The Facts Of Communication In Myanmar

Before traveling to Myanmar, you will need to research necessary information and the communication in Myanmar is also important element to know in advance.

INTERNET

Although dramatically better than in years passed, Internet access in Myanmar can still be frustratingly slow for visitors. In main cities such as Yangon and Mandalay the connections are faster and more consistent than in Inle Lake, Bagan and other more rural areas. Internet cafes and access at the hotel is common and WIFI is becoming available in some restaurants and cafes. The price is very reasonable, usually less than 1USD per hour, but be prepared to wait when loading or sending emails.

MOBILE PHONES

Myanmar has started to implement international roaming agreements with some overseas telecommunication providers. Please check before your trip with your telecommunication provider if you can use your mobile phone in Myanmar. Otherwise, your handset and SIM card from your home country will not work. Even if your mobile and SIM card from your country of origin work in Myanmar you will not be able to send messages (SMS) abroad.

Recently the price of local SIM cards has dropped considerably with the arrival of two telecommunications providers. SIM cards from Ooredoo and Telenor are on sale for 1,500 Ks (1.5 USD) but only work in Yangon and Mandalay. SIM cards from a government operated company are a bit more expensive (about 20 USD on the black market) but work throughout Myanmar.

POST/MAIL

Myanmar’s mail services are behind the times like many other aspects of Burmese industry. While the mail system is quite affordable it can be unreliable and on occasion mail can be lost. If you happen to buy anything valuable while in Myanmar it is not recommended that you mail it home but rather take it home with you when you depart the country.

If you purchase anything that you absolutely need to ship back as opposed to bring with you on the plane we recommend using a reputable courier such as DHL. DHL is reliable but has its price. If you happen to purchase an extremely large or heavy item there are options for shipping it however you will have to consult your guide as to those options if the situation should arise.

» Source: Yangon tours