Best Myanmar SIM Cards for Tourists:2024 Detailed Guide [+Internet & WiFi] 

Traveling to Myanmar is always a marvelous experience to travelers. With Myanmar SIM Card, tourists can both enjoy a smooth trip and keep in touch with family and friends back home

The article below can provide all the information about Myanmar SIM Card. Just reading this and you can enjoy the trip to Myanmar without any worries.  

I. Should You Get a Sim Card in Myanmar?

Absolutely YES. When wanting to stay connected, tourists traveling to Myanmar have many choices such as pocket wifi, data roaming or tourist SIM Card,… However, each option has its own advantages and disadvantages. 

Below we will show you a table comparison to know deeply about each option we mentioned above: 

Connectivity Option	Advantages	Disadvantages
Pocket WiFi	-Connect multiple devices simultaneously  – No need to change SIM cards	– High equipment rental/purchase costs – Must go to the place to buy/wait for delivery – Always carry it with you – Must charge or use backup charger – Must be returned after trip ends (if rented) – Must ensure distance between the phone and the wifi transmitter – The number of devices that can use the internet from the transmitter is limited, and if there are many users, the internet is not good.
Data Roaming	– Convenient, as it uses existing mobile number  – No need to change SIM cards	– Be extremely expensive – Not all carriers have cooperation contracts with carriers in Myanmar => risk of not being able to roam when arriving in Myanmar.
Free WiFi	– No additional cost – No need to change SIM cards	– Inconsistent and unreliable connection  – Security concerns with public networks  – Limited coverage in remote areas
SIM Card	– Easy to use and set up – Affordable – Diverse packages to suit all types of needs	– Requires a SIM-unlocked device

II. Types of Myanmar SIM Card for Tourists – Which One is the Best?

SIM Card is often separated into two types which are: physical SIM Card and eSIM. Both of them offer the best convenience and affordable costs for tourists. 

1. Prepared physical SIM Card in Myanmar. 

Prepaid physical SIM cards in Myanmar are a popular option for tourists and travelers looking for mobile internet connectivity. These SIM cards can be purchased from various mobile network providers in Myanmar, such as MPT, Ooredoo, and Telenor.

Tourists will use a tourist physical SIM Card by buying SIM from reliable Myanmar operators or retail stores.

With this choice, you have to make sure that your phone is unlocked. 

2. Myanmar eSIM

This is a virtual, digital SIM. It is a chip embedded in the mobile device circuit board and tourists can activate it by just scanning the QR code to download the package information associated with the Myanmar eSIM

Some parties that do not use QR codes have an app for customers to get package information

So which one is the best option for travelers? 

Option	Pros	Cons
Prepaid Myanmar SIM card	– Affordable – Diverse packages to suit all types of needs	– It takes effort to buy or wait for the SIM to be shipped to install it – Main SIM is easily lost when removed – 1 phone only uses 1 sim, if you want to use another sim, you have to remove it (if the phone has 1 sim card slot.
eSIM Myanmar	– Buy online, buy SIM anywhere, anytime – Just scan the QR to get the SIM, no need to remove it- Use 2 SIMs at the same time – You can install multiple plans/packages on the same phone, but you are only allowed to activate 1 or 2 packages at a specific time depending on the device type as mentioned above the SIM, no need to remove it	-Need compatible devices

► Recommendation: You should use eSIM as it is easy to buy, activate and use. Recently, almost all devices support eSIM.

III. Best Myanmar SIM Card Packages for Tourists and Price. 

There will be many mobile operators in Myanmar but we just recommend some popular and reputation carriers to have an overall view about mobile networks in Myanmar.   

Below we will show you 2 big mobile brands  which are: Telenor and Ooredoo. 

1.Telenor Myanmar. 

Telenor Myanmar is a mobile provider located in Myanmar. They claim to have more than 19 million customers in the country. Telenor offers a prepaid SIM card for calls, text messages, and internet usage.

The local Telenor prepaid SIM card costs 1,500 MNK ($1.06) and provides additional credit of 1,000 MNK ($0.70).

Telenor also offers a Tourist SIM card valid for 30 days, available at Yangon and Mandalay International Airports. It costs 6,500 MNK ($4.58) and includes 5 GB of data.

Telenor provides various prepaid data packages, such as Shal Suboo 925 MB for 999 MNK ($0.70), Shal Suboo 700 MB for 799 MNK ($0.49), and Shal Suboo 9,500 MB for 9,999 MNK ($7.05).

2. Ooredoo Myanmar

Ooredoo Myanmar is a mobile service provider headquartered in Myanmar. They offer SIM cards and plans for both citizens and travelers. Ooredoo launched its 5G network in Myanmar in 2018.

Ooredoo has a SIM tariff plan with rates of 28 MNK ($0.02) per minute for calls, 15 MNK ($0.011) per SMS, and 10 MNK ($0.01) per MB.

They provide various data packs, including Data Pack 750 MB for 799 MNK ($0.56), Data Pack 1 GB for 999 MNK ($0.70), Data Pack 2.5 GB for 1,999 MNK ($1.41), Data Pack 4 GB for 2,999 MNK ($2.11) , Data Pack 8 GB for 4,999 MNK ($3.52), and Data Pack 20 GB for 9,999 MNK ($7.05).

Ooredoo also offers combo packs that include data and minutes for calls.

IV. Where to Buy a Tourist SIM Card for Myanmar?

We recommend 4 ways to buy SIM Card in Myanmar for tourists: 

1. Buy prepaid Myanmar eSIM card online before traveling:

You can purchase a prepaid Myanamr eSIM card online before your trip. Look for reputable websites that offer eSIM services for Myanamr. Follow the instructions provided on the website to select a suitable plan, make the payment, and receive your eSIM QR code via email.

Advantages: 

• Convenience: Buying an eSIM card online allows you to have it ready before your trip, saving you time and effort upon arrival in Italy.
• Instant Activation: Once you receive the eSIM QR code via email, you can activate it immediately without the need to visit a physical store or wait for delivery.
• Flexibility: eSIM cards offer the advantage of storing multiple SIM profiles, allowing you to switch between different plans or providers seamlessly.

Disadvantage: Need a compatible device

2. Buy physical Myanmar SIM online:

You can also purchase a physical Myanmar SIM card online from reputable websites. Visit the websites, select the desired plan, provide the necessary information, make the payment, and choose the delivery option. The SIM card will be shipped to your address.

Advantages:

• Convenience: Buying a SIM card online allows you to have it delivered to your preferred address, saving you time and effort.
• Wide Selection: Online platforms provide a variety of plans and options to choose from, allowing you to select the one that suits your needs best.

Disadvantages: 

• Delivery Time: Consider the delivery time when purchasing a SIM card online to ensure it arrives before your departure date. Plan ahead to avoid any delays.

3. Buy physical Myanmar SIM at airports:

Look for mobile network provider kiosks or stores in the departure area. Select a suitable plan, provide your passport for registration, and make the payment to obtain the SIM card.

Advantages: 

• Convenience: Buying a SIM card at the airport allows you to get connected as soon as you arrive in Myanmar  without the need to search for a store outside the airport.
• Assistance and Support: Mobile network provider staff at the airport can provide assistance with the SIM card setup and answer any questions you may have.

Disadvantages: 

• Potential Higher Costs: SIM cards purchased at airports may have higher prices compared to other locations in cities in Myanmar. It’s advisable to compare prices and offers before hand.

4. Buy physical Myanmar SIM in the cities:

Once you arrive in Myanmar, you can buy a physical SIM card from mobile network provider stores or authorized resellers. Visit their physical stores, select the desired plan, provide your passport for registration, and make the payment to obtain the SIM card.

Advantages: 

• Local Assistance: Buying a SIM card in the cities allows you to receive face-to-face assistance from store staff and clarify any queries you may have.
• Immediate Use: Once you purchase the SIM card, you can activate it immediately and start using it.

Disadvantages: 

• Potential Language Barrier: In some stores, language barriers may exist if English is not widely spoken. Consider researching basic phrases or translations beforehand to facilitate the process.

V. How Much Data is Enough for a Prepaid Tourist SIM Card for Myanmar?

When it comes to choosing the right data volume for a prepaid tourist SIM card in Myanmar, it’s important to consider your usage requirements. So, how much 1GB of data can typically be used for regular activities:

• Sending and receiving around 10,000 emails (without attachments).
• Browsing the internet and social media for approximately 20 hours.
• Streaming music for about 3 p.m.
• Making video calls for around 6 hours.
• Streaming standard-definition video for approximately 4 hours.

If you haven’t known your exact requirement for data when traveling to Myanmar, let’s see different types of users below to find out for yourself: 

1. Heavy users:

• Data volume: 5GB or more per week.
• Activities: Streaming high-definition videos, uploading and downloading large files, extensive web browsing, online gaming, and frequent use of data-intensive applications.

2. Medium users:

• Data volume: 2GB to 5GB per week.
• Activities: Regular web browsing, social media usage, occasional video streaming, email communication, and moderate use of data-intensive applications.

3. Light users:

• Data volume: 1GB to 2GB per week.
• Activities: Basic web browsing, checking emails, light social media usage, and occasional use of data for maps and navigation.

► Recommendations: 

• For average tourists who just need to do some basic activities such as sharing travel updates on social media or accessing maps and navigation, registering data plans with 2GB to 5GB per week.
• With businessmen or individuals who want to share Wi-Fi with other devices, you should choose plans with 5GB or more per week.

VI. Which Myanmar Mobile Networks Are The Best for Tourists?

We will have a table comparison of 4 big mobile operators in Myanmar: 

Criteria	Telenor	Ooredoo	MPT	Mytel
Coverage	Great	Great	Good	Great
Speed	Developing speed	Fast	Fast	Super fast
Price	Affordable	Cheap	Affordable	Affordable
eSIM available	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes

1. Myanmar Posts and Telecommunications (MPT):

• Ownership: MPT is a state-owned telecommunications operator in Myanmar. The majority stake in the company is controlled by the government of Myanmar.
• Services: MPT offers a wide range of telecommunications services to cater to your needs. They provide mobile voice and data services, prepaid and postpaid plans, 2G, 3G, and 4G data services, international roaming, and value-added services.
• Market Share: As the oldest and largest operator in Myanmar, MPT holds a significant market share, ensuring a reliable and established network.

2. Ooredoo Myanmar:

• Ownership: Ooredoo Myanmar is a subsidiary of Ooredoo Group, a telecommunications company based in Qatar. Ooredoo has a global presence and operates in multiple countries worldwide.
• Services: At Ooredoo Myanmar, they have your mobile needs covered. They offer mobile services such as voice, data, prepaid and postpaid plans, 2G, 3G, and 4G data services, international roaming, and value-added services.
• Market Share: Ooredoo is one of the major mobile operators in Myanmar, actively competing with other providers to offer you a competitive and reliable network.

3. Telenor Myanmar:

• Ownership: Telenor Myanmar is a subsidiary of Telenor Group, a Norwegian multinational telecommunications company. Telenor has operations in several countries around the world, bringing their expertise to Myanmar.
• Services: Telenor Myanmar provides mobile voice and data services to keep you connected. They offer prepaid and postpaid plans, 2G, 3G, and 4G data services, international roaming, and value-added services.
• Market Share: Telenor is a significant player in the Myanmar mobile market, providing competition and expanding network coverage for your convenience.

4. Mytel:

• Ownership: Mytel is a joint venture between the Myanmar military’s telecom company and a consortium of local and international companies. They have come together to offer you telecommunications services.
• Services: Mytel is here to meet your mobile needs with their wide range of services. They provide voice, data, prepaid and postpaid plans, 2G, 3G, and 4G data services, international roaming, and value-added services.
• Market Share: Mytel has rapidly grown to become a notable player in the Myanmar mobile market. They have expanded their network and services to ensure you have a reliable and accessible mobile experience.”

VII. How to Use Myanmar Prepaid SIM Cards and eSIM.

There are some differences in the way to activate two types of SIM Card. Let’s explore what differences they are and how to activate Myanmar SIM Card: 

1. Physical Myanmar SIM Card. 

To activate a tourist Myanmar SIM card, travelers can follow these simple steps:

• Purchase a Myanmar tourist SIM card from a local mobile service provider or authorized retailer.
• Insert the SIM card into your smartphone’s SIM card slot.
• Power on your device.
• Follow the activation instructions provided with the SIM card, such as dialing a specific code or sending an SMS to a designated number.
• Wait for the SIM card to be activated, which may take a few minutes to a few hours.
• Test the SIM card by making a phone call, sending a text message, or accessing the internet.

2. Myanmar eSIM.

To activate an eSIM, tourists need: 

• Check device compatibility.
• Obtain an Myanmar eSIM QR code or activation code from your provider.
• Access device settings and find the eSIM activation option.
• Scan the QR code or enter the activation code.
• Follow on-screen prompts to complete activation.
• Wait for eSIM activation.
• Test the eSIM by making calls or accessing the internet.

VIII. FAQs

IX. Conclusison

As you can see, Myanmar SIM Card is the best choice for tourists when traveling abroad to Myanmar. To travelers, it is absolutely easy to buy, activate and use a Myanamr SIM Card. Therefore, they can enjoy the trip with a stable connection and have the best memories in the trip to Myanmar. Wish you have a good time in Myanmar!