It used to be that you would have to bring US dollars in and that would be your only source of funds.  This is no longer the case.  There are many ATMs that will dispense kyat for you.

Here is 300,000 kyat, the maximum withdrawal amount from an ATM.  Unfortunately 5,000 kyat is the biggest note a cash machine will give out.

A few things to note:

– 300,000 is the maximum withdrawal and the machine will charge you a 5,000 kyat fee.

– Some hotels still prefer US dollars, so it’s handy to keep some on you.

– Many US banks stick with the US trade embargo which means those credit cards will be declined and you can not use them to take out cash here.

– So far no businesses have accepted credit cards, but MasterCard is here, there are advertisements all over, so it’s just a matter of time.

As far as US dollars go, make sure they are new and crisp, without any markings or creases on them.  They are very picky and some of my $20 bills have been refused.  Of course they can be exchanged in Bangkok or brought home, but they are useless here.  I have no idea why they are so picky on US dollar bills as kyat often comes back to you folder, ripped, washed, or otherwise destroyed, and they have no issue with that!