Special Announcement

 

  • Please register with WBFN by Clicking Here to become a new member, update current membership or create your website account. To access restricted content you must be a registered WBFN member with an active website account

    Due to the logistics of the Annual Meetings, the Family Network will be working remotely the week of October 14-17, 2025. Our physical office will be closed, but you can reach us any time by phone: +1 202 473 8751 or email: Famillynetwork@worldbank.org

Get Involved - Why Volunteer?
Get Involved - Why Volunteer?
Get Involved—Volunteers Registration Form
Get Involved—Volunteers Registration Form
Get Involved —Volunteer Handbook
Get Involved —Volunteer Handbook
The Power of Community
The Power of Community
MEN AT WBFN Space for Connection
MEN AT WBFN Space for Connection
Incredible India: A Journey Through Culture, Spirituality, and Adventure
Incredible India: A Journey Through Culture, Spirituality, and Adventure

Members' Recommendations

Moving to a new country can be a daunting experience. Information you can gather through  books and the internet, cannot replace first hand experience as shared below by WBFN members. If you are already in the Country Office and have some additional experience/tips you would like to share, please contact the WBFN Local Champion or the WBFN office and we will be glad to amend our members' recommendation for this specific country accordingly. WBFN is happy to share—but cannot endorse—information provided by members [consult WBFN Legal]. You have to be a registered WBFN member in order to access the information below; please log in/register

Members Recommendations

  1. 1. When arriving
  2. 2. Housing & understanding your lease
  3. 3. Neighborhoods
  4. 4. Schools and daycares
  5. 5. Security
  6. 6. Healthcare providers & emergencies
  7. 7. Shopping
  8. 8. Recreational activities
  9. 9. Communities
  10. 10. Useful Resources/Books
  1. 1. When arriving

    What you need to bring with you will depend on your living arrangements. Some houses or apartments come fully furnished – although usually with bulky furniture. Some families have come with virtually empty hands and found beautifully made, reasonably priced furniture items upon their arrival in Yangon.

  2. 2. Housing & understanding your lease

    Rental prices have gone down considerably over the past year due to a rise in supply. Expat families tend to prefer the Golden Valley area in Bahan Township, though in recent years have spread all over the town. Do be strict when negotiating a house, and ensure that the owner and agent be clear about their responsibilities and your rights as tenants. There have been cases where the owner would not be willing to fix problems with the generator or leaking rooftop. It’s imperative to have a generator, if you decide to stay in a house. Electricity isn’t always reliable, with frequent blackouts.

    If you have a garden, be wary of snakes. Be sure to take preventative measures to protect your home from pests and rodents. Local pest control services are available, with treatments ideally scheduled on a monthly basis.

  3. 3. Neighborhoods

    The downtown area is lively with new shopping malls popping up. Golden Valley in Bahan Township is home to many embassies and expat homes. It also houses International School of Yangon and Network, two popular international schools. British School Yangon is located further up north.

  4. 4. Schools and daycares

    Yangon has a growing list of international schools and nurseries that cater to both local and expat families.

    British School Yangon
    https://britishschoolyangon.org/

    International School Yangon
    https://www.isyedu.org/

    Network International School
    https://www.networkinternationalschool.com/

    Dulwich College
    https://yangon.dulwich.org/

  5. 5. Security

    Yangon is quite safe, but like any other emerging urban areas, it does have recurring problems. You’ll notice many bus and taxi drivers are short-tempered, placing commuters’ lives in jeopardy.

  6. 6. Healthcare providers & emergencies

    There are a few international clinics in Yangon, though with a lack of specialist doctors. Two of the most reliable are SOS and Samitivej. SOS only runs a small clinic and would usually fly patients to Bangkok for more serious treatment. Samitivej is part of the Bangkok-based Samitivej Hospital, and is located at the top floor of Parami Hospital. Both are open every day. Do keep a good stock of medicine at home.

    SOS International (open 24/7)

    Inya Lake Hotel
    37 Kaba Aye Pagoda Rd.
    https://www.internationalsos.com/locations/asia-pacific/myanmar

    Samitivej International (affiliated with Samitivej Hospital Bangkok)
    11th Floor, Parami Hospital
    60 Parami Rd.
    https://www.facebook.com/SamitivejInternational/?rf=797441200290256

    Pun Hlaing Siloam Hospital
    Pun Hlaing Golf Estate Avenue, Hlaing Tharyar Township
    http://punhlaingsiloamhospitals.com/contact-us/

    Evergeen Dental
    No. 6 Corner of Pyay Rd and Min Ye Kyaw Swar St., Lanmadaw Township
    http://www.evergreendentalmm.com

  7. 7. Shopping

    Grocery shopping is mostly done either at the upper-scale Market Place or the prominent City Mart. Market Place carries some selections of organic and gluten-free products. There are local markets in every township offering fresh produce. It’s best to go early in the morning.

    Some popular shopping malls include Junction City, Myanmar Plaza and Junction Square.

  8. 8. Recreational activities

    Once you move past the initial stage of settling in, you’ll find that Yangon offers more than just the Shwedagon Pagoda. Some ideas for outdoor excursions: Inya Lake Garden, Kandawgyi Lake, Mahabandoola Park and People’s Park, as well as the Yangon Zoo, which has quite a big selection of animals.

    The downtown area also has a large number of colonial era buildings waiting to be explored. There are a number of art galleries, and it suffices to say that Yangon has a growing art scene. Check local news for schedules of exhibitions at art galleries and cultural hubs such as the French and Goethe Institute.

    There are equally interesting places within the city limit or within one hour of driving, as well as boat cruises.

    1. 8.1 Restaurants

      There is a number of family-friendly restaurants offering international cuisines. Eating out in Yangon is increasingly becoming an enjoyable weekend activity.

  9. 9. Communities

    Yangon Newcomers Group is a forum for expats to meet and explore their interests together. It’s highly recommended to join such a group upon arrival, just so you get a sense of what Yangon has to offer.

  10. 10. Useful Resources/Books

    Google can answer practically any question you might have about Myanmar. Facebook is also a useful tool, as it’s highly popular among Myanmar people. Reach out to your local champion for tips and tools.