FAQ of the week
In  Burma, what's the situation with exchanging money -are there any ATM machines?
Are USD acceptable?

The kyat has been the currency of Burma since 1952 although the US$ is still popularly used by visitors to Burma. It's best to prepare enough US currency to cover your spending during your trip, as there are no ATMs inside Burma. There have long been reports of poor exchange rates at the airport and government banks, so many tourists change dollars to kyat on the street.
However, the situation is improving with the government granting permission to six banks to officially exchange money at market rates. Banks along Thain Phyu Street have exchange counters and are popular long queues  Currency exchange counters are gradually being opened elsewhere but private banks are still best.The current rate is about 830 Kyat to the US$ while street traders are offering 825 Kyat to the dollar. Banks and traders will also accept euro notes of all denomination for exchange but the rates tend to be less advantageous than USD. Yangon Airport has two exchange counters - one before customs and the other in the main arrivals hall. Both offer decent exchange rates.
In terms of currency usage, the Kyat is more convenient when paying for meals at restaurants and buying things at local markets and souvenirs shops. If you pay in dollars, you can expect to receive your change in the local currency. However US currency is generally required for entrance fees, airport tax and also for hotels and travel agencies.   AND REMEMBER- No "small head" USD bills.

Good news to assist the demand on Burma domestic flight demands.

A number of air charter services from Yangon and Mandalay to a number of major domestic destinations are now being offered after an agreement was reached with state-run domestic carrier Myanma Airways.
There is one leased aircraft from Myanma Airways with regular services from January 19.

“We hired one ATR 72-210 aircraft and will operate charter flights from Yangon to Dawei, Myeik and Kawthoung every Monday, Thursday and Saturday. We will also operate charter flights from Mandalay to Heho, Lashio, Kyaingtong and Tachileik daily,” a spokesperson said. The company would offer onboard services  equivalent to standard private domestic airlines.

“For these charter services, we arrange better onboard services and meals,” the spokesperson said. “Previously if passengers wanted to organise a charter flight through Myanma Airways they needed to apply in advance. However, anyone can now easily book a ticket without making any prior arrangements.”

He said the company had decided to offer the service because of the increasing number of foreign tourists visiting the country. These charter services are aimed mostly at group package tours.

Source  Zaw Win Than  Myanmar Times mm times.com

DTC Travel, a Bangkok based Travel Agency launched their all-new website today. www.dtctravel.com

The first stage of the redesign of the website has finally been completed and the new updated site is up and running. Many improvements have been made to the site so finding what you need should be quick and easy.

Over the next couple of weeks the remainder of the product data will be added. If you have any comments regarding the site please feel free to let us know by going to the contact us page. 

Thank you.