City, Myanmar
Mandalay
Cultural heart of Upper Myanmar with the royal palace moat, monasteries and U Bein Bridge. The 2025 earthquake and ongoing conflict mean damage, shortages and security restrictions; verify before you go.
At a glance
- Safety2/5High riskDetails
- Best time to goNov–FebWarmest: Apr, 39°CDetails
- Internet25 MbpsFixed broadband, Myanmar medianDetails
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledDrink bottled or purified water only; avoid ice outside good hotels and restaurants.Details
- LGBTQ+2/5HostileDetails
- Solo travel2/5English: limitedDetails
- Doctor's visit$14–38Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundGrabYou'll need transportDetails
- Cash or cardMostly cashCash in kyat or crisp US dollars.Details
Where to stay in Mandalay
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Central Mandalay near the palace | Hotels, restaurants and street life; busy and noisy |
| Chanmyathazi | Quieter residential area with cafés and guesthouses |
Apps that work in Mandalay
Ride-hailing
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| Grab | Available in the city; coverage can be patchy |
Food delivery
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| foodpanda | Delivery in central areas |
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: Viber
- Taxis: Taxis are unmetered; agree a price first. Motorbike taxis are common but not especially safe.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Myanmar.
- Mostly cash Cash in kyat or crisp US dollars. ATMs often reject foreign cards; bring cash and keep small bills.
- Currency: Kyat (MMK). US$1 ≈ K2,096.72 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Many ATMs reject foreign cards and daily limits are low; Visa works more often than Mastercard. Don't rely on ATMs.
- Tipping: Not expected; small tips for guides, drivers and hotel staff are welcome.
- Paying by phone: KBZPay and Wave are everywhere but need a local account and SIM; visitors mostly pay cash.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Most visitors need a tourist eVisa (US$50, up to 28 days) from evisa.moip.gov.mm before flying.
- eVisa holders must enter via Yangon, Mandalay or Nay Pyi Taw airports, or Kawthaung; most land borders are conflict zones.
- Staying over 30 days? Register your phone's IMEI on the CEIR portal or local networks block it.
Emergency numbers
Police 199 · Ambulance 192 · Fire 191
Plugs
Type A, C, D, F, G, I · 230 V, 50 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
SIMs and tourist packs are cheap at Yangon airport and phone shops; bring your passport. Foreign SIMs work unreliably. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Myanmar
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.