Rangoon fee for pier?

[estebofarr]

We are arranging a tour of Rangoon and now are told there is a $20 per person fee for the van to come pick us up on the pier. Has anyone heard of this? Is it legitimate? Can we meet driver outside of pier area? Any information would be appreciated.

[BruceMuzz]

In many countries (USA and Canada for example) private vehicles are not allowed onto the pier.

 

In some countries, the officials can be paid to allow a van to come onto the pier to pick you up. It may be possible for you to meet the driver elsewhere, but you may end up taking a long hike through less than desirable circumstances to do it.

 

I recommend following the drivers suggestion to pay the $20. He probably gets a cut of that money, so will probably be reluctant to offer alternatives.

[estebofarr]

So, the price of doing business? Sounds like extortion. (Disgruntled)

[Kiwi Kruzer]

So, the price of doing business? Sounds like extortion. (Disgruntled)

 

No ,not at all. Most efficient operators would have included the fee in their operating costs and included it in the quote that they give to you.

Its the same as when you obtain an air fare ...most Airlines include the airport or country taxes in the fare so you have no idea how much tax you are paying.

 

 

[estebofarr]

I have to tell my people. $33.75 pp is now $53.75 pp. big jump, don't you think? Guess I have no choice. BTW, it was not mentioned initially.

[Jack1]

The extra fee was pretty common in the Vietnam ports we visited. in some of those ports we were glad to pay the fee so as not to have to walk through these ports.

BTW, we are doing a river cruise in Myanmar. You must be excited to visit this port!! I know we are.

Edited June 5, 2014 by Jack1

[maryann ns]

$20 per person is way too high. Go on the Trip Advisor forum for Myanmar and ask some questions there about where you can meet. If you tell the driver you will meet him outside the pier at a certain place, he may say OK or he may lower his price.

[Keith1010]

See if you can meet outside the pier.

 

Keith

[estebofarr]

The guide actually offered to pick us up outside and that will prob be the way to go.

[Vict0riann]

When we were in Thilawa in February, there was a free shuttle bus from the ship to the gate. Then there were taxis outside the gate waiting to drive you into Yangon - about $60 for 4 people per taxi (after a bit of bargaining). We returned to the port in a private tour (Tour Mandalay), and after a short discussion with the port guard (I don't know if money changed hands!:D) the van was allowed to drive us to the ship.