Arriving at Civil Airport in Sittwe and planning to explore Myanmar by car? Renting a vehicle offers flexibility, but it’s good to know what to expect with the pickup process, costs, and local driving conditions. This guide covers everything from finding your rental desk to understanding insurance options and navigating Myanmar’s roads.
Rental car desks at Civil Airport are generally located within the arrivals hall, often near the baggage claim area. You’ll likely find representatives from several companies offering services. While the specific companies available can change, you can typically find options from well-known international and local providers. Be prepared to walk a short distance from the arrivals gate to the rental area.
The best car for you depends on your travel plans. For solo travelers or couples sticking to city roads, an economy or compact car is often sufficient. Families or those planning to explore more remote areas might prefer an SUV. Here are ten popular car types you’ll likely find available:
| Economy | $20 - $30 |
| Compact | $25 - $35 |
| Intermediate | $30 - $45 |
| Standard | $40 - $55 |
| SUV (Small) | $50 - $70 |
| SUV (Large) | $70 - $100 |
| Luxury | $100+ |
Prices change by season and availability.
To rent a car in Myanmar, you’ll generally need a valid driver’s license from your home country, and an International Driving Permit is highly recommended. The minimum age is usually 21, though some companies may require renters to be 25 or older. Expect to present your passport and a credit card in the renter’s name. Deposits are standard, and the amount will be held on your credit card for the duration of the rental. Payment is typically made with a major credit card; cash may be accepted by some local providers, but credit cards are generally preferred.
Rental companies will offer various insurance options. Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) covers damage to the rental car itself. Theft Protection covers loss or damage due to theft. Often, these come with an ‘excess’ – the amount you’re still responsible for in the event of a claim. You can often reduce this excess by purchasing additional insurance. Carefully review the terms of each insurance option and ask the rental agent to explain what is and isn’t covered. Your existing travel insurance or credit card benefits might also provide some coverage, so check those before you travel.
Driving in Myanmar presents some unique considerations. Roads outside of major cities can vary in condition. Traffic can be unpredictable, and it’s important to drive defensively. Toll roads are becoming more common, so keep some small bills handy. Parking in cities can be challenging; look for designated parking areas or ask a local for advice. Speed limits are generally low, but enforcement can be inconsistent. Be aware of local traffic customs and exercise caution, especially when driving at night.
An International Driving Permit is highly recommended, even if your home country license is accepted. It simplifies things and can be required by police.
Major credit cards are the most widely accepted form of payment. Some local companies might accept cash, but it’s best to confirm beforehand.
The deposit amount varies depending on the car type and rental company, but expect it to be a significant amount held on your credit card.
Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) covers damage to the rental vehicle itself, but usually has an excess amount you’re still responsible for.
Driving at night is generally not recommended due to limited lighting and unpredictable traffic. If you must drive at night, exercise extreme caution.
Yes, toll roads are becoming more common, especially on major highways. Keep some small bills handy for toll payments.
In Myanmar, they drive on the right side of the road.
Yes, but you’ll need to declare the additional driver at pickup and they’ll likely need to be present and meet the rental requirements.
Rental cars should come with a spare tire and tools. If you’re unsure how to change a tire, contact the rental company for assistance.
Late returns usually incur extra charges, often calculated per hour or day. Check the rental agreement for details.
GPS navigation can be helpful, but coverage can be spotty in some areas. Downloading offline maps is a good idea.
Carefully inspect the car for any existing damage and document it with photos or video before leaving the rental lot to avoid being charged for it later.