Mobile Phones

[ukrules]

Is there any mobile phone service in Myanmar and if so what's the coverage like for receiving things like SMS messages ?

Is roaming on foreign phones allowed ?

Edited April 10, 2012 by ukrules

[RogueLeader]

Hi ukrules,

you can't roam on your foreign phone in Myanmar - the networks just won't give you coverage. In the last few years, it's become possible to buy a prepaid SIM for $20 from any mobile phone shop. You can't recharge it though - once it's used, you have to buy another.

I just prefer to go off-network while I'm there though.

You're supposed to declare all electronic equipment on entry and fill in a declaration form, but in practice no-one bothers.

Edited April 10, 2012 by RogueLeader

[simon43]

No international roaming - you should have Thai network coverage when close to the border regions

Simon

[johnstondp]

Roaming and SMS to outside the country is still not allowed. As well as the one month 20$ SIM card, a 3 month $50 is also possible. This can be topped up but the number expires after three months.

Edited April 10, 2012 by johnstondp

[CP3]

Singapore M1 sim can be used in Myanmar but not sure whether it can be used everywhere.

[sungod]

Roaming on GSM (I am AIS customer) is available all over Yangon, but no data or SMS. You can rent a local sim card on arrival at the airport for 2 USD per day, buy your pre paid credit on top. 50USD deposit also.

[Woodsie888]

Roaming on GSM (I am AIS customer) is available all over Yangon, but no data or SMS. You can rent a local sim card on arrival at the airport for 2 USD per day, buy your pre paid credit on top. 50USD deposit also.

I just returned from Yangon today and I was there 2 weeks ago with my True & AIS phones. Neither operated there during that trip. Last week prior to leaving, I called AIS and they 'turned on?' my roaming for Yangon. Normally I never have an issue with AIS roaming nor do I have to have it 'turned on', however much to my interest, I found I had very good signal everywhere but could only call between TH and Myanmar. No other countries were possible and most importantly, couldn't even call any local numbers. My next call is to AIS to find out the situation. If I receive any positive news I'll let you know.

Edited May 3, 2012 by Woodsie888

[sungod]

Roaming on GSM (I am AIS customer) is available all over Yangon, but no data or SMS. You can rent a local sim card on arrival at the airport for 2 USD per day, buy your pre paid credit on top. 50USD deposit also.

I just returned from Yangon today and I was there 2 weeks ago with my True & AIS phones. Neither operated there during that trip. Last week prior to leaving, I called AIS and they 'turned on?' my roaming for Yangon. Normally I never have an issue with AIS roaming nor do I have to have it 'turned on', however much to my interest, I found I had very good signal everywhere but could only call between TH and Myanmar. No other countries were possible and most importantly, couldn't even call any local numbers. My next call is to AIS to find out the situation. If I receive any positive news I'll let you know.

The plot thickens! Admittedly I never tried to call, I rented a local phone. I did receive incoming calls from Thailand though, not a problem. I tried sms, it was a no no.

[Woodsie888]

Roaming on GSM (I am AIS customer) is available all over Yangon, but no data or SMS. You can rent a local sim card on arrival at the airport for 2 USD per day, buy your pre paid credit on top. 50USD deposit also.

I just returned from Yangon today and I was there 2 weeks ago with my True & AIS phones. Neither operated there during that trip. Last week prior to leaving, I called AIS and they 'turned on?' my roaming for Yangon. Normally I never have an issue with AIS roaming nor do I have to have it 'turned on', however much to my interest, I found I had very good signal everywhere but could only call between TH and Myanmar. No other countries were possible and most importantly, couldn't even call any local numbers. My next call is to AIS to find out the situation. If I receive any positive news I'll let you know.

The plot thickens! Admittedly I never tried to call, I rented a local phone. I did receive incoming calls from Thailand though, not a problem. I tried sms, it was a no no.

I called AIS and they don't believe me!

My main inconvenience was not being able to call local numbers. By the way, whilst standing outside the Terminal Building I was able to join a free WiFi network and make Skype calls. This might prove handy for others in the future.

In the mean time I arranged a local phone, however one does become reliant on a smart phone after using one for years. All part of the learning curve I guess.

[CP3]

They are not the official roaming. It is just like Myanmar telco let AIS,M1 and China Unicom roam into their network. No other billing/charge has yet to agree officially.