How to Address an International Letter to Myanmar

Addressing a letter to Myanmar (also known as Burma) follows a specific format that includes a five-digit postal code for accurate mail delivery. Myanmar’s postal system covers urban and rural areas, and Post Office Boxes (P.O. Box) are commonly used in larger cities like Yangon. This guide provides the correct formats for residential, business, rural, PO Box, and military addresses, along with special considerations for government offices, NGOs, and courier services.

Standard Address Format in Myanmar

The typical format for addressing a letter to Myanmar includes the following elements:

1. Recipient Name: The full name of the person or business receiving the letter.
2. Street Address or PO Box (P.O. Box): The recipient’s street address or Post Office Box number.
3. Township: Myanmar cities are divided into townships, which should be included in the address.
4. City/Town and Postal Code: The name of the city or town, followed by the five-digit postal code.
5. Country: Always include “MYANMAR” in capital letters on the last line for international mail.

Detailed Format Breakdown

1. Recipient Name
   The recipient’s full name should be written on the first line. For business addresses, include the company name first, followed by the recipient’s name or department.

   Example:
   Aung Min
   or
   ABC Co., Ltd.
   Attn: Aung Min

2. Street Address or PO Box (P.O. Box)
   Provide the street name and house/building number for residential or business addresses. If the recipient uses a Post Office Box, write “P.O. Box” followed by the box number.

   Example:
   12 Bogyoke Aung San Road
   or
   P.O. Box 123

3. Township
   Cities in Myanmar are divided into smaller townships. Be sure to include the name of the township for accurate mail delivery.

   Example:
   Latha Township
   or
   Bahan Township

4. City/Town and Postal Code
   Myanmar uses a five-digit postal code system. Include the correct postal code after the city or town name. Major cities include Yangon, Mandalay, and Naypyidaw.

   Example:
   Yangon 11141
   or
   Mandalay 05021

5. Country Name
   For international mail, always write “MYANMAR” in capital letters on the last line.

   Example:
   MYANMAR

Residential Address Format

For residential addresses, include the recipient’s name, street address or PO Box, township, city/town, postal code, and country.

Example:
Aung Min
12 Bogyoke Aung San Road
Latha Township
Yangon 11141
MYANMAR

Business Address Format

For business addresses, include the company name on the first line, followed by the recipient’s name or department. The rest of the address follows the standard format.

Example:
ABC Co., Ltd.
Attn: Aung Min
12 Bogyoke Aung San Road
Latha Township
Yangon 11141
MYANMAR

PO Box Address Format

For letters sent to a Post Office Box, replace the street address with “P.O. Box” followed by the appropriate box number.

Example:
Aung Min
P.O. Box 123
Bahan Township
Yangon 11141
MYANMAR

Rural Address Format

In rural areas where formal street names may not exist, include the name of the village or settlement, followed by the nearest town, postal code, and country.

Example:
Zaw Htun
Village of Pyin Oo Lwin
Mandalay 05021
MYANMAR

Military Address Format

For military personnel stationed in Myanmar, mail generally follows the civilian postal system. If applicable, include the military unit or base information.

Example:
Rank and Full Name
Military Unit 123
P.O. Box 456
Yangon 11141
MYANMAR

Government Office Address

For mail addressed to government offices in Myanmar, include the name of the office or department before the street address or PO Box.

Example:
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Office No. 9
Naypyidaw 15011
MYANMAR

International Addressing for NGOs and Organizations

For international organizations or NGOs operating in Myanmar, include the organization’s name and specific department.

Example:
UNICEF Myanmar
Attn: Health Services
12 Bogyoke Aung San Road
Latha Township
Yangon 11141
MYANMAR

Addressing for Courier vs. Postal Services

When using courier services such as DHL or FedEx, include additional contact details such as phone numbers, as couriers may require specific delivery instructions, particularly in rural or less accessible areas.

Example (Courier):
Aung Min
12 Bogyoke Aung San Road
Latha Township
Yangon 11141
MYANMAR
Phone: +95 1 123 4567

Addressing for Multiple Recipients

When addressing a letter to multiple recipients at the same address, list the names on separate lines.

Example (Family):
The Min Family
P.O. Box 789
Bahan Township
Yangon 11141
MYANMAR

Example (Business Department):
ABC Co., Ltd.
Attn: Finance Department
P.O. Box 789
Latha Township
Yangon 11141
MYANMAR

Special Considerations

• Postal Codes: Myanmar uses a five-digit postal code system. Always include the correct postal code for accurate delivery.

• Townships: In urban areas like Yangon and Mandalay, it’s important to include the name of the township for proper mail sorting and delivery.

• Language: Burmese is the official language of Myanmar. Addresses should be written in Burmese for domestic mail, but for international correspondence, “MYANMAR” should be written in capital letters.

Commonly Accepted Abbreviations

• P.O. Box for Post Office Box
• Rd. for Road
• St. for Street
• No. for Number (House or Building Number)

Key Tips for Formatting

• Capitalization: Write the address in capital letters for clarity and legibility.
• Left Alignment: Ensure that all lines of the address are left-aligned for ease of reading and postal processing.
• Phone Number for Couriers: Providing a contact phone number is recommended for courier services, especially in rural or less accessible areas.
• Postal Code Usage: Always include the five-digit postal code to ensure timely and accurate delivery.