Mobile Phone and Internet Usage in Myanmar

Mobile Phone and Internet Usage in Myanmar, Mandalay Region

Hello, I'm mr.hotsia. Today, I will share my experience using mobile phones and the internet in Myanmar, especially in the Mandalay region, which I personally experienced during my travels in 2014. Myanmar has only recently opened its telecommunications market seriously, but I can say communication nowadays is much easier than expected.

During that trip, I bought a Telenor SIM card, which is part of the same network group as Dtac in Thailand. The SIM cost 10,000 kyats, about 300 Thai baht, with 5,000 kyats (150 baht) credit included, allowing calls within Myanmar. Conveniently, calling back to Thailand was easy using the 0066 prefix followed by the number without the leading zero, e.g., 006684xxxxxxx. The call rate back to Thailand was only about 4 baht per minute, which is very cheap compared to roaming from abroad.

Telenor had launched services in Myanmar about 4 months before my visit. Coverage in Mandalay and nearby cities like Pyin Oo Lwin and Bagan was very good. I even had the SIM shop staff help set up the internet, which was straightforward. 3G internet worked smoothly in major cities and main tourist areas. Internet data cost about 300 baht per 1 Mb, with top-up available anytime. You could use Facebook, Line, or various chat apps fully. This is ideal for travelers wanting to stay in touch with family or share beautiful photos from Myanmar.

However, Telenor SIMs have limitations in some areas like Shan State, where I traveled to places such as Inle, Taunggyi, and Hsipaw, where it did not work. In these areas, I recommend buying an MPT SIM, which I tested and found to have better coverage and reliable service.

Buying and Using SIM Cards in Mandalay

Buying a SIM card in Mandalay is very easy. SIM shops are everywhere in markets or pedestrian streets. I bought mine at a small shop in the city center. The staff spoke some English and helped set it up properly. Once you have the SIM, you can use it immediately for calls and internet with good service.

If you plan to travel to Pyin Oo Lwin, a famous hill station in Mandalay Region, I recommend readingHotel Recommendations in Pyin Oo Lwinwhich I have written before, because internet in hotels there tends to be faster than in Mandalay city itself. There are also spa and massage services to relax after a tiring journey (see detailsSpa and Massage in Pyin Oo Lwin)

Internet and Phone Service in Other Tourist Cities of Mandalay

In Amarapura, where I strolled and tasted local dishes like Burmese noodles and simple brewed coffee, phone and internet service still works well in the main town. However, in outlying areas with fewer tourists, you should prepare in advance, such as buying a backup SIM or carrying portable devices (read aboutAmarapura Food, Mandalayto experience the lifestyle and atmosphere of this town).

For travel from Mandalay to Bagan by bus or boat, which I used, internet may drop occasionally, especially when passing rural or remote areas. Overall, there is still some signal available. For those needing to contact home or find online maps, I recommend downloading data in advance or using a SIM with good coverage like Telenor, along with offline maps prepared (seeTravel from Mandalay to Bagan (Pagan))

Tips and Advice for Travelers

Myanmar is still developing its telecommunications and internet systems. If you travel to Mandalay and nearby cities, don't forget to buy a SIM card for convenience in communication and information search, as costs are low compared to roaming from Thailand.

Another point I want to emphasize is language and SIM setup. Most SIM shop staff are happy to help set up the service properly. Don't hesitate to ask for help. I used this method myself, which made traveling in Myanmar much easier.

If you are planning a trip to Mandalay, don't forget to try local food as I have written about in the articleMandalay CuisineOr if you enjoy a cool city atmosphere, try riding a horse carriage to see the flower gardens and Pyin Oo Lwin town as I recommended inHorse Carriage Tour in Pyin Oo Lwin, Pyin Oo Lwin Public Parkto experience a deeper side of Myanmar.

Finally, having a working SIM card and internet will make your trip in Myanmar, especially Mandalay region, more convenient and enjoyable. Prepare well before you travel, and see you again with exciting travel stories from mr.hotsia!