USEFUL APPS TO DOWNLOAD

Before arriving in Myanmar, we’d recommend downloading the following apps from your device’s app store.

To make the most of these, we’d recommend purchasing a SIM card, thus making sure you have access to data on the go.

Yangon iDiscover (for Yangon only)
Designed as a series of two-hour neighbourhood walks, iDiscover goes beyond the obvious recommendations in the guidebook. It shows you the hidden gems, popular local hotspot, surprising sites and interesting background stories in the more authentic parts of town. Download this app and it’s like a very knowledgeable local friend showing you around to places that even the most experienced tourist would not locate.

There are currently 10 walks available and the content is constantly refreshed and updated. Best of all, they’re all free and the 100% offline maps make for easy navigation (just as long as you download the map in question beforehand).

Download Yangon iDiscover for:
Apple
Android

Grab
Ride hailing apps have taken Myanmar by storm, with the most popular being Grab. Uber used to be here but were taken over by Grab in March.

When using Grab we’d recommend making the most of the GrabTaxi Plus service. By paying approximately 20% extra, you’ll get access to the following:

A more comfortable vehicle; Toyota Crown, Toyota Fielder, Hyundai Sonata, or Kia Cerato are guaranteed.
A more experienced driver; this is based on existing Grab user reviews.
Higher service levels; the chances of the driver understanding English and how to use GPS navigation increase.

Whilst there’s a higher chance of the driver speaking English and GPS, the latter can still be problematic. Most drivers prefer to call to confirm the pick up location; our advice would be to always make sure you have a Myanmar speaker around to explain.

In order to use this service, you will need to purchase a Myanmar SIM card.

Download Grab for:
Apple
Android

MPT / Telenor / Ooredoo apps
Assuming you’ll want to purchase a SIM card with data to make most of these featured apps, downloading the mobile phone provider’s dedicated app comes highly recommended.

This is the easiest way to check your balance, top up and view the provider’s data packages / special offers.

Download MPT app for:
Apple
Android

Download Telenor Myanmar app for:
Apple
Android

Download Ooredoo Myanmar app for:
Apple
Android

Yangon Door2Door (for Yangon only)
Staying somewhere nice and don’t want to leave the comfort of your guest room? Why not order some food in?

Yangon Door2Door delivers food (using bicycles) from most restaurants to anywhere in the city.

Depending on the distance, and the restaurant you’re looking to order from, a delivery fee will be charged but this rarely exceeds MMK5,000 (USD4).

The only downside about this service, is the time it takes to reach you; we’d recommend you order at least 1.5 hours ahead of the time you want to eat.

Download Yangon Door2Door app for:
Apple
Android

Google Maps
Although it’s missing some of the bells and whistles you’ll find in developed countries, Google Maps Myanmar is surprisingly detailed and a godsend when it comes to getting around without the help of a guide. With Street View a long way off, you’ll need to make do with Photo Sphere to get a sense of your bearings ahead of time; this feature has most of downtown Yangon covered, with the the rest of the country’s major cities a work in progress.

Download Google Maps app for:
Apple
Android

TripAdvisor
You’ll find this app just as useful in Myanmar as you will anywhere else in the world.

When it comes to using this, we’d recommend looking beyond the ‘Top 10’ ranked hotels or restaurants. You’ll find that there’s a lot of excellent restaurants (especially in Yangon) that are often overlooked because they don’t have a large number of reviews yet.

Download TripAdvisor app for:
Apple
Android

Facebook / Facebook Messenger
Want to make a restaurant reservation or find out more about an event that’s being held? In most cases, using Facebook’s app(s) will be the easiest way.

Download Facebook app for:
Apple
Android

Skype / WhatsApp / Line / Viber
For making calls back home, using apps such as Skype, WhatsApp, Line and Viber will be much more cost effective than calling from a hotel phone.

If you’re looking to call a friend or relative who doesn’t have an app installed, purchasing USD10 of Skype Credit beforehand should see you comfortably through a two week trip. You may also want to consider purchasing a temporary Skype number; this allows you be contacted directly at anytime without whoever’s calling incurring a hefty international charge (assuming you purchase a number that’s local to your home). You’ll of course need to be connected to the internet and the connection be also need to be fast enough for this to work.

We find that WhatsApp, Line and Viber are the most user-friendly apps when it comes to sharing text, images and videos. Just in case you don’t already have them installed, please note that in order to use these apps, the person you’re looking to communicate with will also need to have them installed. No need to worry about paying anything, they’re all available free of charge and the process of signing up is relatively straight-forward.

Download Skype app for:
Apple
Android

Download WhatsApp app for:
Apple
Android

Download Line app for:
Apple
Android

Download Viber app for:
Apple
Android

Vivino
A few years ago, finding a nice bottle of wine at a reasonable price was a bit like discovering a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow. Nowadays, most restaurants boast an impressive wine selection, with some even costing only a little bit more than what you’ll pay in your home country.

To make sure you don’t pay over the odds for your favourite tipple, be sure to download Vivino prior to travel. Just by taking a photograph of the label, the app will bring up everything you need to know ranging from the wine’s average price to tasting notes.

Download Vivino app for:
Apple
Android

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