • Restaurant meal

    Tourist area, main course

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 2.9× the fair price
    Fair K 6,000 – K 18,000 ≈ $2.90 – $8.60
    Trap K 25,000 – K 45,000 ≈ $12 – $21
  • Street food meal

    Local market or stand

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 2.6× the fair price
    Fair K 2,000 – K 4,500 ≈ $0.95 – $2.10
    Trap K 5,000 – K 12,000 ≈ $2.40 – $5.70
  • Cocktail at bar

    Mixed drink, bar

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 2.5× the fair price
    Fair K 6,000 – K 14,000 ≈ $2.90 – $6.70
    Trap K 15,000 – K 35,000 ≈ $7 – $17
  • Bottle of wine (restaurant)

    House wine, restaurant

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 2.4× the fair price
    Fair K 30,000 – K 60,000 ≈ $14 – $29
    Trap K 70,000 – K 150,000 ≈ $33 – $72
  • Fresh juice

    Cafe or street stall

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 2.0× the fair price
    Fair K 2,000 – K 3,500 ≈ $0.95 – $1.70
    Trap K 4,000 – K 7,000 ≈ $1.90 – $3.30
Transport 4 prices, up to 5.0×

Airport taxi to the center: fair is K 10,000 –⁠ K 20,000. At K 30,000 or more, walk away.

  • Airport taxi to center

    Standard route

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 2.7× the fair price
    Fair K 10,000 – K 20,000 ≈ $4.80 – $9.50
    Trap K 30,000 – K 50,000 ≈ $14 – $24
  • City taxi 1 km

    Metered or typical fare

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 2.5× the fair price
    Fair K 600 – K 1,000 ≈ $0.29 – $0.48
    Trap K 1,500 – K 2,500 ≈ $0.72 – $1.20
  • Public transit ticket

    Single ride

    Verified ·
    Tourist prices are about 3.0× the fair price
    Fair K 500 – K 1,000 ≈ $0.24 – $0.48
    Trap K 1,500 – K 3,000 ≈ $0.72 – $1.40
  • Private transfer (app)

    Grab / Bolt / Uber

    Verified ·
    Tourist prices are about 5.0× the fair price
    Fair K 3,000 – K 8,000 ≈ $1.40 – $3.80
    Trap K 15,000 – K 40,000 ≈ $7 – $19
Souvenirs 3 prices, up to 7.0×

Fridge magnet: fair is K 1,000 –⁠ K 3,000. From K 8,000 you are paying the souvenir-stall markup.

  • Fridge magnet

    Tourist shop

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 7.0× the fair price
    Fair K 1,000 – K 3,000 ≈ $0.48 – $1.40
    Trap K 8,000 – K 20,000 ≈ $3.80 – $9.50
  • Printed T-shirt

    Tourist shop

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 5.0× the fair price
    Fair K 3,000 – K 8,000 ≈ $1.40 – $3.80
    Trap K 15,000 – K 40,000 ≈ $7 – $19
  • Local handcraft

    Ceramics, textiles, etc.

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 4.7× the fair price
    Fair K 10,000 – K 60,000 ≈ $5 – $29
    Trap K 80,000 – K 250,000 ≈ $38 – $120
Daily essentials 6 prices, up to 2.8×

Tourist SIM: fair is K 30,000 –⁠ K 50,000. From K 60,000 it is the tourist-kiosk price.

  • Tourist SIM card

    Data package

    Verified ·
    Tourist prices are about 2.0× the fair price
    Fair K 30,000 – K 50,000 ≈ $14 – $24
    Trap K 60,000 – K 100,000 ≈ $29 – $48
  • Sunscreen SPF50

    Pharmacy or shop

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 2.8× the fair price
    Fair K 7,500 – K 50,000 ≈ $3.60 – $24
    Trap K 60,000 – K 100,000 ≈ $29 – $48
  • Water 1.5 L

    Supermarket

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 2.6× the fair price
    Fair K 600 – K 1,100 ≈ $0.29 – $0.52
    Trap K 1,500 – K 3,000 ≈ $0.72 – $1.40
  • Cigarettes

    Pack of 20

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 2.2× the fair price
    Fair K 1,500 – K 3,000 ≈ $0.72 – $1.40
    Trap K 4,000 – K 6,000 ≈ $1.90 – $2.90
  • Painkillers (paracetamol)

    Pack of 20 tablets

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 2.5× the fair price
    Fair K 800 – K 4,000 ≈ $0.38 – $1.90
    Trap K 4,000 – K 8,000 ≈ $1.90 – $3.80
  • Mosquito repellent

    Spray or lotion

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 1.9× the fair price
    Fair K 4,000 – K 9,000 ≈ $1.90 – $4.30
    Trap K 10,000 – K 15,000 ≈ $4.80 – $7.20
Services 4 prices, up to 4.8×

One-hour massage: fair is K 12,000 –⁠ K 25,000. Above K 25,000 you are paying for the address.

  • Men's haircut

    Local barbershop

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 4.8× the fair price
    Fair K 7,000 – K 20,000 ≈ $3.30 – $9.50
    Trap K 30,000 – K 100,000 ≈ $14 – $48
  • Laundry (per kg)

    Laundry service

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 2.3× the fair price
    Fair K 2,000 – K 3,000 ≈ $0.95 – $1.40
    Trap K 3,500 – K 8,000 ≈ $1.70 – $3.80
  • Massage (1 hour)

    Standard full-body massage

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 2.0× the fair price
    Fair K 12,000 – K 25,000 ≈ $6 – $12
    Trap K 25,000 – K 50,000 ≈ $12 – $24
  • Women's haircut

    Basic cut, salon

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 3.4× the fair price
    Fair K 14,000 – K 45,000 ≈ $7 – $21
    Trap K 50,000 – K 150,000 ≈ $24 – $72
Attractions 4 prices, up to 4.7×

Top museum or attraction: fair is K 5,000 –⁠ K 10,000. From K 20,000, check that you are not buying through a reseller.

  • Top museum / attraction

    Entrance ticket

    Verified ·
    Tourist prices are about 3.3× the fair price
    Fair K 5,000 – K 10,000 ≈ $2.40 – $4.80
    Trap K 20,000 – K 30,000 ≈ $10 – $14
  • Half-day group tour

    Organized excursion

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 4.7× the fair price
    Fair K 25,000 – K 65,000 ≈ $12 – $31
    Trap K 120,000 – K 300,000 ≈ $57 – $145
  • Full-day group tour

    Organized excursion 6-8h

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 1.9× the fair price
    Fair K 105,000 – K 147,000 ≈ $50 – $70
    Trap K 168,000 – K 300,000 ≈ $80 – $145
  • Cooking class

    Local cuisine cooking class

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 3.1× the fair price
    Fair K 20,000 – K 45,000 ≈ $10 – $21
    Trap K 50,000 – K 150,000 ≈ $24 – $72

Converted at 1 USD = 2,097 MMK, the rate on October 3, 2026. Approximate.

Money and tipping in Myanmar

Currency

Myanmar kyat (MMK)

  • 1 USD = 2,097 MMK

Rate as of October 3, 2026

Quick converter, MMK to USD

$9.50

Approximate. Your card or exchange booth adds its own margin.

When a card terminal or ATM offers to charge you in your home currency, choose MMK. The rate it offers is almost always worse.

Tipping in Myanmar

Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated for good service. In restaurants, 5-10% is common if no service charge is included. For tour guides and drivers, 10,000-20,000 MMK per day is a standard gesture of appreciation. Small tips for hotel staff are also welcomed.

Bargaining in Myanmar

Bargaining is expected at markets and craft stalls, start at 60% of the asking price and be respectful. Fixed prices apply in supermarkets and most formal shops.

Fuel prices per liter

  • Gasoline K 4,092.56 / liter ≈ $2
  • Diesel K 4,330.98 / liter ≈ $2.10

Fuel prices as of

Scams and safety in Myanmar

What tourists actually run into, from overcharging tricks to local laws. Open any item for the details.

Law Civil war conflict zones and travel restrictions

Since the 2021 coup the FCDO advises against all travel to Chin, Kachin, Kayah, Kayin, Mon and Rakhine states, to Sagaing and Magway regions, to most of Tanintharyi, to Shan State North, to northern Mandalay Region and to Bago east of the Yangon to Mandalay Expressway, and against all but essential travel to Shan State South and East, the rest of Mandalay Region, southern Tanintharyi, the rest of Bago and seven townships in Ayeyarwady. Airstrikes, fighting and kidnapping continue in the conflict areas. Foreigners have faced criminal investigation over critical posts online, so avoid political comment in public and on shared WiFi. Conscription applies to Myanmar men aged 18 to 35 and women aged 18 to 27, and a foreign passport does not exempt dual nationals. Check UK or Polish embassy advice before travel and carry sterling or euro cash, because ATMs are unreliable.

Law Buddha tattoos, photo and cash restrictions

Myanmar deports tourists with visible Buddha tattoos (UK/Spanish/Canadian cases 2014-2018). Photographing military, police checkpoints, bridges or monks without permission can lead to arrest. USD/EUR cash must be unfolded, crisp, post-2013 bills, crumpled notes are refused everywhere. ATMs often empty. Cover Buddha tattoos, bring pristine USD in an envelope, and never photograph anyone in uniform even from a boat on Inle in kyat-buying zones.

Health Malaria, dengue and weak hospital network

Multi-drug-resistant malaria is endemic in rural Chin, Rakhine and Kachin (including Inle Lake and Golden Rock areas). Dengue peaks with monsoon June–Sept. Myanmar's hospital network has degraded since 2021; serious injuries require medical evac to Bangkok (costing 10,000–40,000 USD without insurance budgeted in kyat). Take atovaquone/proguanil, DEET 30%+, and carry evac insurance with a Bangkok medical-escort rider.

Emergency numbers in Myanmar

Not sure who you need? Call this one. 199 Police

Myanmar has no single universal emergency number. Dial 199 for police, 192 for ambulance, 191 for fire. Operators rarely speak English and ambulance coverage outside Yangon and Mandalay is limited.

Medical costs

  • Doctor visit Private clinic, general consultation without insurance $20 –⁠ $60 ≈ K 41,900 –⁠ K 126,000
  • Hospital night One night in a general ward without insurance $50 –⁠ $200 ≈ K 105,000 –⁠ K 419,000
  • Ambulance Emergency transport to hospital $30 –⁠ $150 ≈ K 62,900 –⁠ K 315,000
  • Dentist Check-up or basic treatment at a private practice $10 –⁠ $40 ≈ K 21,000 –⁠ K 83,900

Typical private prices a tourist pays without insurance.

Good to know before you go

Gestures and etiquette 1 note

Head, feet & pagodas

Never touch anyone's head, it's the most sacred part of the body. Don't point your feet at pagodas, Buddha images, or people, as feet are considered the lowest and most impure part. Remove both shoes and socks at all religious sites without exception.

Buying souvenirs 1 note

Souvenir shopping & bargaining

Bargaining is expected in local markets like Bogyoke Aung San. Start by offering 30-50% less than the initial price, keeping negotiations friendly and respectful. Fixed prices apply in malls and upscale shops. Always buy gemstones from certified dealers and keep receipts for customs. Avoid purchasing genuine antique Buddha statues, as their export is illegal.

Did you know? 3 notes

  • Many people in Myanmar wear thanaka, a yellowish paste made from tree bark, on their faces for sun protection and beauty.
  • Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon is covered in real gold, over 60 tonnes of gold leaf. Its diamond-encrusted tip alone is worth millions.
  • Both men and women in Myanmar wear a longyi, a wraparound cloth skirt, as everyday clothing. It is cooler than trousers in the tropical heat.

Cities these prices cover 3 cities

The prices on this page are typical for these cities and the tourist areas around them.

  • Yangon ရန်ကုန်
  • Mandalay မန္တလေး
  • Bagan ပုဂံ

How Myanmar compares

The TruePrice Index for Myanmar, next to the countries people weigh it against and its nearest neighbors, all on one scale. 100 is the median of the 60 countries I track.

  1. Laos 36 Prices about 35% lower than in Myanmar
  2. Nepal 42 Prices about 24% lower than in Myanmar
  3. Vietnam 47 Prices about 15% lower than in Myanmar
  4. Myanmar 55 This page
  5. Cambodia 61 Prices about 11% higher than in Myanmar
  6. Thailand 70 Prices about 27% higher than in Myanmar
  7. Malaysia 82 Prices about 49% higher than in Myanmar

Bars show each country's TruePrice Index. The dotted line marks Myanmar.

Common questions about prices in Myanmar

Is Myanmar expensive to visit?

Short answer: very cheap, if you pay what locals pay. Fair prices sit 45% below the 60-country median, while tourist prices are about 2.9× the fair price. On the TruePrice Index, Myanmar scores 55, the 11th cheapest of the 60 countries I track.

How much does a day in Myanmar cost, without flights and hotel?

Roughly K 25,750 (about $12) a day at fair prices, or K 70,250 (about $34) at tourist prices. That covers two meals, a coffee, a bottle of water, a beer, two transit rides and a short taxi ride. Sightseeing comes on top (K 5,000 –⁠ K 10,000 for a top museum or attraction), and accommodation is not included.

Do you tip in Myanmar, and how much?

Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated for good service. In restaurants, 5-10% is common if no service charge is included. For tour guides and drivers, 10,000-20,000 MMK per day is a standard gesture of appreciation. Small tips for hotel staff are also welcomed.

What currency does Myanmar use?

The Myanmar kyat (MMK). On October 3, 2026, 1 USD was worth 2,097 MMK. Card terminals and ATMs that offer to charge you in your home currency usually give a worse rate, so pay in MMK.

How much is a meal and a beer in Myanmar?

A restaurant main course is K 6,000 –⁠ K 18,000 (about $2.90 –⁠ $8.60) at fair prices, while tourist menus charge K 25,000 –⁠ K 45,000. A street food meal runs K 2,000 –⁠ K 4,500. A local beer is K 2,100 –⁠ K 6,300 (about $1 –⁠ $3), or K 8,000 –⁠ K 15,000 in tourist bars.

How much money should I bring to Myanmar?

Budget roughly K 25,750 (about $12) a day for food, drinks and getting around at local prices, or about K 70,250 (about $34) at tourist prices. Add K 5,000 –⁠ K 10,000 for each major sight, plus your accommodation.

What is the emergency number in Myanmar?

If you are not sure who you need, call 199, the police line. Direct lines: ambulance 192, fire brigade 191.

Sources and method

Where these numbers come from, and how sure I am about each one.

Prices
29 items: 4 verified and 25 estimates
Checked
to
Exchange rate
1 USD = 2,097 MMK,
Fuel prices
Cities
Yangon, Mandalay, and Bagan
Page updated

What the labels mean

Verified
Checked against recent local sources.
Estimate
Based on related prices and not yet confirmed.
Rough estimate
Thin data. Treat it as a ballpark.
Fair price
What locals typically pay.
Tourist-trap price
What tourists are commonly charged in tourist areas.
Markup
The middle of the tourist-trap range divided by the middle of the fair range. 3.0× means three times the fair price.
TruePrice Index
Fair prices for all 29 items compared with the median of the 60 countries I track. 100 is the median, 50 means half the median price and 200 twice it.

How to cite

TruePrice Index, October 2026, truepriceapp.com/en/trueprice-index/

Spotted a price that looks off? Email me at [email protected] and I will check it.

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