Mandalay, Myanmar 🇲🇲
#319 21.959683, 96.094874

Nomad Score: 53%
Overview Guide Scores Costs

Essentials

🏙️ City Mandalay is the second-largest city in Myanmar and served as the last royal capital of the country.
👥 Population Approximately 1.2 million.
💻 Internet Speed Average speed is around 15 Mbps, but can vary widely by location.
💸 Currency & Banking 1 USD ≈ 2,100 MMK. ATMs are widely available, though not all accept foreign cards.
🚰 Tap Water Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended.
🔌 Power 230V, 50Hz, with Type C, D, and F sockets.
📶 SIM Card Ooredoo and Telenor are popular mobile providers with good coverage in Mandalay.
💳 Banking for Expats Local banks may require documentation; banking apps like Wave Money are popular for mobile payments.
🛌 Accommodation Options include hotels, guesthouses, and Airbnb rentals, with prices starting from $15 per night.
💳 Cashless Friendly Mostly cash-based; some places accept cards, especially in tourist areas.
🏠 Short Term Rentals Airbnb has several listings, with prices from $20 per night for a basic apartment.
🛏️ Budget Accommodation Hostel options like 'Mandalay City Hostel' with dorm beds starting at $10.

Working and Networking

🏢 Best Coworking Space The Hive Mandalay, offering fast Wi-Fi and monthly memberships starting at $50.
☕ Best Cafe for Work Bistro 24, known for its good coffee and comfortable working environment.
💼 Networking Events Check local Facebook groups for expat meetups and networking events.
🥂 Social Events for Expats Regular gatherings at 'The British Club' for expat socializing.

Transportation

🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App Grab is widely used for ride-hailing.
🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental Rental services such as 'Mandalay Bike Rental' offer bikes for around $5 per day.
🏖️ Best Beach Nearby Ngapali Beach is approximately 6 hours away by bus.
✈️ Top Regional Airline Air Mandalay offers domestic flights within Myanmar.
✈️ Top International Airline Myanmar National Airlines and various international airlines operate out of Mandalay International Airport.
🛣️ Highway Access Major roads like the Mandalay-Myitkyina highway offer easy access to other cities.
🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub Mandalay Railway Station is the main transit point.
🚍 Public Transport Passes Public buses are available, though passes are not widely used.
✈️ Regional Travel Buses to nearby cities such as Bagan and Inle Lake depart regularly.

Health and Wellness

🏥 Best Hospital Mandalay General Hospital is the primary healthcare facility.
🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers Yoga Mandalay offers classes for all levels.
🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers Facilities like 'Powerhouse Gym' provide decent workout options.
🧺 Laundry Services Laundry service is available at many guesthouses for around $3 per load.

Food and Drink

📱 Best Food Delivery App Foodpanda operates in Mandalay for convenient delivery.
🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try Mohinga, a traditional fish soup, is a must-try.
🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options Lotus Leaf provides good vegetarian and vegan meals.
🍫 Best Dessert Spots Mandalay Hill Resort’s bakery offers delightful pastries.
🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots Mandalay night markets have affordable local foods.
🛒 E-commerce/Online Store Shop.com.mm is popular for online shopping.
🛒 Grocery Delivery Some local markets offer delivery services via phone orders.
🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area Zawgyi Beer Garden is popular among locals and expats.
🍻 Local Brewery Myanmar Brewery offers tours and tastings.
🍷 Wine Bars Yangon Wine and Spirits has an outlet in Mandalay.
🍲 Street Food Stalls A vibrant street food scene can be found along 26th Street.
🍕 Popular International Cuisine Pizza and pasta at restaurants like 'Pasta & Co.' are local favorites.

Culture and Attractions

🎟️ Must-See Landmarks Mandalay Hill and the Mahamuni Pagoda are essential visits.
🏛️ Museums & Art Venues Mandalay Museum showcases local history and culture.
🏰 Historical Sites The Royal Palace is a significant historical site.
🕍 Religious Sites Kuthodaw Pagoda, known for its marble inscriptions, is a key attraction.
🎉 Annual Events Mandalay is known for the Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda Festival in October.
🎨 Cultural Districts The traditional craftsmen area offers insight into local artisanship.
🎭 Theater Venues Mandalay Performing Arts has regular cultural shows.
🛍️ Local Markets Zegyo Market is one of the largest and bustling markets in Mandalay.
🎼 Music Scene Live music can often be found at bars near the moat.
🎨 Street Art Mandalay features emerging street art locations near downtown.
🧑‍🍳 Cooking Classes Cooking classes at 'Burmese Cooking Classes' provide a taste of local cuisine.
👩‍🎨 Art Galleries Mandalay has a few local art galleries showcasing traditional artworks.
🕰️ Historic Buildings Buildings around the Royal Palace are notable for their architecture.
🏴 Local Heritage The cultural heritage reflects a blend of Burmese history and local traditions.

Nature and Outdoor Activities

🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes U Min Thonze Caves offer beautiful landscapes, just a short drive from the city.
🏞️ National Parks Nearby The surrounding region includes the picturesque Pyin Oo Lwin nature reserve.
🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths Paths around Mandalay Hill provide scenic views and great hikes.
🌄 Scenic Viewpoints The view from Mandalay Hill overlooks the entire city.
🦉 Birdwatching Locations Local parks offer birdwatching opportunities, particularly during migration seasons.
🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots Some parks allow bonfires; check local regulations.

Other Services and Amenities

📦 Parcel Delivery Service DHL and local courier services are available for package delivery.
🛠️ Tech Repair Services Local shops offer phone and laptop repairs, often within a day.
🏓 Table Tennis Spots Community centers often have tables available for public use.
🧑‍🏫 Language Classes Various institutions offer English and Burmese language classes.
📚 Libraries & Study Spots The Mandalay Public Library is a good study spot with free internet.
🏘️ Community Centers Many community centers host cultural events and classes.
🕹️ Gaming Lounges Gamer's Paradise offers gaming facilities for enthusiasts.
🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls There are a few small gaming halls, primarily for locals.

Business

🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 30 m² = $45,000).
🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 30 m² = $36,000).
🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $108,000).
🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $90,000).
🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) Approx. $2,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $160,000).
🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) Approx. $1,700 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $136,000).
💼 Corporate Tax 25% for corporate entities.
💵 Dividend Withholding Tax 10% on dividend distributions.
🏦 Tax System Flat income tax rate for residents based on worldwide income.
📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket Maximum personal income tax rate is 25%.
🧾 VAT 5% for most goods and services.
🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules Yes, there are regulations governing foreign subsidiaries.
🏠 Property Tax Annual property tax is based on assessed value.
🏠 Property Transaction Tax Around 2% standard rate on property transactions.