Transit Visa for Bejing China

Even though the airlines database (IATA) shows no visa needed to transit at PEK airport, it is incorrect. Apparently, customs was very courteous and let me know that there was a tit-for-tat policy in place, where US travelers are required to get a travel visa just to transit at Beijing Airport.

After some pleading and showing of my boarding pass for my next flight 13 hours later, they gave me a stamp for a 24 hour stay in my passport.

Moral of the story, be courteous and understanding of policy and the possibly politics between the US and China. Have all your supporting documentation, such as boarding pass/ticket for the connecting flight, etc... A visa will be required, but it may be issued at the discretion of the customs officials.

Traveling to Burma / Rangoon RGN Airport

RGN Yangon / Rangoon Airport

Departure:

Be sure to have $10 USD in exact change ready for your departure tax. This can be paid before you enter in the check-in area.

Get your Star Alliance Gold lounge pass at this time (check-in) as well. Once you pass through immigration, you cannot go back, though the friendly people inside the Star Alliance lounge can run back downstairs and try to get it for you if they're not too busy.

Once you check-in, if you would like to select a seat, do so before you go up the escalators to immigration as there are no computers to do such in the Star Alliance Gold lounge.

After going through immigration, the Star Alliance lounge is immediately after they area where you passport is stamped on the left hand side.

The airport is quite modern, though there was no internet service that could be effectively connected to, wired or wireless.

Airport security, immigration, and staff were friendly, though remember to speak clearly and slowly if speaking in English.

Overall, the my experience in Yangon/Rangoon/Burma was positive and less scary than I had anticipated. Other than remembering to register wherever you go (i.e. wherever you spend the night, including small villages), I was never hassled, and people were friendly. Just remember to smile, and 95% of the time, people will smile back!