Money and payments
Tipping
In Mongolia tipping is rarely expected except in tourism-related services like tour guides.
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Asia · Eastern AsiaOutline guideCountry in East Asia
Photo: The original uploader was Adagio at English Wikipedia. (Original text: Adagio), CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Mongolia (Mongolian: Монгол улс, Traditional Mongolian: ) has wide open spaces for experiencing the outdoors for those who want adventure. Its vast and majestic emptiness is the country's enduring appeal: it brings the traveller into a close communion with nature and its nomadic inhabitants. It is one of the last places on earth where nomadic life lives on. The most memorable part of a trip to Mongolia will be its hospitable people. Mongolian culture has much in common with the cultures of Central Asia.
Answers to what travellers most often look up about Mongolia.
Tipping
In Mongolia tipping is rarely expected except in tourism-related services like tour guides.
Mongolian
The official language of Mongolia is Mongolian. Mongolian in Mongolia is written using the Cyrillic alphabet, which was introduced around the 1940s.
Mobile networks
Tap water is unsafe to drink.
Ulaanbaatar has polluted air, largely due to pervasive coal-burning for domestic heating.
Covered in the guide
Compared to other countries in Asia, Mongolians are generally straightforward. Expect someone to tell you exactly what they think and feel.
Covered in the guide
Attractions, food, stays and travel essentials, with ratings, reviews, opening hours and directions.
the capital city and starting point for most travel in this country. Half the population lives here.
large industrial city in the east
Mongolia's second largest city and home to one of the world's biggest copper mines and a famous carpet factory
a historic city at the crossroads of traditional Mongol and Kazakh culture
the ancient capital of the Mongol Empire, established by Genghis' son Ogedei
a stopover for those visiting Hövsgöl province, it has several museums and a large collection of deer stones outside of town
a town in Mongolia's far western corner, the starting point for visiting Altai Tavan Bogd National Park, Tsambagarav National Park and the eagle hunters who live
near the birthplace (and possible burial site) of Genghis Khan
a beautiful, and calm area boasting cultural sites such as Kharkhorin, the capital of the Mongolian Empire after Genghis Khan
the tallest mountain and largest glacier in Mongolia, with Kazakh Eagle Hunters living in its shadow and a World Heritage Site: Petroglyphs
an ecotourism destination
a national park 70 km east of Ulaanbaatar
a large freshwater alpine lake
Khustain Nuruu or Hustai National Park is home to the Takhi wild horses (also known as Przewalski's Horse). These are true wild horses which have never been domesticated.
Khongor Sand dunes, Yol Canyon, Bayanzag-Red Flaming Cliffs, and Khermen Tsav
Places in Mongolia on the World Heritage List.
Burkhan Khaldun
Listed 2015
Orkhon Valley
Listed 2004
Petroglyphic Complexes of the Mongolian Altai
Listed 2011
Landscapes of Dauria
Listed 2017
The Cemetery Complexes of the Xiongnu Nobility
Listed 2026
Deer Stone Monuments, the Heart of Bronze Age Culture
Listed 2023
Uvs Nuur Basin
Listed 2003
Uushigiin Ovor
List from Wikidata (CC0). Photos from Wikimedia Commons.
Includes Ulaanbaatar and the popular tourist region of Arkhangai.
The birthplace of Genghis Khan and heart of the Mongolian steppe.
As the name implies, home to the immense Gobi Desert.
Contains many of Mongolia's forests and the massive Lake Khövsgöl.
Home of Lake Uvs Nuur and Tavan Bogd Mountains, is also the most diverse region with a dozen different tribes including the Kazakhs.
Public transport and paid services in Mongolia.
By train
There is only one railway company in Mongolia, owned by the Russian and Mongolian governments, "Mongolian Railway".
By bus
Travelling by local bus is also an option, though these buses tend to only connect the provincial capital with UB, and it is quite difficult to find any public transportation linking one provincial…
By minivan
Public countryside taxis and minivans, often called purgon or mekr, offer more destinations than coaches and many more than train, especially between provinces.
By plane
The easiest way to travel long distance is via one of the domestic airlines: AeroMongolia or Hunnu Air. Almost all flights are between Ulaanbaatar and the Aimag centers.
By car
One of the most convenient ways to get around is by car. This isn't to say that it's completely safe, however. Road accidents are very common in Mongolia, largely because of reckless driving habits.
By taxi
In the cities, taxis should charge about 2000 ₮ per km as of 2026. The drivers will set their trip meter and charge accordingly.
Apps for booking a taxi or a ride in Mongolia.
Finding apps for Mongolia…
Other ways to travel:By chartered jeepBy horseBy foot
Operators checked against their official websites in October 2026; services that have stopped running are not listed. Logos and Wikipedia links: Wikidata (CC0)
Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Ulaanbaatar (Sergelen) · International · UBN
Loading places around the airport…
Calculated from climate averages: mild daytime highs and lower rainfall. It does not account for festivals, crowds or prices.
Average conditions in Ulan Bator
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg. high | -16° | -12° | -3° | 7° | 15° | 22° | 24° | 21° | 15° | 4° | -7° | -15° |
| Avg. low | -26° | -24° | -15° | -6° | 0° | 8° | 11° | 8° | 1° | -7° | -16° | -23° |
| Rainfall (mm) | 3 | 4 | 6 | 10 | 29 | 48 | 68 | 61 | 25 | 11 | 8 | 4 |
| Humidity | 90% | 85% | 69% | 53% | 50% | 53% | 59% | 62% | 60% | 66% | 80% | 89% |
Choose your passport and destination to see whether you need a visa.
Budget
$40
Per person, per day
Mid-range
$105
Per person, per day
Luxury
$265
Per person, per day
| Budget | Mid-range | Luxury | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $20 | $60 | $160 |
| Food and drink | $10 | $20 | $45 |
| Local transport | $5 | $10 | $20 |
| Activities | $5 | $15 | $40 |
Estimate from World Bank price levels (2025). Actual costs vary by city and season. World Bank
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We do not label countries as safe or unsafe. Below is the official advice from two governments, with the date it was last updated. Always read the full advice before you travel.
US Department of State
Level 1 of 4Exercise normal precautions
Exercise normal precautionin Mongolia. Mongolia is generally a safe destination for travelers. Review our Travel Guidance for Mongolia to learn how to prepare for a safe trip.
UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
No advice against travel. Read the full advice before you go.
Fuel shortages in Mongolia There are reports of fuel shortages in Mongolia, including aviation fuel. Fuel supply disruptions may affect domestic and international flights, road travel and access to some remote areas. Check with your airline or transport provider before travelling, allow extra time for journeys and follow advice from the local authorities. Before you travel No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to: see general advice for women travellers read our guide on disability and travel abroad see general advice for LGBT+ travellers read about safety for solo and independent travel see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad Travel insurance If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency. About FCDO travel advice The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice. Get travel advice updates Sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated. Follow FCDO: travel advice on X travel advice on Facebook Travel Aware on Instagram
Stories, itineraries and practical advice for travelling in Mongolia.
Nature & adventurePlan your adventure with our complete Mongolia travel guide. Discover nomadic ger camps, Gobi Desert dunes, Lake Khuvsgul, Naadam, and transport tips.
7 min read
ItinerariesThe Trans-Siberian Railway (Russian: Транссиби́рская магистраль Transsibírskaya magistral' or Трансси́б Transsíb) is the name given to the rail routes that traverse Siberia from Moscow.
Wikivoyage
Culture & historyThe Mongols came to rule much of Asia and Europe during the 13th century, becoming the largest contiguous land empire ever, and second only to the British Empire in total land area.
Wikivoyage
ItinerariesMarco Polo was a Venetian traveler who went far to the East, following some of the many branches of the Silk Road. He left in 1271 and returned about 1295.
Wikivoyage
Travel tipsThe Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) (Russian: Союз Советских Социалистических Республик (СССР)), or Soviet Union, emerged as the successor state to the Russian Empire in 1917, and was dissolved in 1991.
Wikivoyage
Travel tipsWoven carpets are traditionally crafted in North Africa and many parts of Asia, mainly along the Silk Road. They are sometimes called Oriental carpets, and are often associated with Islamic cultures, partly due to their…
Wikivoyage
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