The following are some tips on business and social visits that may help you during your stay/ tour in Myanmar:
- Appointments should be made in advance and punctuality is appreciated.
- Business cards are exchanged after introduction.
- For business meetings, men should wear a lightweight suit and tie, while women should wear modest clothes.
- It is customary to shake hands on meeting and saying goodbye. When addressing people always use the appropriate prefix and family name.
- Many people in Myanmar do not have a first name and last name as in Western countries but instead have several names, often of three or four words. Generally, every name has a meaning; therefore, it is advisable to address a person with their complete name, especially if you are not well-acquainted with them.
- It is useful – but not essential – to have some business cards in Myanmar script.
- Many executives in Myanmar speak English.
- Visitors should be receptive to local customs and conventions. When sitting cross-legged on sofas or cushions, soles of the feet should not be shown.
- Footwear is strictly prohibited in pagodas and monasteries.
- Tipping in restaurants and hotels is not required but appreciated (about 5 to 10 percent of the total bill). Tips for taxis are not necessary.
- On social occasions such as an invitation to a restaurant, be punctual and dress as for business meetings unless otherwise indicated.