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Mongolia’s official currency is the Mongolian Tugrik (MNT). While electronic payments are common in Ulaanbaatar, carrying local cash is important when visiting rural destinations.

Currency and Exchange

Foreign currency can be exchanged at banks and authorized exchange services in Ulaanbaatar and other larger towns.

Exchange rates fluctuate, so we recommend checking current rates before your trip.

Credit and Debit Cards

International payment cards are accepted at many city hotels, restaurants, supermarkets, and established businesses.

However, small countryside shops, nomadic families, local markets, and remote service providers may accept only cash.

ATMs

ATMs are available in Ulaanbaatar and many provincial centers but can be unreliable or unavailable in remote regions.

Withdraw enough cash before setting out on longer countryside journeys.

How Much Cash Should I Bring?

The amount depends on how much of your tour is prepaid and whether you plan to purchase souvenirs, extra drinks, or optional services.

Review your confirmed itinerary to understand which meals, entrance fees, activities, and other expenses are included.

Tipping in Mongolia

Tipping is appreciated but should not be treated as mandatory unless a particular charge has been clearly disclosed.

Travelers may choose to tip guides, drivers, and hospitality staff in recognition of good service.

Shopping and Souvenirs

Popular local products include cashmere, felt crafts, handmade accessories, traditional artwork, and locally produced gifts.

Purchases involving antiques, protected wildlife, or regulated animal products may be subject to legal restrictions.

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Keep a small amount of Mongolian currency in easily accessible denominations for rural shops, rest stops, and small purchases.

Staying connected in Mongolia is straightforward in most urban areas, but internet access and mobile coverage can become limited when traveling through remote landscapes.

Mobile Networks

Local mobile service providers include Mobicom, Unitel, and Skytel.

Visitors can purchase eligible prepaid SIM options, subject to provider requirements. eSIM availability depends on the operator, device, and plan.

Where to Buy a SIM Card

SIM cards may be available at airport counters, provider branches, and designated retail locations.

Travelers should bring their passports when purchasing a local SIM card.

Internet in Ulaanbaatar

Most modern hotels and many restaurants or cafés offer Wi-Fi. Connection quality and speed vary.

Internet in the Countryside

Mobile data can be unreliable or completely unavailable in parts of the Gobi Desert, mountain regions, and remote valleys.

Even where a ger camp advertises Wi-Fi, the connection may be restricted to a central building or shared area.

Electricity and Charging

Mongolia generally uses 220V / 50Hz electricity with European-style round-pin sockets, commonly Types C and E. A universal adapter can be useful.

Some countryside camps have charging facilities only at specific times. Others provide electricity throughout the day.

Please check the arrangements for your particular accommodation.

Useful Preparation

• Download offline maps before leaving the city.
• Save your tour itinerary and contact details offline.
• Bring a charged power bank.
• Keep important bookings available without internet access.
• Check whether your phone supports local mobile services.
• Let family members know that you may be unreachable for short periods.

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If reliable internet access is essential for work or personal reasons, tell us before booking. We can help identify accommodations and routes more suitable for your connectivity needs, without guaranteeing uninterrupted service.

Food is an important part of Mongolia’s culture and hospitality. Traditional cuisine reflects the country’s nomadic heritage, with meat, dairy products, and simple, nourishing meals playing a central role.

Traditional Mongolian Cuisine

Popular dishes include:

• Buuz: Steamed dumplings, usually filled with seasoned meat.
• Khuushuur: Fried meat-filled pastries.
• Tsuivan: Stir-fried noodles with meat and vegetables.
• Guriltai Shul: Traditional noodle soup.
• Banshtai Shul: Soup with small dumplings.
• Suutei Tsai: Mongolian milk tea, often prepared with salt.
• Airag: Traditional fermented mare’s milk, generally containing alcohol.

Meals During Your Tour

Meals vary depending on destination, accommodation, and the arrangements included in your itinerary.

In Ulaanbaatar, travelers can find Mongolian and international cuisine.

In the countryside, meals may be served at ger camps, local restaurants, family homes, or prepared by your travel team, depending on the booked program.

Food choices at remote establishments can be limited.

Vegetarian, Vegan & Special Diets

Vegetarian and other dietary requirements can often be accommodated with advance planning, but options may be restricted in some remote areas.

Please inform us before booking if you have:

• Vegetarian or vegan requirements
• Food allergies or intolerances
• Religious dietary restrictions
• Medical dietary requirements
• Strong preferences or foods you cannot eat

We will discuss what is realistically available along your route.

Drinking Water

We recommend drinking commercially bottled water or properly treated drinking water.

Avoid drinking untreated water from rivers, lakes, or other natural sources.

Food Hygiene

Travelers should wash or sanitize their hands regularly and take sensible precautions with food storage and preparation.

When visiting a nomadic family, traditional food or dairy products may be offered as an expression of hospitality. You may politely decline if you have an allergy, dietary restriction, or concern about consuming an unfamiliar product.

Alcoholic Beverages

Alcohol may be available in hotels, restaurants, and some camps. Drink responsibly, particularly before outdoor activities or during physically demanding journeys.

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The best time to tell us about a dietary restriction is before your itinerary and meal arrangements are finalized.

Mongolia offers rewarding travel experiences, but its remote landscapes and long distances make health preparation especially important.

Medical facilities in Ulaanbaatar are generally more accessible than in the countryside, where specialized treatment and emergency services may be limited.

Travel Insurance

We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance for all visitors.

Your policy should cover:

• Emergency medical treatment
• Hospitalization
• Emergency medical evacuation and repatriation
• Trip cancellation and interruption
• Lost or delayed baggage
• Personal accidents
• Outdoor activities included in your itinerary

For horse riding, motorcycle tours, trekking, or other adventure activities, confirm explicitly that these activities are covered.

Medical evacuation coverage is particularly important for remote areas where advanced treatment may not be immediately available.

Vaccinations and Medical Advice

Consult a travel healthcare professional before departure and check that routine vaccinations are up to date.

Depending on your travel history and planned activities, additional vaccinations or preventive measures may be recommended.

For current recommendations, visit the CDC Mongolia Travel Health Information.

Prescription Medications

Travelers requiring regular medication should bring an adequate supply for the whole journey, plus a reasonable allowance for delays.

Keep medication in its original packaging and carry copies of prescriptions where appropriate.

Some medicines may be subject to import restrictions.

Existing Medical Conditions

Please tell us about medical conditions that could affect your safety or the practical arrangements required for your trip.

Examples include significant mobility limitations, heart or respiratory conditions, severe allergies, or conditions requiring regular medical support.

Only relevant information needs to be shared, and sensitive medical details should be handled privately.

Altitude and Physical Conditions

Some mountainous destinations are situated at elevations where altitude-related symptoms may occur.

Discuss your planned itinerary with a healthcare professional if you have concerns about altitude, physical exertion, or pre-existing conditions.

Sun, Weather and Dehydration

Mongolia’s dry climate, strong sunshine, wind, and changing temperatures may cause discomfort if travelers are unprepared.

Drink sufficient water, use sunscreen, dress in layers, and protect yourself from extreme temperatures.

Medical Facilities and Emergencies

Advanced care may require travel to a larger town or Ulaanbaatar.

Travelers should understand that emergency response times may be longer in isolated locations.

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Please discuss relevant health considerations with our team before confirming a remote itinerary so we can help assess its practical suitability.

Mongolia is a welcoming destination with wide-open spaces and a strong tradition of hospitality. However, traveling safely requires awareness of the country’s natural environment, changing weather, and remote locations.

Safety in Cities

Take normal precautions in Ulaanbaatar and other urban areas.

Keep valuables secure, remain alert in crowded locations, use reputable transport services, and avoid walking alone in unfamiliar areas late at night.

Safety in the Countryside

Remote areas can present different challenges from city travel.

Mobile coverage may be limited, distances between settlements can be considerable, and access to medical care or mechanical assistance may be difficult.

Wildlife and Livestock

Horses, cattle, camels, sheep, and other livestock may move freely near or across roads.

Do not approach unfamiliar animals without guidance. Never attempt to feed, chase, or handle wildlife.

Weather-Related Risks

Strong winds, heavy rainfall, sudden snowfall, extreme cold, and dust storms may affect travel.

Routes and activities may need to be adjusted if conditions become unsafe.

Horse and Camel Riding Safety

Listen carefully to your instructor or guide.

Do not attempt to control an animal beyond your experience level, and use appropriate safety equipment.

Children should receive suitable supervision during animal-related activities.

Staying Safe on the Road

Always use seatbelts where fitted. Avoid unnecessary nighttime driving in remote areas.

Follow your driver’s or guide’s instructions when crossing difficult terrain or stopping near roads.

Photography and Restricted Areas

Always ask permission before photographing people closely, especially inside private homes or during personal ceremonies.

Border zones, military facilities, and other restricted areas may be subject to photography or access limitations.

Drones may require separate approval. Do not assume that permission to enter an area includes permission to operate a drone.

Emergency Contact Numbers

101

Fire

102

Police

103

Ambulance

Official emergency numbers in Mongolia.

In an emergency, contact the relevant local service, your guide or tour coordinator, and your travel insurer as appropriate.

Emergency response and English-language assistance may be limited in remote areas.

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A carefully planned itinerary, experienced local support, suitable insurance, and flexibility are important parts of responsible travel in Mongolia.

Mongolian hospitality is deeply connected to nomadic traditions, respect for guests, and strong family relationships.

Learning a little about local customs can make your journey more meaningful and help create positive connections with the people you meet.

Visiting a Nomadic Family

When entering a traditional ger, it is customary to follow your host’s guidance about where to sit and how to behave.

Avoid stepping on the threshold when entering or leaving.

Treat household objects, religious items, and family belongings respectfully.

Accepting Hospitality

Guests may be offered tea, dairy products, snacks, or traditional food.

Receiving an offering politely is appreciated. If you cannot consume something, explain kindly or ask your guide to assist.

Respecting Personal Space and Privacy

Always ask before entering a private home, photographing family members, or sharing identifiable images publicly.

Remember that a nomadic family home is a living space, not simply a tourist attraction.

Understanding the Ger

The traditional Mongolian ger is designed to provide shelter and comfort across changing seasons.

Certain areas may have special cultural significance, so it is best to follow the host’s guidance.

Monasteries and Sacred Places

When visiting Buddhist monasteries or other culturally significant places:

• Dress respectfully.
• Follow posted photography rules.
• Avoid disturbing ceremonies.
• Do not touch sacred objects without permission.
• Follow instructions concerning shoes, hats, and restricted areas.

Useful Mongolian Phrases

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Your local guide can help explain traditions, translate conversations, and make cultural encounters more comfortable for everyone involved.

Mongolia offers a wide variety of outdoor experiences, from relaxed sightseeing and cultural visits to horseback riding, camel trekking, hiking, and wilderness exploration.

Understanding the physical requirements of your activities helps you select the journey that suits you best.

Horseback Riding

Horse riding is a traditional part of Mongolian life and a popular visitor experience.

Before riding:

• Inform your guide of your experience level.
• Wear appropriate footwear and clothing.
• Use correctly fitted protective headgear.
• Follow the riding instructor’s directions.
• Avoid sudden movements or loud noises near horses.
• Do not attempt fast riding unless the activity, equipment, supervision, and your ability are appropriate.

Camel Riding

Camel riding is a memorable activity in parts of the Gobi Desert.

Riders should follow instructions when mounting and dismounting, remain seated as directed, and avoid sudden movements.

Hiking and Trekking

Hiking conditions vary widely between destinations.

Some routes involve gentle walks, while others require several hours of walking on rocky, steep, sandy, or uneven surfaces.

Travelers should choose footwear appropriate for the terrain and understand the expected distance and difficulty before departure.

Sand Dune Activities

Walking on sand can be more physically demanding than walking on firm ground.

Protect yourself from the sun, carry drinking water, and follow guidance when exploring steep dunes.

Photography Tours

Photography-focused travel may involve early mornings, long drives, cold temperatures, and waiting outdoors for suitable lighting.

Bring weather protection for yourself and your equipment.

Motorcycle and Adventure Tours

Specialist motorcycle or off-road tours require suitable riding skills, protective equipment, valid documentation, and activity-specific insurance.

The availability of support vehicles, mechanics, fuel arrangements, and recovery services should be confirmed before departure.

Activity Difficulty Levels

The difficulty level of a particular itinerary should be determined by its actual terrain, walking distances, altitude, and planned activities.

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You do not need to be an experienced adventurer to enjoy Mongolia. We can help plan a comfortable cultural journey or a more active experience based on your interests and abilities.

Mongolia can be a wonderful destination for families and travelers of different ages. The key is selecting a suitable itinerary with realistic travel distances, comfortable accommodations, and appropriate activities.

Traveling With Children

For families with young children, consider:

• Shorter driving days
• Regular restroom and rest stops
• Comfortable accommodation
• Suitable meals and snacks
• Appropriate child restraints in vehicles
• Age-appropriate activities
• Supervision around animals, rivers, and cliffs
• Sun and cold-weather protection

Traveling With Older Children and Teenagers

Children and teenagers may particularly enjoy horse riding, learning about nomadic life, visiting nature reserves, camping experiences, and outdoor photography.

Activities should always match individual experience and physical ability.

Traveling With Seniors

Older travelers may prefer itineraries that include shorter driving days, additional rest opportunities, and accommodation with private bathrooms.

Consider the presence of steps, uneven ground, limited handrails, and nighttime access to toilet facilities at countryside accommodations.

Medical and Mobility Considerations

Travelers using walking aids or requiring accessible facilities should contact us before booking.

Accessibility can be limited in remote areas, including some ger camps and outdoor attractions.

Multigenerational Family Holidays

A private itinerary can offer more flexibility for families traveling with grandparents, parents, and children together.

Choosing suitable activities, meal times, accommodations, and rest periods can make the experience more enjoyable.

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Please share the ages of younger travelers and any essential mobility or accommodation needs during the planning stage so we can discuss suitable arrangements.

Mongolia’s natural landscapes and living nomadic traditions are among its greatest treasures.

We encourage travelers to explore with curiosity, respect local communities, and help preserve the environment for future generations.

Protect the Natural Environment

• Take all litter with you.
• Avoid leaving plastic waste in the countryside.
• Do not damage plants or natural formations.
• Keep rivers, lakes, and water sources clean.
• Use designated facilities whenever available.
• Follow park rules and guide instructions.

Respect Wildlife

Observe wild animals from a safe distance.

Never feed wildlife or disturb nesting, breeding, or resting animals.

Respect Nomadic Communities

Seek permission before entering homes, approaching livestock, or photographing people.

Respect local customs and do not interfere with everyday herding activities.

Stay on Established Routes

Driving across untouched grassland can damage fragile vegetation and leave tracks that remain visible for years.

Use established vehicle routes wherever possible and follow local environmental regulations.

Support Local Communities

Choose locally made products when practical and purchase directly from legitimate community producers or artisans.

Respect the time and work of people providing cultural experiences.

Reduce Waste

Consider bringing a reusable water bottle and minimizing disposable packaging where safe and practical.

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Our approach is to encourage meaningful journeys that respect Mongolia’s environment, local communities, and traditional way of life.

Use this checklist in the weeks before your journey to make sure you are ready for your Mongolia adventure.

4–8 weeks before departure

Check passport validity and visa requirements. Review your travel itinerary and accommodation arrangements. Arrange suitable travel and medical evacuation insurance. Consult a travel healthcare professional about vaccinations and medication. Inform your tour coordinator of essential dietary, medical, or mobility requirements.

1–2 weeks before departure

Check flight details, baggage limits, and transit requirements. Prepare suitable clothing for your destinations and season. Arrange access to money and bank cards. Check SIM card, mobile roaming, and electrical adapter requirements. Save your itinerary, insurance details, and emergency contact information offline. Confirm airport pickup or arrival transfer instructions.

1–2 days before departure

Check flight status and important travel updates. Pack essential medication and important documents in hand luggage. Charge your phone, camera, and power bank. Check airline rules for spare batteries and restricted items. Review the weather forecast for your first destinations. Share your travel plan and emergency contacts with someone you trust.

Final reminder

Every journey is different. Your final itinerary, accommodation confirmation, activity requirements, and the latest official travel information should always take priority over general guidance.