ESSENTIAL INFORMATION

Mongolia is a vast, sparsely populated land of dramatic contrasts — grasslands, mountains, and the Gobi Desert. At its heart lies Ulaanbaatar, a vibrant capital where tradition and innovation meet beneath endless blue skies.

Weather

Dec – Feb
-30°C to -10°C (-22°F to 14°F)

Experience Mongolia at its most dramatic— frozen lakes, snowy steppes, and unique winter festivals like the Blue Pearl Ice Festival and Thousand Camel Festival.

Winter - Lake and trees with snowy mountains in the background

Experience Mongolia at its most dramatic— frozen lakes, snowy steppes, and unique winter festivals like the Blue Pearl Ice Festival and Thousand Camel Festival.

Mar – May
-5°C to 15°C (23°F to 59°F)

Watch the land awaken with blossoming valleys and mild weather. Celebrate Tsagaan Sar (Mongolian Lunar New Year) and catch the Spring Golden Eagle Festival.

Spring - A park with trees and mountains in the back.

Watch the land awaken with blossoming valleys and mild weather. Celebrate Tsagaan Sar (Mongolian Lunar New Year) and catch the Spring Golden Eagle Festival.

Jun – Aug
15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F)

Festival season begins! Join the iconic Naadam Festival, explore lush landscapes, and enjoy cultural events like the Yak Festival, Danshig Religious Festival, and Tsaatan Reindeer Festival.

Summer - Camels with a camel rider on a grassland

Festival season begins! Join the iconic Naadam Festival, explore lush landscapes, and enjoy cultural events like the Yak Festival, Danshig Religious Festival, and Tsaatan Reindeer Festival.

Sep – Nov
0°C to 15°C (32°F to 59°F)

As the steppe turns golden, it’s the perfect time for photography and fewer crowds. Don’t miss the spectacular Golden Eagle Festival in western Mongolia.

Autumn - Bar headed goose on a grassland with mountains in the back

As the steppe turns golden, it’s the perfect time for photography and fewer crowds. Don’t miss the spectacular Golden Eagle Festival in western Mongolia.

Mongolia’s weather is full of surprises. Warm days, chilly nights — layer up to stay comfortable from sunlit hikes to starry evenings.

Mongolia Flag in circle

Capital City

Ulaanbaatar

Writing System

Mongolian Cyrillic

Demographics

Mongol

Kazakh

Other

Religion

Buddhism

Islam

Shamanism

Currency & Payment

Official Currency:
Mongolian Tögrög (MNT)

Tax-Free Shopping in Mongolia: Good news for shoppers: Foreign visitors can now enjoy tax-free shopping under Mongolia’s VAT refund system. Click here for all the details: https://en.ulaanbaatar-airport.mn/tax-refund

Payment Methods: Credit cards are widely accepted in Ulaanbaatar and other major cities. However, in more remote areas, cash is still king. Apple Pay is available, but Samsung Pay is not yet in use here.

Tipping Culture in Mongolia: Tipping isn’t expected, but it’s appreciated if you’ve received great service. In more rural or nomadic areas, a small gift like food or souvenirs can be a thoughtful alternative to cash.

Official Currency:
Mongolian Tögrög (MNT)

Payment Methods: Credit cards are widely accepted in Ulaanbaatar and other major cities. However, in more remote areas, cash is still king. Apple Pay is available, but Samsung Pay is not yet in use here.

Tax-Free Shopping in Mongolia: Good news for shoppers: Foreign visitors can now enjoy tax-free shopping under Mongolia’s VAT refund system. Click here for all the details: https://en.ulaanbaatar-airport.mn/tax-refund

Tipping Culture in Mongolia: Tipping isn’t expected, but it’s appreciated if you’ve received great service. In more rural or nomadic areas, a small gift like food or souvenirs can be a thoughtful alternative to cash.

More To Know

Visa and Entry Requirements

Traveling to Mongolia? Citizens of 34 countries can visit visa-free for up to 30 days. If your country isn’t on the list, don’t worry — you can easily apply for an e-visa online.

For a full list of eligible countries and more information, visit the e-visa application page.

Language & Communication

Mongolia’s language is part of the adventure:

  • Official Language: Mongolian
  • English: Common in hotels, tourist spots, and among young people.

Want to connect with the locals?
Here are a few handy phrases:

  • Hello: “Сайн байна уу” (Sain baina uu)
  • Thank you: “Баярлалаа” (Bayarlalaa)
  • How much is this?: “Энэ хэд вэ?” (Ene hed ve?)

Internet & Connectivity

Staying connected in Mongolia is easy:

  • SIM Cards: Available at the airport and major shopping centers (Mobicom, Unitel, Skytel).
  • Wi-Fi: Free in most hotels, cafes, and some public spaces.
  • VPN: Unnecessary but unrestricted if you’d like to use one.

Emergency Numbers

In case of an emergency, keep these numbers handy during your time in Mongolia.

  • Police: 102
  • Ambulance: 103
  • Fire: 101
  • Tourist Hotline: +976 1900 1234

Electrical Outlets

Plug Type: Type C & E (European-style round pins).

Voltage: 220V / 50Hz

Smoking Areas

Smoking indoors is only permitted in designated areas. It’s strictly prohibited on public transport, in entertainment venues, restaurants, bars, workplaces, and public service buildings. Always look for signs to know where smoking is allowed.

GET AROUND

What You Need to Know

Getting around in Mongolia is an adventure of its own, especially in Ulaanbaatar, where most of the country’s population lives. Whether you’re navigating the city or exploring the countryside, here’s what you can expect.

Public Transport in Ulaanbaatar

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A transport bus on the road with a building in the back.

Buses & Trolleys: Ulaanbaatar’s main mode of affordable transportation. The city operates regular buses, trolleybuses, and microbuses. Peak hours (8-10 AM, 5-7 PM) can be crowded.

Payment: No cash on buses — grab a U Money smart card at a convenience store to ride.

Ride-Hailing and Taxi Services

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A road with buses, trucks and cars along with buildings in the background and a red post in the foreground.

Ride-Hailing Apps: UB Cab and Bolt are your best bet for getting around the city, with fares between MNT 5,000–15,000 (USD1.50-5)​. Cash is common, but some accept cards.

Taxis: Fares average between MNT 2,000–3,000/km. For safety, use official transport apps instead.

Driving & Car Rental

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Mongolian parliament building in the background with cars on a road

Road Conditions & Renting: Expect traffic jams in Ulaanbaatar, with limited parking. You’ll need an International Driving Permit (IDP) or English-translated license to rent a car; prices range from USD40–80 for city cars and USD100-200 for SUVs.

Road Travel Outside Ulaanbaatar

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SUV's in a rocky mountainous region with. hills at the back.

Off-Road Travel: Mongolia’s vast, open landscapes are untouched by paved roads too, so if you’re venturing out of Ulaanbaatar, especially to north Mongolia or Gobi Gurvansaikhan National Park, an SUV or 4×4 is a must. Winter driving (Nov – Mar) is challenging, so consider hiring a driver.

Fuel: Gas stations are few and far between, so carry extra fuel and supplies for long trips.

Flights

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Mongolian airlines plane with hills in the back

Domestic flights offer the quickest way to get to cities like Dalanzadgad (Gobi Desert), Khovd, and Ulgii. Our main domestic airline is Hunnu Air, with tickets ranging from USD100-300​.

For all international travel, you can book your ticket with our national carrier, Mongolian Airlines (MIAT).

Trains

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Train on rails with rails that are heading into the city.

The Trans-Mongolian Railway connects Ulaanbaatar to Russia and China, with limited domestic routes. Train tickets are affordable, but travel can take longer due to multiple stops. Book tickets at the Ulaanbaatar Railway Station (cash only) or through travel agencies.

SUSTAINABLE TOURISM

Mongolia is on a journey to ensure that tourism enriches both the land and its people. We’re committed to preserving the beauty and culture of our vast landscapes while supporting the communities that call them home. Here’s how we’re making it happen.

UNESCO COLLABORATION

In partnership with UNESCO and funded by Rio Tinto Mongolia, the "Promoting Sustainable Tourism in Mongolia Through UNESCO Cultural and Geo Heritage" project is improving the management of UNESCO-designated sites. It ensures that local communities share in the benefits of tourism while preserving Mongolia’s rich heritage.

ASIAN DEVELOPMENT BANK (ADB) SUPPORT

Through the Sustainable Tourism Development Project (Phase 2), ADB is helping three western Mongolian provinces focus on eco-friendly practices, community benefits, and resilience in the post-pandemic world.

GOVERNMENT REGULATIONS FOR RESPONSIBLE TOURISM

Aligned with the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) framework, Mongolia’s government is promoting responsible tourism practices, including limiting visitor numbers in sensitive ecological areas and supporting eco-friendly accommodations.

COMMUNITY BASED TOURISM

Rural communities are seeing the benefits of tourism through initiatives that provide income, support local businesses, and encourage sustainable living. Tour operators partner with these programmes, reinvesting profits to improve education, healthcare, and infrastructure in remote areas.