Myanmar businesses and consumers have been facing serious problems obtaining cash in the wake of the 1 February coup.

Since the military takeover, the country has been crippled by a cash shortage with banks placing limits on ATM cash withdrawals and introducing token systems to restrict the number of customers making counter transactions.

People queuing for hours at a limited number of ATMs has become a common sight. The Central Bank has restricted the withdrawal of Myanmar kyat to 20 million for companies and 2 million kyat for individuals. Larger amounts of cash can reportedly be withdrawn for buying COVID-related medicines and medical equipment.

People have been desperately trying to find cash through various alternative means.