Myanmar SIM Cards: Everything You Need To Know | 2022
Visiting Myanmar soon? Make sure to know what to expect when it comes to purchasing a Myanmar SIM card.
Fortunately, Asia is one of the best places where you can buy a SIM card easily. You should be able to find a cheap SIM card pretty much anywhere in Asia. In fact, most data packages are affordable, which makes the whole thing easier!
In this guide, we’ll explain where to buy a SIM card in Myanmar in person and online. We’ll also discuss prepaid SIM cards and eSIMs if your mobile supports them.
Before you read this guide, you may wonder if you actually need a SIM card in Myanmar. If you don’t mind not having Internet, you’ll likely find free Wifi in restaurants, shopping malls, and hotels.
That said, if you need data to get around, call a cab, or translate Burmese – you may want to get a SIM card for your travels in Myanmar.
Best SIM Cards In Myanmar
If you’re traveling in Myanmar, we recommend using a SIM card from Ooredoo, MPT, or Mytel.
That said, if you’re planning on visiting other countries during your trip to Asia, you might want to make sure to pick an option that offers coverage in other Asian countries.
Planning your upcoming adventures? Travel by bus! (It’s cheap!)
How To Buy A SIM Card In Myanmar
You can either buy a Myanmar prepaid SIM card in person in some international airports, mobile provider stores, convenience stores, or online.
Usually, you can expect higher costs and low data offers at the airport, so we don’t recommend buying a SIM card at the airport.
That said, you won’t necessarily find SIM card shops in every airport, so it’s essential to keep this in mind. And, when you see a shop, you might also have limited options.
For this reason, I’d recommend buying a SIM card directly from the mobile provider store. Note that you may need your passport to buy one.
Although, this means you won’t get data right upon your arrival. So, if you prefer to be connected at all times, you could use an eSIM or purchase an Asia prepaid SIM card online.
Now, let’s take a look at the data plans offered by Ooredoo, MPT, and Mytel.
Ooredoo SIM Cards
Ooredoo offers several different types of data plans:
- 1 GB, valid for 30 days for MMK 2199 ($1.05)
- 1.4 GB, valid for 30 days for MMK 2899 ($1.38)
- 2 GB, valid for 30 days for MMK 4299 ($2.05)
- 2.3 GB, valid for 30 days for MMK 4899 ($2.33)
- 4.7 GB, valid for 30 days for MMK 9899 ($4.72)
MPT SIM Cards
MPT has three different tourist plans available:
- 3 GB, valid for 30 days for MMK 29,999 ($14.29)
- 10 GB, valid for 30 days for MMK 49,999 ($23.82)
- 35 GB, valid for 30 days for MMK 99,999 ($47.65)
Mytel SIM Cards
Mytel offers three main SIM-only plans:
- 3.3 GB, valid for 30 days for MMK 7,000 ($3.34)
- 6.5 GB, valid for 90 days for MMK 13,500 ($6.43)
- 9.5 GB, valid for 90 days for MMK 20,000 ($9.53)
Overall, we think Ooredoo is the best option if you plan to buy your SIM card in person. That said, any would do if you can’t find their store!
How To Buy A Myanmar Prepaid SIM Card Online
If you wish to have your SIM card ready for your arrival, you could purchase it online or on websites like Amazon.
You’ll find different plans on Amazon. For example, OneSimCard works in more than 100+ countries and gives you data for $0.01 per MB. Myanmar is included.
But there are many other options worth considering, so have a look and make sure the countries you plan on visiting are listed.
Another option is to purchase a prepaid Asian SIM card on Simify. This works if you live in the United States or Australia. You can get 10% off your first order with our discount code: ABB10.
They currently offer a package that covers Myanmar:
- 6 GB, valid for 15 days for $40 – works in 18 countries
Finally, the last option is to buy an eSIM card for Myanmar or, if you’re traveling to multiple countries, an eSIM plan for Asia.
How To Buy An eSIM Card For Myanmar
eSIM is a new concept allowing you to have a virtual SIM card inside your phone. If your mobile phone supports eSIM cards – it’s definitely one of the best options to get data in Myanmar.
Curious? Learn more about eSIMs for travelers on eSIM Roamers.
I started using eSIM as soon as my mobile phone supported it. And I first tried it when visiting my family in Canada.
Holafly Myanmar
Alternatively, you could look at your options on Holafly. You can read our Holafly review to learn more about this eSIM store.
Here’s an overview of their plan for Myanmar:
- 6 GB, valid for 15 days for $44
Final Thoughts On SIM Cards In Myanmar
As you can see, getting a prepaid SIM card in Myanmar or even an eSIM for your travels in Myanmar is pretty straightforward.
I believe the eSIM card is the most convenient way to get data in Myanmar if you wish to have data upon your arrival. This way, you won’t need to go to a store to buy a SIM card.
Obviously, you need to make sure your mobile phone supports eSIM first.
Traveling to Myanmar soon? Read one of the following blog posts: