Page 50 - Ancient Kingdoms: Thailand, Laos, Cambodia & Vietnam

Phone Availability in Burma

For a long time visitors could not use their own phone in Burma, but international roaming
with western cell phones is now possible in some cases; the situation is changing fast, so it
is best to check with your own cellular provider. Even if you can use your cell phone to make
calls in Burma, you might not be able to use other services (like texting). Network access is
often patchy or non-existent in rural areas, but usually works well in towns.

If you can’t use your own phone, then other options are available, such as making calls
from your hotel. (Public phones are rare, even in large cities.) Domestic calls costs aren’t
extravagant, but overseas calls from Burma are some of the most expensive in the world.
Calling “collect” is not available in Burma.

Another option is to try using a local GSM SIM card, which can be purchased in Rangoon in
^XLWW [SZYP ^_Z]P^ ?bZ NPWW`WL] NZX[LYTP^ ZʬP] ^P]aTNP^ TY -]`XL :Z]POZZ ML^PO TY <L_L]
LYO ?PWPYZ] ML^PO TY 9Z]bLd ,YO ʭYLWWd ^ZXP ]ZLXTYR ^P]aTNP^ L]P LaLTWLMWP bT_S ,^TLY
networks, including Thailand (AIS), Singapore (M1 and Singtel), Indonesia (Telkomsel) and
Vietnam (Viettel).

Calling Apps

Another option is to use a smartphone app like Skype or FaceTime. These services are usually
less expensive than making a traditional call, but you’ll need a Wi-Fi connection and the calls
may count towards your phone plan’s data allowance. Many smartphones—and some tablets
or laptops—come with one of these apps pre-installed or you can download them for free
from the appropriate apps store.

Calling Cards and 1-800 Numbers
When calling the U.S. from a foreign country, a prepaid calling card can be useful because it
circumvents unexpected charges from the hotel. Calling cards purchased locally are typically
the best (less expensive, more likely to work with the local phones, etc.).

One reminder: Do not call U.S. 1-800 numbers outside the continental United States. This can
result in costly long distance fees, since 1-800 numbers do not work outside the country.

50