Myanmar Kyat to Indian Rupee: Exchange Rates, Denominations & How to Convert Kyat in 2026
✅ Last verified on-the-ground: 2026-07-23
If you’re checking the myanmar currency in india today, here’s the short version: 1 Myanmar Kyat (MMK) equals roughly ₹0.048 ($0.0005) at current rates, so ₹1,000 ($10.38) gets you around 20,800 MMK. Kyat comes in notes from 50 to 20,000, with the 1,000 and 5,000 notes doing most everyday work.
What Is the Myanmar Kyat?
The Kyat (MMK) is Myanmar’s official currency, issued by the Central Bank of Myanmar in denominations of 50, 100, 200, 500, 1,000, 5,000, 10,000, and 20,000 kyat notes. Coins exist in small denominations (1, 5, 10, 50, 100 kyat) but you’ll rarely see them in circulation; Myanmar is a cash-heavy economy and notes do almost all the work. The kyat trades at multiple unofficial rates alongside the official one, which makes the actual exchange rate you get depend heavily on where and how you convert. For broader context on backpacking across the region, see our Southeast Asia backpacking hub. You may also find Ngapali Temple Etiquette Guide How to Respect Local Customs At Pagodas Near the Beach useful for this trip.
Subodh’s Pro Tip: Don’t bother looking for MMK in India before you fly. No bank or RBI-authorised dealer stocks kyat; you’ll waste a day and come away empty-handed. Carry USD in crisp, post-2013 bills (no folds, no marks) and convert at the airport or in town. See also: Southeast Asia Trip Budget Breakdown By City How Much a Backpacker Spends in.
Quick Answers
| What | Answer | Price (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Kyat symbol | K or MMK | , |
| 1 MMK | ~₹0.048 (~$0.0005) | , |
| ₹1,000 (~$10.38) | ~20,800 MMK | , |
| ₹5,000 (~$51.90) | ~104,000 MMK | , |
| Notes in circulation | 50, 100, 200, 500, 1,000, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000 MMK | , |
| Where to exchange in India | Nowhere (RBI rules) | , |
| Where to exchange in Myanmar | Yangon/Mandalay airport, city money changers | , |
| Best carry option | USD cash (post-2013, unmarked) | , |
| eVisa fee | ₹4,817 (~50 USD) | ₹4,817 (~$50) |
| SIM for tourists | MPT/Ooredoo 7-day, ~$3 | ₹250 |
Current Exchange Rate: Kyat vs Indian Rupee
The official rate published by the Central Bank of Myanmar and the rate you get from a licensed Yangon money changer are two different numbers, and travellers should stick to officially licensed channels. Travellers who use authorised bank counters or licensed money changers may find the quoted rate differs from the CBM reference, which is why most travellers head straight to a registered money changer in town and keep all receipts. For related planning, see our guide on Southeast Asia Festival Calendar 2026 Month By Month Guide for Backpackers.
For Indian travellers, the practical question is what ₹1,000 (~$10.38) in your pocket is worth on the ground. At the current market:
- ₹1,000 (~$10.38): ~20,800 MMK at the unofficial rate most money changers in Yangon offer
- ₹5,000 (~$51.90): ~104,000 MMK (roughly what a budget traveller spends in 2 days)
- ₹10,000 (~$103.80): ~208,000 MMK
USD remains the cleanest bridge currency. At 1 USD ≈ ₹96.5, a $50 note buys you roughly 100,000 MMK on the street, which is enough for a guesthouse, three meals, and bus fare to the next town.
⚠️ Safety Alert: Myanmar’s safety situation changes fast. Before you book, check the Ministry of External Affairs advisory at mea.gov.in and your airline’s route updates. Some border crossings and inland routes have been disrupted.
Kyat Denominations: What You’ll Use
Myanmar’s largest note is 20,000 kyat (worth around ₹960 (~$9.96)), and most everyday transactions happen in 1,000, 5,000, and 10,000 kyat notes. Here’s how the denominations break down in practice:
| Note | Worth in INR (approx) | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| 50 MMK | ₹2.40 (~$0.02) | Almost never used |
| 100 MMK | ₹4.80 (~$0.05) | Small tips, round-ups |
| 200 MMK | ₹9.60 (~$0.10) | Bottled water |
| 500 MMK | ₹24 (~$0.25) | Tea and a snack |
| 1,000 MMK | ₹48 (~$0.50) | Short tuk-tuk ride |
| 5,000 MMK | ₹240 (~$2.49) | Budget meal |
| 10,000 MMK | ₹480 (~$4.98) | Guesthouse, half-day tour |
| 20,000 MMK | ₹960 (~$9.96) | One full day on a backpacker budget |
A useful mental anchor: 10,000 kyat is the everyday “big note,” and most prices in markets, guesthouses, and restaurants are quoted in multiples of it. A bowl of mohinga (Myanmar’s fish-noodle breakfast) costs around 1,500 to 2,500 MMK; a Yangon airport taxi into the city runs around 8,000 to 12,000 MMK.
Subodh’s Pro Tip: Always carry small notes. Drivers and market vendors often claim they “can’t break” a 10,000 MMK note even when they can. Smaller denominations also make bargaining easier at Bagan’s lacquerware stalls and Inle Lake’s floating markets.
Where to Exchange Indian Rupees to Kyat
You cannot exchange INR to MMK in India. RBI’s authorised dealer list does not include kyat, and even major Indian banks won’t place a buy order for it. Your realistic options:
Option 1: Carry USD and Convert in Myanmar
This is the standard approach. Bring USD bills issued after 2013 (the older designs are routinely rejected at Yangon airport), with no folds, tears, or pen marks. At Yangon International Airport, the official bank counters just past baggage claim offer the official rate, which is 20 to 40 percent worse than the market rate you can get in town. Licensed money changers in downtown Yangon (around Sule Pagoda and Bogyoke Market) and Mandalay (near the palace wall) offer much better numbers.
Option 2: Forex Card with USD Withdrawal
HDFC, ICICI, and Axis forex cards support USD balance and ATM withdrawal abroad. If you load USD before departure, you can withdraw MMK from CB Bank or KBZ Bank ATMs in Yangon and Mandalay. The ATM rate is usually close to the market rate, though there’s a per-transaction fee of around 200 to 500 MMK.
Option 3: Exchange at the Hotel
Hotels offer the worst rate but the most convenience. Most mid-range and budget hotels in Yangon and Mandalay will exchange USD notes for guests, usually at a 5 to 10 percent haircut to the market rate. Fine in a pinch, but don’t make it your primary channel.
⚠️ Safety Alert: Don’t change money on the street, even if the rate looks tempting. Counterfeit USD notes are common in informal markets, and there’s no recourse if you’re handed fake kyat. Stick to licensed counters with a visible CB (Central Bank) registration number.
How Much Kyat to Carry for a Trip
For a 5-day Myanmar trip on a backpacker budget:
| Expense | Approx. MMK | Approx. INR |
|---|---|---|
| Guesthouse (5 nights) | 75,000 | ₹3,600 (~$37.37) |
| Meals (5 days) | 50,000 | ₹2,400 (~$24.91) |
| Transport (buses, taxis) | 40,000 | ₹1,920 (~$19.93) |
| Entry fees (pagodas, museums) | 15,000 | ₹720 (~$7.47) |
| SIM card | 5,000 | ₹240 (~$2.49) |
| Misc / shopping | 30,000 | ₹1,440 (~$14.95) |
| Total | ~215,000 MMK | ~₹10,320 (~$107.12) |
That’s roughly ₹10,308 (~107 USD) at the current rate. Carry at least ₹14,451 (~150 USD) in cash as a buffer, plus a forex card backup.
SIM Cards and Connectivity
Most travellers grab a tourist SIM at Yangon or Mandalay airport on arrival. The two main operators:
- MPT (state-backed): ~₹289 (~3 USD) for a 7-day tourist pack with ~5GB data
- Ooredoo (faster in cities): ~₹289 (~3 USD) for 7 days, similar data allowance
You’ll need your passport and the printed eVisa approval letter to buy a SIM. Activation takes 10 to 30 minutes.
If you’d rather skip the airport counter, an eSIM works before you board. Our packing list for the SEA by season covers the gear that matters for Myanmar’s climate. Check Nomad eSIM plans — one option for Indian travellers; the data pack activates as soon as your plane lands.
Common Mistakes Indians Make With Kyat
Mistake 1: Trying to Buy Kyat in India
You can’t. RBI rules prevent authorised dealers from stocking non-convertible currencies for retail sale, and MMK falls into that bucket. Don’t waste a day calling banks.
Mistake 2: Carrying Folded or Marked USD Bills
Myanmar money changers reject any USD note with folds, tears, stamps, or writing on it. Carry your USD in a flat envelope in your carry-on, not folded in a wallet.
Mistake 3: Trusting the Official Rate
The Central Bank of Myanmar’s official rate has been worse than the market rate for years. You will not get that rate at any bank counter. Budget and price in kyat using the market rate.
Mistake 4: Changing Too Little, Then Running Out
ATM withdrawals in Myanmar are limited (usually 100,000 to 300,000 MMK per day, depending on the bank), and not all ATMs accept foreign cards. Carry enough USD to cover your first three days, then top up via ATM or money changer.
Mistake 5: Ignoring the eVisa Before Flying
You cannot exchange money at the official bank counter inside arrivals without a valid visa or eVisa approval letter. Apply at the official Myanmar eVisa portal (https://evisa.moip.gov.mm) before you fly.
Step-by-Step: Converting INR to MMK for Your Myanmar Trip
Step 1: Apply for Your Myanmar eVisa
Go to the official Myanmar eVisa portal at https://evisa.moip.gov.mm and complete the application. The fee is ₹4,817 (~50 USD), payable online by credit or debit card. For a broader view of trip costs across the region, our Southeast Asia Cost of Living comparison is worth a read. Processing takes 3 business days. Approval arrives as a PDF letter you must print.
Step 2: Buy USD in India
Head to an RBI-authorised forex dealer (HDFC, ICICI, Axis, Thomas Cook, or any major bank branch) with your passport and visa. Buy USD in cash. Most dealers will sell you $1,000 to $2,000 per day over the counter without declaration; anything over $5,000 equivalent requires a Form A2 declaration.
Step 3: Carry USD Bills That Will Pass Inspection
Use only post-2013 series notes (the larger head portrait design). Older series are routinely refused. Inspect each bill before you leave the dealer. No folds, tears, marks, or stamps.
Step 4: Convert USD to MMK on Arrival
At Yangon airport, the official bank counter is just past customs. The market rate counter is on the same floor, usually marked “Money Exchange.” For the best rate, walk past both airport counters and head into town. Licensed money changers near Bogyoke Market and around Sule Pagoda offer 20 to 40 percent more kyat per dollar than the airport.
Step 5: Top Up via ATM as Needed
CB Bank, KBZ Bank, and AYA Bank ATMs in central Yangon and Mandalay accept Visa and Mastercard. Withdrawal fees are 5,000 MMK or so per transaction. Avoid AEON and other non-bank ATMs, which often charge more.
Step 6: Spend Down or Exchange Back Before You Fly
Some airports allow you to convert leftover MMK back to USD at the official rate (a significant haircut). Most travellers spend the last of their kyat at the airport restaurant or gift shop before boarding.
What Most Guides Don’t Tell You
The USD Series Year Matters More Than the Condition
A crisp 2006-series ₹9,634 (~100 USD) is worse than a slightly soft 2017-series ₹482 (~5 USD). Money changers in Myanmar check the series year before anything else, because older designs are common targets for counterfeiting. If you’re carrying bills from a long-held forex stash, check the year before you fly.
The “Kyat” Spelling and the Symbol
You’ll see MMK, K, Ks (plural), and sometimes “Kyats.” All four are accepted in conversation. On price tags, the symbol is usually “K” (for example, “5,000 K”). Don’t mistake it for a Thai baht sign.
Many Places Don’t Accept Indian ₹1,000 (~$10.38) or ₹500 (~$5.19) Notes
Outside the airport, no one in Myanmar accepts Indian rupees. The market for INR is effectively zero. Don’t try to convert INR to MMK on the street; you’ll get laughed out or scammed.
ATMs Run Out of Cash on Weekends
Bank branches and many ATMs in smaller towns don’t refill on Sundays. In Yangon and Mandalay the bigger bank ATMs usually have cash on weekends, but smaller branches often run dry. Plan your withdrawals around the calendar.
Where to Eat (If You’re Already in Yangon or Mandalay)
Most travellers who convert MMK end up spending it at these local spots.
Local Burmese food:
- Unique Myanmar Restaurant: A straightforward downtown spot for a first proper Burmese meal. Mohinga around 2,000 MMK, curry set around 4,000 MMK.
- Shwe Myanmar: Traditional Burmese plates in a casual setting. Shan-style noodles around 2,500 MMK.
- Aung Thu Kha Traditional Myanmar Food House: Family-run, popular with locals, hearty portions. Curry and rice around 3,500 MMK.
- Nanda (Bagan): A Bagan branch known for Shan-style noodles. Around 2,500 to 3,000 MMK.
- Pioneer (Mandalay): A Mandalay venue offering live music and cocktails in the evening. Drinks around 5,000 MMK.
When you need Indian food:
- Yohannes Indian Food: Punjabi dishes, strong reviews from travellers. Thali around 6,000 MMK.
- Indian Hut Restaurant (Mandalay): North Indian, slightly more upscale than average. Around 7,000 MMK.
- Indian Tadka: Casual North Indian, good tandoori. Around 5,500 MMK.
Subodh’s Pro Tip: Myanmar’s Indian restaurant scene is smaller than Thailand’s or Vietnam’s. In Yangon, look around Mahabandoola Garden and the area near the Indian Embassy. In Mandalay, the 26th and 27th Streets between 82nd and 84th have most of the Indian food.
Getting Around Myanmar
Domestic flights are the fastest way between Yangon, Mandalay, Bagan, and Inle Lake. Overland buses are slow but cheap. For longer routes, the night bus is the standard backpacker option. See our city-by-city local transport guides for more on getting around the region.
Sample Bus Routes (Approx. Prices)
| Route | MMK | INR equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Yangon to Bagan | ~16,000 MMK | ~₹770 (~$7.99) |
| Yangon to Mandalay | ~18,000 MMK | ~₹870 (~$9.03) |
| Yangon airport to city (taxi) | ~10,000 MMK | ~₹480 (~$4.98) |
FAQ
Can I exchange Indian rupees to Myanmar kyat in India?
No. RBI rules do not permit authorised dealers to stock or sell kyat to retail customers. Carry USD instead and convert on arrival in Myanmar.
What is the kyat symbol?
The official ISO code is MMK. In everyday use you’ll see “K” (for example, 5,000 K) on price tags.
How many kyat is ₹1,000 (~$10.38)?
Around 20,800 MMK at current market rates (₹0.048 per MMK, ~$0.0005). The exact number shifts daily; check a live converter before you fly.
Can I use a forex card in Myanmar?
Yes, Visa and Mastercard forex cards work at major bank ATMs (CB Bank, KBZ Bank, AYA Bank) in Yangon, Mandalay, and Bagan. Daily withdrawal limits are usually 100,000 to 300,000 MMK.
Do Myanmar hotels accept credit cards?
Mid-range and high-end hotels in Yangon and Mandalay accept Visa and Mastercard. Guesthouses, local restaurants, and most market vendors are cash-only.
What should I do with leftover kyat when I leave?
Convert it back to USD at the airport, or spend it on food, water, and souvenirs before you board. Most travellers lose 10 to 20 percent on the back-conversion, so don’t over-carry.
Is it safe to travel in Myanmar right now?
Myanmar’s safety situation changes fast. Check the Ministry of External Affairs advisory at mea.gov.in before you book, and check your airline’s latest route updates for any border or regional disruptions.
