Myanmar
Check official warnings, plan every route, and keep cash and offline backups
Many governments currently advise against all travel to Myanmar because of armed conflict, arbitrary detention, landmines, poor health infrastructure and rapidly changing restrictions.
The essentials
What to know before you go to Myanmar
An approved visa, a bookable bus or a functioning app does not mean a route is safe. Check current government advice and insurance validity immediately before any travel. Use only evisa.moip.gov.mm for the official eVisa and confirm its limited entry points. Carry clean US dollar notes and Myanmar kyat because banking is disrupted and foreign cards or ATMs can fail.
Internet, mobile service and electricity are frequently interrupted, while Facebook, WhatsApp and other services may be blocked. Myanmar's 2025 Cybersecurity Law and unpredictable enforcement make casual VPN advice unsafe. Keep essential addresses, tickets, emergency contacts and medical information offline. Carry your passport at checkpoints, avoid demonstrations and military sites, and never photograph security personnel.
Ride Hailing
GrabEssential
The main visitor-friendly taxi app in Yangon, with fixed upfront pricing and live trip details, plus service in Mandalay.
CaCa Taxi
A current local Yangon ride app with estimated fares, tracked trips and actively maintained iOS and Android releases.
Food Delivery
Payments
KBZPay
Myanmar's widely used merchant QR wallet, optionally useful after successful local-number and passport verification.
Messaging
ViberEssential
The most practical local messenger for many Myanmar hotels, drivers, businesses and personal contacts.
Navigation
Google MapsEssential
The best general map for Myanmar hotels, city businesses, airports and established visitor sites, with offline downloads.
Organic Maps
A free account-free offline map based on OpenStreetMap for backup navigation during network or power disruption.
Transit
Yangon Bus: Easy YBS
A current independent Android route planner for Yangon buses, stops and community service information.
Travel & Booking
Myanmar eVisaEssential
The official Ministry of Immigration portal for checking eligibility and applying for a Myanmar tourist or business eVisa.
Oway Travel
A current Myanmar travel marketplace for domestic flights, buses, hotels, tours and cars with an English interface.
Language
Google TranslateEssential
The most practical Burmese translation tool for downloaded text, camera use and basic short exchanges.
Intercity Transport
Oway TravelEssential
Myanmar's main English-capable booking app for domestic flights, express buses, hotels and other travel products.
Myanma Railways ORTP
The official web ticket pilot for selected express trains, including services on the Yangon, Nay Pyi Taw and Mandalay corridor.
Utilities
MoezalaEssential
An authorized Myanmar weather and hydrology app using DMH data for forecasts, river levels and severe-hazard bulletins.
Internet in Myanmar
Mobile internet eSIM Best option when traveling
Guac
RecommendedReliable mobile internet at better prices than most travel eSIMs, with polished iOS and Android apps and support for making and receiving phone calls.
Airalo
One of the biggest travel eSIM brands, with a very large destination catalog.
Holafly
Known for unlimited-data plans in many destinations, at a higher price per gigabyte.
Buying a local SIM card ID registration required
- Bring your passport and visa or entry stamp; staff complete registration at purchase.
- Buy at an official carrier counter at the airport or at an official city store, and test the SIM before leaving.
- A travel eSIM is the simpler option and avoids local SIM registration steps.
Internet access or device rules can change quickly; check current restrictions before relying on a local SIM.
Local carriers
MPT
Best choice for broad coverage, including rural areas.
ATOM
Strong in major cities, with weaker rural coverage.
Mytel
A solid alternative; compare current prepaid offers before buying.
Ooredoo Myanmar
A solid alternative; compare current prepaid offers before buying.
Frequently asked questions
What are the must-have apps for traveling in Myanmar?
The essential apps for Myanmar are Grab, Viber, Google Maps, Myanmar eVisa, Google Translate.
How many travel apps does Myanmar have?
We've curated 15 apps across 10 categories for traveling in Myanmar, including 8 essential apps.
What is the best ride hailing app in Myanmar?
Grab. The main visitor-friendly taxi app in Yangon, with fixed upfront pricing and live trip details, plus service in Mandalay.
Keep exploring
Also traveling in Southeast Asia?
Malaysia
Use Grab widely, treat Touch 'n Go card and eWallet as separate tools, and verify every terminal
Philippines
Register eTravel, keep pesos, and download maps before moving between islands
Singapore
Fast, English-friendly travel where cards work widely, but local QR still needs care
Thailand
Grab for rides, LINE for local contact, and official rail tools for longer journeys
Vietnam
Grab, Green SM and cash make Vietnam easier, while local QR still needs planning
Indonesia
Use official entry portals, keep cash, and match each island with the right app