Living and trading secondhand in Mandalay: tips for a motorbike city
Mandalay is central Myanmar's commercial hub and, unlike Yangon, a city that moves by motorbike. Its grid of numbered streets also makes meetup points easy to describe.
Local lifeBy the Near Dee Trust & Safety teamLast updated: 3 min read
Layout and meetup spots
Locations are given as 'street number, between streets X and Y'. Writing places in that format in the chat leaves little room for confusion.
Large supermarkets and shopping centres in central townships such as Chanayethazan and Mahaaungmye are reliable meetup points.
A city of motorbike deals
There are many motorbikes for sale and they sell quickly. Always check the registration book matches the plate and that frame and engine numbers match the papers.
Ask to see a cold start rather than arriving to an engine that is already warm.
Seasons and demand
- Demand for air conditioners, air coolers and fans jumps in the March–May hot season.
- Before the rains, raincoats, waterproof gear and motorbike tyres sell.
- At the start of the school year, student desks, bicycles and laptops move.
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