Basic Information
Myanmar runs on six mobile and fixed-wireless prepaid operators: four nationwide GSM networks — MPT, ATOM (formerly Telenor), Ooredoo (rebranded U9 in September 2025), and Mytel — plus two smaller 4G/TD-LTE-only operators with limited regional footprints, Anada (by ACS) and GlobalNet. Prepaid is the dominant model in the country; postpaid plans exist but are far less common among locals and essentially unused by travelers.
Anyone aged 12 or older, citizen or foreign visitor, can legally buy a Myanmar prepaid SIM, but every buyer must register with government-issued identification (passport for foreigners; National Registration Card, or NRC, for citizens) and submit to biometric capture. Regulation also caps ownership at two active SIM cards per operator per registered ID, and since 2026 every handset used on a Myanmar network must additionally carry a registered IMEI (see Device Registration below). These rules apply uniformly across MPT, ATOM, U9, and Mytel; Anada and GlobalNet, being fixed-wireless/data-first operators in practice, apply lighter versions of the same identity checks.
Mobile data is central to how Myanmar gets online — the country largely skipped fixed broadband, so SIM-based 3G/4G data is the primary way most households and travelers access the internet.
Availability
- MPT — the former state monopoly and still the broadest network by geography. Strongest in rural and remote areas where it is often the only signal available, including along routes toward Bagan, Inle Lake, and rural Shan State.
- ATOM — strong urban and peri-urban coverage; popular with locals for value, with 4G concentrated in major cities and growing steadily outside them.
- U9 (Ooredoo) — solid coverage in Yangon, Mandalay, Naypyidaw, and Bagan, but has been scaling back investment and store presence since its 2022 ownership change.
- Mytel — the youngest network (launched 2018, backed by Vietnam’s Viettel) but often the fastest 4G in city centers, including central Naypyidaw, thanks to newer infrastructure.
- Anada — 4G/TD-LTE only, concentrated around Yangon; aimed more at home/business broadband-style use than wide mobility.
- GlobalNet — 4G/TD-LTE only, concentrated around Naypyidaw and Region 1 (Magway, Bago, Mon, Kayin, Tanintharyi); also sells fibre-to-the-home under the ‘5BB’ brand in Yangon, Mandalay, and Bago.
All four nationwide operators cover Yangon, Mandalay, and Naypyidaw well. Coverage thins out quickly away from towns and highways, and some border and conflict-affected regions have intermittent or no service, with network shutdowns sometimes imposed in specific townships.
Where to Buy
- Airports — MPT, ATOM, U9, and Mytel all run counters at Yangon, Mandalay, and Naypyidaw international airports; MPT’s Yangon airport shop (both terminals) sells a dedicated Tourist SIM.
- Official operator stores — the safest option for registration accuracy; found in every major city and most towns.
- Street vendors and phone shops — SIM starter packs from all four nationwide operators are sold at phone shops, supermarkets, and street-corner kiosks nationwide; the vendor handles registration on the spot using your passport or NRC.
- Authorized agents — small shops and stalls displaying an operator’s logo can usually sell and top up that operator’s SIM.
To buy, bring your passport (and a photocopy is sometimes requested) if you are a visitor, or your NRC if you are a resident. Expect an on-the-spot photo and fingerprint/facial scan as part of biometric registration (see below). Processing is usually quick, under 30 minutes in cities, but can run longer at busy airport counters.
Frequencies
Myanmar’s networks use a mix of sub-1GHz and mid-band spectrum. Check your phone supports at least one 4G band per operator before buying.
| Operator | 2G Bands | 3G Bands | 4G/LTE Bands |
|---|---|---|---|
| MPT | B8 (900 MHz) | B1 (2100 MHz) | B3 (1800 MHz) |
| ATOM | B8 (900 MHz) | B1 (2100 MHz) | B1 (2100 MHz) |
| U9 (Ooredoo) | — (3G/4G only) | B1 (2100 MHz), B8 (900 MHz) | B1 (2100 MHz), B3 (1800 MHz) |
| Mytel | B8 (900 MHz) | — (2G/4G only) | B1 (2100 MHz), B8 (900 MHz) |
| Anada | — | — | B38 (2600 MHz, TDD) |
| GlobalNet | — | — | B38 (2600 MHz, TDD) |
Nationally, Myanmar’s combined spectrum footprint spans B1 (2100), B3 (1800), and B8 (900) for 4G; B1 and B8 for 3G; and B8 for 2G. A phone that supports GSM 900/1800 and LTE Bands 1, 3, and 8 will work across every nationwide operator.
Coverage & Speed
| Operator | Geographic Coverage | Urban 4G Speed | Rural Reliability | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MPT | Widest (incl. 2G/3G in remote areas) | Moderate | Best | Can feel slower overall due to legacy network load |
| ATOM | Strong urban, growing rural | Good | Good | Considered reliable for data in covered areas |
| U9 (Ooredoo) | Strong in major cities | Fast | Fair | Coverage expansion has slowed since 2022 |
| Mytel | Wide 4G footprint | Fastest (often) | Good | Newest infrastructure; strong in capital and cities |
| Anada | Limited, regional (Yangon area) | Fast where available | Limited | 4G-only, small footprint |
| GlobalNet | Limited, regional (Naypyidaw/Region 1) | Fast where available | Limited | 4G-only, small footprint |
For itineraries that stay within Yangon, Mandalay, and Naypyidaw, any of the four nationwide operators works well. For travel into rural or remote areas, MPT remains the most dependable fallback.
At a Glance Comparison
| Operator | SIM Price | Network Type | Best For | eSIM Available |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MPT | ~1,500 Ks | 2G/3G/4G | Rural coverage, nationwide travel | Yes |
| ATOM | ~1,500–6,500 Ks + tax | 2G/3G/4G | Value-focused urban/suburban users | Yes |
| U9 (Ooredoo) | ~1,500 Ks | 3G/4G | City travel, fast urban data | Yes |
| Mytel | ~1,500 Ks | 2G/4G | Fastest city 4G speeds | Yes |
| Anada | ~1,500–8,000 Ks | 4G/TD-LTE | Data-heavy home/office use (Yangon area) | No (physical only) |
| GlobalNet | Varies | 4G/TD-LTE | Fixed-wireless style data (Naypyidaw/Region 1) | No (physical only) |
MPT and Mytel are generally the top overall picks — MPT for breadth of coverage, Mytel for 4G speed — while ATOM and U9 remain solid, competitively priced alternatives in cities.
Biometric User Registration
Myanmar requires biometric SIM registration: buyers must provide fingerprint and facial scans alongside their ID (passport or NRC) when activating a new SIM. This data feeds into a national subscriber database maintained by the Ministry of Transport and Communications’ Posts and Telecommunications Department, shared across operators.
What to expect at the point of sale:
- Present your passport (foreigners) or NRC (citizens).
- A vendor or store staff member photographs you and your ID.
- Fingerprint and/or facial scan capture, typically done on a tablet or dedicated device.
- Registration is checked against national records before the SIM is activated; approval can take anywhere from a few minutes in-store to longer at busy periods.
Users can verify what identity is currently registered to their number by dialing operator-specific USSD codes (see the Official Websites and individual operator sections below for checks like MPT’s *601#, ATOM’s *766#, U9/Ooredoo’s *666#, and Mytel’s *966*6#). Periodic re-registration drives have required users to confirm or correct their details by a deadline, with unregistered or mismatched SIMs subject to suspension.
Travelers should be aware that biometric and ID data collected at SIM registration is retained indefinitely under current regulations, and privacy and digital-rights organizations have raised concerns about how this data may be used for surveillance. This is simply a requirement of acquiring a SIM in Myanmar today; weigh it against your own privacy preferences when deciding between a physical local SIM and an international eSIM (see the Digital eSIM Providers section).
Device Registration
Since March 2026, Myanmar has required mandatory IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) registration for every handset connecting to a local network, officially framed as a device tax measure. In practice this links each phone’s hardware identifier to the owner’s registered ID and SIM history, so a device stays traceable even if the SIM inside it is swapped.
For travelers and new SIM buyers, this generally means:
- Your phone’s IMEI (dial
*#06#on most phones to see it) is captured and tied to your identity at the point of SIM registration. - Devices with an unregistered or blacklisted IMEI may be blocked from connecting to local networks, or lose service after a grace period.
- Registration is typically handled automatically by the operator or vendor as part of SIM activation; no separate customer action is usually needed for a tourist buying a SIM in person.
Because this system also feeds into broader network-level traffic inspection, some privacy-conscious travelers choose an international eSIM precisely to avoid local device and biometric registration altogether (see Digital eSIM Providers).
SIM Card Price
| Operator | Standard SIM | Tourist/Special SIM | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| MPT | 6,500–99,999 Ks | Tourist SIM sold at Yangon Airport MPT Shop only | |
| ATOM | ~1,500 Ks + ~20,000 Ks commercial tax (~21,500 Ks total) | 6,500 Ks+ | Tax applied at point of registration |
| U9 (Ooredoo) | Up to 99,999 Ks | Starter packs sold widely | |
| Mytel | N/A (airport sales vary) | eSIM typically same price as physical SIM | |
| Anada | ~1,500 Ks (incl. 2 GB/30 days) | 8,000 Ks data SIM (incl. 25 GB/30 days) | Sold directly through Anada shops |
| GlobalNet | Varies by plan/device | N/A | Positioned closer to fixed-wireless broadband |
Prices fluctuate with Myanmar’s exchange rate and periodic tax changes, so treat these as ballpark figures and confirm current pricing in-store or on the operator’s app at purchase time.
Top-Up Methods
- Scratch/top-up cards — bought from any shop displaying your operator’s logo; dial the card’s PIN via USSD (e.g., MPT’s
*123*[PIN]#) to credit your balance. - Over-the-counter recharge — an agent tops up your number directly by entering your phone number and amount at their register.
- Operator apps — MPT4U, ATOM’s app, the U9 App, and the Mytel app all support in-app recharge via card, QR code, or linked wallet.
- Mobile money wallets — KBZPay, Wave Money/Wave Pay, and CB Pay all support direct top-ups to any Myanmar mobile number across operators.
- Bank apps — most Myanmar commercial banks (CB Bank, KBZ, AYA, etc.) offer mobile top-up as a bill-pay feature within their banking apps.
- International/online top-up services — third-party sites let friends or family abroad recharge a Myanmar number remotely (useful since foreign cards generally can’t be used directly in-country).
- Balance loans — several operators offer an emergency “borrow balance” service (e.g., MPT’s Yu Htar+ via
*800#) when you’re out of credit.
MPT Prepaid Plans & Data Add-Ons
| Package | Data | Price | Validity | Activation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Data Carry Plus | 175 MB | 799 Ks | 30 days | *777*1# |
| Data Carry Plus | 263 MB | 999 Ks | 30 days | *777*1# |
| Data Carry Plus | 500 MB | 1,899 Ks | 30 days | *777*1# |
| Data Carry Plus | 1 GB | 3,889 Ks | 30 days | *777*1# |
| Data Carry Plus | 2 GB | 7,579 Ks | 30 days | *777*1# |
| Data Carry Plus | 5 GB | 18,949 Ks | 30 days | *777*1# |
| Data Carry Plus | 10 GB | 37,889 Ks | 30 days | *777*1# |
| Data Carry Plus Auto-Renewal | 2 GB | 7,567 Ks | 30 days | Subscribe *777*7*3# / Unsubscribe *777*7*4# |
| Data Carry Plus Auto-Renewal | 5 GB | 18,917 Ks | 30 days | Subscribe *777*8*3# / Unsubscribe *777*8*4# |
| A Kyite Kyi (auto-renew, YouTube) | 300 MB | 298 Ks | 1 day | Subscribe *5100*1# / Unsubscribe *5101*1# |
| Night Safety Data Pack | 40 MB | 199 Ks | 1 night | *233*1# |
| Night Safety Data Pack | 80 MB | 499 Ks | 3 nights | *233*2# |
| Casual Pack Promo | 30 MB | 199 Ks | 2 days | *3001# |
Other useful MPT codes: General menu *106# · Top up *123*[PIN]# · Check balance *124# · Check active plans/packages *224# · Balance via SMS: text BAL to 1331 · Borrow balance (Yu Htar+) *800# · Borrow data (Yu Htar DATA) *900# · Roaming activation: SMS RMDON to 1332.
ATOM Prepaid Plans & Data Add-Ons
ATOM’s public pricing favors pay-as-you-go and tiered “Shal Suboo” bundles over a fixed, disclosed-volume data ladder like MPT’s.
| Package | Data / Detail | Price | Validity | Activation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pay-as-you-go data | Metered | 15 Ks/MB (tax-exclusive) | N/A | Automatic |
| Night Data Pack | 200 MB | 999 Ks | 12:00 AM–6:00 AM, 48 hr validity | Via menu *979*2*2# |
| Shal Suboo bundles | Data volume not publicly disclosed per tier | 799–9,999 Ks | 10 / 15 / 30 days | *979*2*2# or respective SMS short code |
| Legacy data pack | 760 MB | 799 Ks | 7 days | *804# |
| Legacy data pack | 950 MB | 1,000 Ks | 30 days | *805# |
| Postpaid-linked bundle (5 GB, unlimited on-net voice) | 5 GB | 7,500 Ks | 30 days | Via ATOM store/app |
Other useful ATOM codes: Main balance *124# · Pack balance *124*1# · Data pack (Shal Suboo) balance *9124# · Voice pack (Talkie Suboo) balance *9125# · Buy data pack *979*2*2# · Balance transfer *122*[phone]*[amount]# · Data balance transfer *121*[MB]*[phone]*1# · Check registered identity *979*3*3# or *766# · Check own number *97#.
Ooredoo (U9) Prepaid Plans & Data Add-Ons
Ooredoo Myanmar rebranded to U9 in September 2025; USSD codes and packages have largely carried over.
| Package | Data | Price | Validity | Activation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Data pack | 199 MB | 799 Ks | 10 days | *442# then select |
| Data pack | 262 MB | 999 Ks | 30 days | *442# then select |
| Data pack | 315 MB | 1,199 Ks | 30 days | *442# then select |
| Data pack | 499 MB | 1,899 Ks | 30 days | *442# then select |
| Data pack | 578 MB | 2,199 Ks | 30 days | *442# then select |
| Data pack | 762 MB | 2,899 Ks | 30 days | *442# then select |
| Data pack | 1,131 MB | 4,299 Ks | 30 days | *442# then select |
| Data pack | 1,289 MB | 4,899 Ks | 30 days | *442# then select |
| Data pack | 2,675 MB | 9,899 Ks | 30 days | *442# then select |
Other useful U9/Ooredoo codes: Browse and activate any package *442# · Check balance *124# · Check registered identity *666# · Manage via the U9 App (formerly My Ooredoo/Ooredoo SuperApp).
Mytel Prepaid Plans & Data Add-Ons
Mytel’s flagship pay-as-you-go plan is called Mite Tal, billed at roughly 5 Ks/MB before tax when no data pack is active; discounted data packs reduce the effective rate and typically include a nighttime bonus.
| Package | Detail | Price | Validity | Activation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mite Tal (default pay-as-you-go) | 5 Ks/MB + 5% tax | Pay-as-you-go | N/A | Default on new SIM |
| Data packs (with night double-data bonus) | Varies by tier | From ~$1 | 30 days | Dial 106 or *9663# to browse/buy |
| Voice pack | Varies | Varies | Varies | *9662# |
| New-connection promo data | 10 GB+ | Free with new SIM | 30 days | *139# or call 106 |
Other useful Mytel codes: Check balance *124# (or *966#) · Check data pack balance *124*3# · Check remaining data/voice *139# · Check registered identity *966*6# then select 2 · Check own number *88# · Balance transfer *966*93#.
Anada Prepaid Plans & Data Add-Ons
The Anada (operated by ACS) is a 4G/TD-LTE-only operator focused on data, mainly covering the Yangon area, and is best thought of as a home/office wireless broadband alternative rather than a mobility SIM.
| Package | Data | Price | Validity | Activation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard SIM bundle | 2 GB | 1,500 Ks | 30 days | Included with SIM purchase |
| Data SIM bundle | 25 GB | 8,000 Ks | 30 days | Included with data SIM purchase |
Anada does not publish USSD-based self-service codes comparable to the nationwide operators; top-ups and plan activation are managed through top-up cards bought in-store or via partners, or through Anada’s own app/website using a credit card. Balance checks are also done through the app rather than USSD.
GlobalNet Prepaid Plans & Data Add-Ons
GlobalNet (operated by Global Technology Company) is a 4G/TD-LTE wireless-broadband operator on Band 38 (2600 MHz), targeting Naypyidaw and Region 1 (Magway, Bago, Mon, Kayin, Tanintharyi). It also runs a separate fibre-to-the-home service under the 5BB brand in Yangon, Mandalay, and Bago.
| Package | Detail | Price | Validity | Activation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Residential/business wireless data plans | Varies by device and tier | Varies | Monthly | Arranged through GlobalNet dealer/outlet |
GlobalNet does not operate a mainstream mobile-SIM retail network comparable to the four nationwide operators, and it does not publish nationwide USSD codes for self-service top-ups. Service is typically arranged directly with a GlobalNet outlet or dealer, with billing and top-up handled through that channel rather than street-vendor top-up cards.
How to Check the Remaining Balance
| Operator | Main Balance | Data/Pack Balance | SMS Alternative |
|---|---|---|---|
| MPT | *124# | *224# | Text BAL to 1331 |
| ATOM | *124# | *124*1# (pack) / *9124# (Shal Suboo) | — |
| U9 (Ooredoo) | *124# | Via *442# menu | — |
| Mytel | *124# or *966# | *124*3# or *139# | — |
| Anada | Via app | Via app | — |
| GlobalNet | Via dealer/account portal | Via dealer/account portal | — |
All four nationwide operators also show balance and active packages inside their respective apps (MPT4U, ATOM app, U9 App, Mytel app) under an account or “my usage” section.
Official Websites
| Operator | Website |
|---|---|
| MPT | mpt.com.mm |
| ATOM | atom.com.mm |
| U9 (Ooredoo) | u9.com.mm |
| Mytel | mytel.com.mm |
Anada and GlobalNet are smaller regional operators without the same consistently maintained English-language self-service sites as the four nationwide carriers; details are best confirmed directly through their local shops or dealers.
Apps
| App | Operator | Android (Google Play) | iOS (App Store) |
|---|---|---|---|
| MPT4U | MPT | Search “MPT4U” on Google Play, or dial *4040# for a download link | Search “MPT4U” on the App Store |
| ATOM App / ATOM Store | ATOM | Search “ATOM Myanmar” on Google Play | Search “ATOM Myanmar” on the App Store |
| U9 App (formerly Ooredoo SuperApp) | U9 (Ooredoo) | Google Play | App Store |
| Mytel App | Mytel | Search “Mytel” on Google Play | Search “Mytel” on the App Store |
On MPT, you can also fetch the MPT4U app directly by dialing *4040# on an Android handset, which sends a download link. App links and package IDs can shift between app-store listing updates, so if a link above doesn’t resolve, search the operator’s name directly in your device’s app store.
How to Check Your SIM Number & Tourist SIM
Checking your own number
| Operator | Code |
|---|---|
| MPT | Check via *224# menu or MPT4U app |
| ATOM | *97# |
| U9 (Ooredoo) | Check via U9 App or *124# menu |
| Mytel | *88# |
Tourist SIM
MPT sells a dedicated Tourist SIM exclusively at the MPT Shop in both terminals of Yangon International Airport. It bundles data, minutes, and SMS for short stays, though several independent guides note it is priced at a premium compared with simply buying MPT’s regular starter SIM and adding a data pack yourself. ATOM, U9, and Mytel don’t maintain a separate “tourist” SKU in the same way, but their standard starter packs are readily available at airport counters and are generally the better value for a short visit — you register the same way with your passport and pick a data add-on from the tables above.
Roaming Data
MPT offers the most clearly documented outbound roaming program of the Myanmar operators, with data packs and rate-cutters for travel to neighboring and regional countries:
| Roaming Pack | Data | Price | Validity | Coverage | Activation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roaming Data | 1,024 MB | 15,000 Ks | 7 days | Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, China, Cambodia, Macau, Vietnam, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Brunei | *106# or direct *8007# |
| Rate Cutter (10 Ks/MB) | — | 1,000 Ks | 7 days | Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, China, Cambodia, Macau | *9007*1# |
| Rate Cutter (20 Ks/MB) | — | 2,000 Ks | 7 days | Vietnam, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Brunei | *9007*2# |
Activate MPT roaming first by texting ROAM to 1332, or via the MPT4U app, before departure. Check your roaming balance via *224# at any time.
Inbound roaming — using a foreign SIM in Myanmar — is largely unavailable: international roaming SIM cards from foreign carriers generally stopped working in Myanmar after 2021, which is the main reason most visitors now rely on a local prepaid SIM or an international eSIM instead (see below).
Digital eSIM Providers
All four nationwide Myanmar operators (MPT, ATOM, U9, Mytel) support an operator eSIM in addition to a physical SIM, purchased and activated in the same way (and under the same biometric/ID registration rules) as a physical card — this is the most reliable way to get a genuine, full-speed local data connection.
For travelers who prefer to arrange connectivity before arrival and avoid in-country biometric and device registration, international travel eSIM marketplaces are an alternative, though with an important caveat: since international roaming SIMs stopped working in Myanmar after 2021, most travel eSIM providers cannot connect directly to a Myanmar local network either — they route through regional or global data plans that may not include Myanmar directly, so coverage and reliability inside the country vary and should be checked carefully before relying on one as your sole connection:
- Airalo — large marketplace with per-GB and regional/global plans; check specifically for Myanmar/Asia coverage before buying.
- Holafly — known for unlimited-data plans in 160+ destinations, but Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos are commonly excluded from its smaller country list; a regional Asia plan may be needed instead.
- Saily, Nomad eSIM, Ubigi, and similar providers — offer regional Asia or global plans that may include Myanmar; always verify current Myanmar coverage on the provider’s own site before purchase, since country lists change.
Given these gaps, many visitors still find a local physical or operator eSIM (MPT, ATOM, U9, or Mytel) the most dependable option for in-country data, reserving an international eSIM mainly as a backup for messaging apps on arrival before getting a local SIM.
Other Options
- Pocket Wi-Fi / portable MiFi devices — rentable in some cities, pre-loaded with a local data SIM; convenient for groups sharing one connection without individually registering phones.
- Hotel and café Wi-Fi — widely available in Yangon, Mandalay, and tourist towns like Bagan and Nyaungshwe, though speed and reliability vary by property.
- Fixed-wireless broadband (5BB / GlobalNet, Anada) — an option for longer stays or home/office use rather than mobility, using 4G/TD-LTE in fixed locations.
- Co-working spaces — increasingly common in Yangon and Mandalay, usually with better and more stable connections than cafés.
For most short-term visitors, a local prepaid SIM (physical or eSIM) from one of the four nationwide operators remains the simplest and most flexible option.
Activation & Help Line Numbers
| Operator | General Service Menu | Customer Care |
|---|---|---|
| MPT | *106# | Call 106 |
| ATOM | Menu via *979# | Check atom.com.mm for the current hotline number |
| U9 (Ooredoo) | *442# (data) / app menu | Check u9.com.mm or the U9 App for the current hotline number |
| Mytel | *9663# (data) / 106 | Call 106 |
For the most current customer-service numbers, use the in-app “Help” or “Contact Us” section of each operator’s app, since hotline numbers do change periodically.
Conclusion
For most visitors, a prepaid SIM from MPT or Mytel offers the best balance of coverage and speed — MPT for reach into rural areas, Mytel for the fastest urban 4G — while ATOM and U9 (Ooredoo) remain solid, affordable choices for city-focused trips. Anada and GlobalNet are worth considering only if you’re settling into the Yangon or Naypyidaw area for an extended stay and want a data-first fixed-wireless connection.
Whichever operator you choose, come prepared with your passport (or NRC), expect biometric registration and IMEI capture as standard parts of activation, and budget a little extra time at the counter. Since international roaming SIMs and many travel eSIMs don’t reliably reach Myanmar’s local networks, buying a local SIM on arrival — at the airport or in any city — is still the most dependable way to get connected.