Blue taxi in Mandalay- source: internet
Ranging from reasonable priced and cheerful cycle rickshaws to get around cities and towns to luxurious rental cars with driver, for those who afford to avoid the discomfort of going long distance by public means of transport and possible delays, road transport comes in a variety of different forms in Myanmar in general and in Mandalay in particular. But taxi is the most popular choice among foreigner travelers.
Note that in Myanmar unless you are booking through an agent or using a taxi ride-hailing app, you should always bargain, and negotiate the cost in advance.
Get around in Mandalay by Taxi
Get around Mandalay by taxi- source: internet
In Burma, though most taxis come in the form of Japanese estate cars or saloons (sedans); some of which are well worn, there is an increasing amount of much more modern vehicles on the road. Blue taxis, which are, in effect, mini pick-up trucks, with two very small benches in the back, are another option in Mandalay and some other cities.
Having a driver and a modern, air-conditioned car for the day (or days) often allows those who are travelling around the country the greatest flexibility and comfort. Tours in Myanmar
Mandalay Airport Transportation
It takes a 1-hour taxi ride from the airport to the hotel. The Sein Myanmar provides a shared taxi service for 4000 Kyat per person and normal taxi fare for 15000 Kyat for one person. Just ignore these drivers, who try to lure you to their cars after you have claimed your baggage and go to their desk on the way out of the arrival hall. Buy a coupon and get your receipt at the airport taxi counter located outside of the baggage claim area and head to the taxi stand outside the terminal. The price for one-way taxi from the airport is fixed.
- Shared Taxi: 4,000 Kyat (USD $2.96)
- Private Taxi: 12,000 Kyat (USD $8.89)
- Private Taxi with air conditioning: 15,000 Kyat (USD $11).
From Mandalay to Inwa and Amapura: According to reports of travelers, there are some drivers offering half day tours for 35000 Kyat while others drive for USD $20.
Important notes on taxis and car travel in Mandalay
It can sometimes be a frustrating and baffling experience to negotiate taxi prices in Mandalay. On occasion, no matter how hard you try to negotiate, the driver will stick to the far too high price that he well set. In this scenario, if possible, moving on to the next driver is the best choice. In Mandalay, you can find plenty of taxis wherever you go at whenever you want.
Clueless Taxis
As a driver qualification exam is not required, don’t expect all taxi drivers in Mandalay to know every nook and cranny of the city. It is highly recommended to always carry the location and the name of where you are going to written in Burmese or a map. If you are staying in a small street of Mandalay, remember to pick up a hotel card when leaving your hotel!
Taxi is the most popular choice among foreign travelers- source: internet
In large cities and tourist spots, most (though not all) taxi drivers are able to speak some English. Sometimes taxi drivers do not switch air conditioning on, and if you want it to be turned on, expect a surcharge.
Tolls policy is applied on Myanmar roads – for the Yangon – Nay Pyi Taw – Mandalay expressway, for crossing large bridges and entering towns. If necessary, when negotiating the price, it is advised to check for these costs.
Lost Items
Before dropping off a taxi, make sure you have not left any shopping bags or valuables behind.
See more:
TOP 5 ATTRACTIVE TOURIST DESTINATIONS IN MYANMAR
STREET FOOD IN MANDALAY: WHERE & WHAT TO EAT!
A CRUISE TO MANDALAY WITH THE ANAWRAHTA CRUISE
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