Mongolia

Travel tips for Mongolia: safety advisories, currency and cash vs. card, tap water, plugs, local phrases, food, and advice from travelers.

Cash and cards

Cards widely accepted. Foreign cards are widely accepted at POS machines in Ulaanbaatar. However, you will need cash for rural trips, small vendors, tour operators, and topping up transit cards, as local payment apps frequently reject international cards.

Try the food

  • Buuz (Бууз): These steamed dumplings are generously filled with minced mutton or beef and onions, offering a rich and savory bite.
  • Khuushuur (Хуушуур): A popular street food, these deep-fried meat pastries feature a crispy, golden exterior giving way to a juicy mutton filling.
  • Khorkhog (Хорхог): This traditional Mongolian barbecue consists of chunks of meat and root vegetables cooked slowly with hot river stones inside a sealed metal jug.

Say it in Mongolian

  • Hello: Сайн байна уу (Sain baina uu)
  • Thank you: Баярлалаа (Bayarlalaa)
  • Please: Гуйя (Guiya)
  • Excuse me: Уучлаарай (Uuchlaarai)
  • How much is this?: Энэ хэд вэ? (Ene khed ve?)
  • The bill please: Тооцоогоо авъя (Tootsoogoo avya)
  • Yes / No: Тийм / Үгүй (Tiim / Ügüi)
  • Goodbye: Баяртай (Bayartai)

Essentials

Plugs
Type C / Type E
Voltage
220V, 50Hz
Driving
Right side
Tap water
Avoid — buy bottled
Emergency
102 (police), 103 (ambulance), 101 (fire)
SIM tip
Pick up a Unitel or Mobicom tourist SIM card at Chinggis Khaan International Airport for the most reliable nationwide coverage.

Etiquette

Always give and receive items, especially food, drink, or money, with your right hand while supporting your right elbow with your left hand.

Airports in Mongolia