Welcome to Mongolia 😊

Quick Facts About Mongolia

Money and Finances

The official currency of Mongolia is the Mongolian Tugrik (MNT). Coins are available in denominations of 20, 50, 100 and 200 tugriks. Banknotes are available in denominations of 1000, 5000, 10,000, 20,000 and 50,000 tugriks.

ATM Network

ATMs can be found in Ulaanbaatar and other major cities, but may not be widely available in rural areas. It is recommended to carry cash when traveling to remote areas.

Credit Cards

Credit cards are widely accepted in Ulaanbaatar and major tourist areas. Visa and Mastercard are the most commonly accepted, while AMEX may have limited acceptance. It is recommended to carry cash in rural areas where credit card acceptance may be limited.

Internet and Phones

Mongolia has an average internet speed of 7.5 Mbps for downloads and 4.5 Mbps for uploads. There is no government interference reported in internet use.

Phone Plans and SIM Cards

The main telco companies operating in Mongolia are Mobicom, Skytel, and Unitel. The average cost of a mobile phone plan is around 30,000 MNT (10.65 USD) per month. Some sim compatibility issues may arise for those with non-local phones.

Dialling to Mongolia

To call Mongolia from another country, dial +976 followed by the area code and phone number. The area codes used when dialling within Mongolia are 11 for Ulaanbaatar and 70 for provinces.

Transport Around Mongolia

Air Travel

Mongolia has one major international airport, Chinggis Khaan International Airport, located in the capital city of Ulaanbaatar.

Train Travel

Mongolia has a limited inter-city train network primarily used for tourism purposes. The Trans-Siberian Railway passes through Mongolia with stops at Ulaanbaatar and Erdenet. Tickets prices vary based on class and journey times can range from a few hours to multiple days.

Metro / Local Trains

Mongolia does not have a metro system.

Buses

Mongolia has an extensive bus network connecting cities and towns. Ticket prices vary based on distance, with prices ranging from 5,000-50,000 Mongolian Tugrik (approximately 2-20 USD). Journey times can range from a few hours to a full day.

Rideshare

Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft do not operate in Mongolia. However, there are local taxi companies that offer rides for a negotiated price.

Driving by Car

Driving in Mongolia can be challenging due to poorly maintained roads and limited signage. The speed limit on highways is typically 90 km/h (56 mph) and cars drive on the right-hand side of the road.

Local Customs

In Mongolia, tipping is not a common practice. Locals typically greet each other with a handshake or a nod. When speaking with strangers, it's important to maintain a respectful tone and be mindful of personal space. Men and women in Mongolia address each other using first names and titles, such as 'Mr.' or 'Mrs.'

Health and Diseases

Medical System

Mongolia's healthcare system is still developing, particularly outside of the capital city of Ulaanbaatar. Medical facilities outside the city can be very basic and medical supplies may be limited. It is recommended to have comprehensive travel insurance that includes medical evacuation in the case of serious illness or injury. A visit to a doctor in a clinic or hospital in Ulaanbaatar may cost around 20,000-50,000 MNT (7-18 USD).

COVID Situation

Mongolia has been successful in controlling the spread of COVID-19. The government implemented strict lockdown measures early on in the pandemic, which helped to contain the virus. As of September 2021, Mongolia has reported a total of 20,632 cases and 84 deaths. Vaccination rates are relatively low, with around 9% of the population fully vaccinated as of August 2021.

Common Health Risks

Malaria is not present in Mongolia, but travelers should be aware of the risk of tick-borne diseases, particularly in the summer months. Altitude sickness can also be a concern for travelers visiting high-altitude regions. The use of bottled water and caution when eating street food is recommended to prevent food poisoning and other common illnesses.

Laws and Regulations

Alcohol Consumption

In Mongolia, the legal drinking age is 18 and alcohol is widely available. However, there are restrictions on selling alcohol during certain times such as late at night or early in the morning. Additionally, drinking in public places is prohibited.

Recreational Drugs

Drug use is strictly prohibited in Mongolia, and penalties for drug offenses can be severe. This includes both soft drugs such as cannabis and harder drugs like heroin. There is no distinction made between possession and trafficking, and both can result in substantial fines and lengthy periods of imprisonment.

Pre-Marital Relationships

Pre-marital relationships are generally accepted and there are no laws strictly prohibiting them in Mongolia. However, traditional values and social norms still hold sway in many areas of the country.

LGBTQ and Same-Sex

Same-sex relationships are legal in Mongolia, but societal acceptance of the LGBTQ community is still relatively low. Discrimination and harassment are not unheard of, but the situation is improving gradually.

Firearms / Guns

Gun ownership is heavily regulated in Mongolia, and obtaining a license can be a difficult process. Only certain types of firearms are allowed, and ownership requires a legitimate reason such as hunting or sport shooting. The penalty for illegal firearms possession can be severe.