Nope.
Myanmar hit a 39/100 score today, but US and Canadian do-not-travel warnings cap the rating despite the UK’s milder level 2 advisory. Governments disagree by two levels, so expect conflicting safety advice.
Governments, one trip
What they're telling their own citizens about Myanmar
The advisories disagree by 2 level(s) — read all four before you decide who to trust.
The real score
The breakdown
See it from your perspective
Nope.
The general Sketch Score, unweighted for any specific traveler.
Don't fall for it
Scams to know
Bogus monks
Fake monks solicit donations at tourist sites using high-pressure tactics or selling items. Avoid them by remembering that genuine monks only collect food and are forbidden from touching or accepting money.
Begging syndicates
Children and mothers carrying babies beg in tourist areas to solicit pity for easy money. These individuals are often part of larger syndicates rather than people in need of food.
Staying healthy
What to watch out for, health-wise
Active notices
No active CDC travel health notices right now.
Vaccines
Recommended:
From people who've been there
Local know-how
Staying safe
- •Crime: The government punishes crime, particularly against tourists, severely; as a result, as far as crime and personal safety go, Myanmar is extremely safe for tourists, and it is generally safe to walk on the streets alone at night.
- •Since 2005, Yangon and Mandalay have seen a barely perceptible rise in the very low level of street robberies.
- •Illegal substances:
- •Begging: Despite traditional taboos against it, begging has become a major problem in the main tourist areas such as Bago and Bagan.
- •Fake monks: Theravada Buddhism is the main religion in Myanmar, and it is customary for monks to go on alms rounds in the morning.
Staying healthy
- •Hygiene in Myanmar may seem terrible to the average Westerner but it is possible to stay healthy with some basic precautions such as prophylactic medication, care choosing food and water, and antibacterial ointment.
- •As in many developing countries: "if you can't fry, roast, peel or boil it - then forget it".
- •HIV: The rate of HIV infection in Myanmar is high by Western and Asian standards (0.7% of the population in 2019).
- •Healthcare: Myanmar's healthcare system is poorly funded.
- •The clinic formerly operated by the Australian Embassy in Yangon closed in 2018.…
Adapted from Wikivoyage, CC BY-SA — edited by travelers, not us.
Real talk
What travelers actually say
Travelers report that Myanmar remains navigable if you stick to designated safe zones and heed local advice. While some visitors report feeling secure, others note risks including petty theft, burglary, and the potential for crossfire in areas like Mandalay, where rebel activity near the royal palace necessitates avoiding movement after 10 pm. The country faces significant logistical hurdles, including electricity shortages, internet censorship requiring VPNs, and complex currency exchange rates that invite scams. Travelers are advised to avoid specific regions like the far side of the Irrawaddy River in Mandalay, stay alert for monkey-related theft at sites like Mount Popa, and exercise caution with unofficial money changers.
“don't go out of the hotel after 10 pm. Even if there is no night lockdown, the Rebel attacked the royal palace many times during previous month and every time during the night. So better to avoid to be taken in a cross fire exchange.
— r/travel
“anecdotal evidence suggests that there have been occasional instances of violent crime against foreigners, including muggings, burglaries and petty thefts. Homes occupied by foreigners and hotels have been targeted in the past.
— r/travel
“Mount Popa (Temple located on a lonely rock towering over the central plains. Monkey-infested so be aware of your belongings.
— r/travel
Pack this, know this
The little things that trip people up
Plug & voltage
A / C / D / F / G / I · 230V
Driving side
right
Emergency
police: 999 / ambulance: 999 / fire: 999
Show the receipts (10 sources)
- us-state — observed 2026-07-12
- uk-fcdo — observed 2026-07-12
- ca-gac — observed 2026-07-12
- worldbank-political — observed 2026-07-12
- worldbank-policeTrust — observed 2026-07-12
- wikivoyage — observed 2026-07-12
- reddit — observed 2026-07-12
- unodc — observed 2026-07-12
- acled-hdx — observed 2026-07-12
- lgbtq-legal-wikipedia — observed 2026-07-12