Atm Availability

[LTGTR]

Do they exist and if so,are they plentiful (laughs out loud)?

My cards are USA issued.

Edited May 7, 2012 by LTGTR

[Tywais]

State Department statement:

Currency: Traveler’s checks, credit cards, and ATM cards can rarely, if ever, be used. Although moneychangers sometimes approach travelers with an offer to change dollars into Burmese kyat at the market rate, it is illegal to exchange currency except at authorized locations such as the airport, banks and government stores. It is also illegal for Burmese to possess foreign currency without a permit. Foreigners are required to use U.S. dollars, other hard currency, or Foreign Exchange Certificates (FEC) for the payment of plane tickets, train tickets, and most hotels bills. Please be sure to bring pristine bills, as most establishments will not accept torn or old U.S. currency. Burmese kyats are accepted for nearly all other transactions. Executive Order 13310, signed by President Bush on July 28, 2003, imposed a ban on the exportation of financial services to Burma

In recent months, U.S. financial institutions have increased scrutiny of on-line financial transactions taking place on Burmese Internet providers. As a result, the bank accounts of some U.S. citizens working or traveling in Burma have been frozen. To avoid this potential problem, customers of U.S. banks should avoid on-line banking while using a Burmese Internet Service Provider (ISP). Those who believe their accounts have been subject to similar restrictions in error are asked to contact the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Rangoon.

U.S. Sanctions - Treasury:

EXPORTATION OF FINANCIAL SERVICES TO BURMA - With certain exceptions, the

exportation or reexportation of financial services to Burma is prohibited. The

term exportation or reexportation of financial services to Burma is defined

broadly to mean: (i) the transfer of funds, directly or indirectly, from the

United States or by a U.S. person, wherever located, to Burma; or (ii) the

provision, directly or indirectly, to persons in Burma of insurance services,

investment or brokerage services, banking services, money remittance services;

loans, guarantees, letters of credit or other extensions of credit; or the

service of selling or redeeming traveler's checks, money orders and stored

value. This defined term is unique to the Burma sanctions program.

Although there are limited exceptions to the ban on the exportation of financial

services, under no circumstances can payments be made from blocked accounts on

the books of a U.S. bank.

[LTGTR]

Yes I have read that previously,thanks.Now for real world,up to date info,anyone there have an update?

The State Dept info is very good for just about every country for a primer.

[CP3]

There are ATM ..yes..

You cannot use oversea cards.

[LTGTR]

Thank you.

There are ATM ..yes..

You cannot use oversea cards.

[bkk_mike]

Isn't the basic problem still that there's basically an embargo on US financial services.

That means no visa, mastercard, american express...

[Siriam]

There are ATM ..yes..

You cannot use oversea cards.

Do you know if Thai Visa electron cards can be used?

[CP3]

none can be used yet.

[tombkk]

Just came back from Myanmar and asked these questions. Answers:

1. There are no ATMs accepting international cards yet. Only local cards.

2. The US financial sanctions have been suspended, so international cards are allowed now.

3. They (the Myanmar banks) are in the process of implementing it. This will take time.

4. The SEA Games will take place in Myanmar in July 2013. For practical reasons, expect the ATMs to accept international cards by then.

[tombkk]

Just came back from Myanmar and asked these questions. Answers:

1. There are no ATMs accepting international cards yet. Only local cards.

2. The US financial sanctions have been suspended, so international cards are allowed now.

3. They (the Myanmar banks) are in the process of implementing it. This will take time.

4. The SEA Games will take place in Myanmar in July 2013. For practical reasons, expect the ATMs to accept international cards by then.

Correction: The financial services sanctions have not been suspended, but it is being discussed. I received wrong information (or simply misunderstood) in Myanmar, this could be clarified by the US Commercial Office.