What I Took For Granted

I chanced upon Burma's International Travel Information today. So online access is very expensive and limited there.

Computers, Internet, and Email: The military regime carefully controls and monitors all Internet use in Burma and restricts Internet access through software-based censorship that limits the materials individuals can access online. The government has allowed cyber cafes to open, but access to the Internet is very expensive, and access to most “free” international e-mail services such as Hotmail and Yahoo is prohibited. Currently, Gmail (Google mail) accounts can be accessed in Burma, and many locals and resident expatriates use it. It is illegal to own an unregistered modem in Burma. You may bring one laptop computer into Burma but must declare it upon arrival. Limited email service is available at some large hotels. All emails are subject to monitoring by Burmese security services. It is very expensive to send photographs via email. One foreign visitor was presented a bill for $2,000 after transmitting one photograph via a major hotel's e-mail system. During September and October 2007, the military government disconnected all internet access across the country for extended periods of time. 

The good thing about it is if I am going to visit the country, I won't be tempted to check my email and will be purely taking in the country's sights, sounds and culture. I hope I'll be allowed to take pictures though so I can share my experiences back home.

Then I dream of the day when the entire world is a free wifi zone.