https://www.dotnetzone.gr:443/cs/blogs/birbilis/archive/2009/10/22/using-unicode-text-with-mysql-connector-for-net.aspxTo use Unicode text with MySQL Connector for .NET , you need to set the "Character Set" property to "utf8" at the connection's advanced settings dialog (e.g. at the Database Explorer pane). At your .NET applications you can add "CharacterelCommunityServer 2.1 SP3 (Build: 20423.1)