Mongolia

Mongolia feels huge the moment you arrive: wide-open steppe, endless sky, and a rhythm that’s slower than most cities. Ulaanbaatar is likely your gateway, so plan at least one full day there to get oriented before heading into the countryside. Book key elements ahead—ger camp stays, long-distance drivers, and internal flights—especially in peak season (June–September). Use Hello’s trip planning tools to keep train tickets, camp confirmations, and day-trip ideas in one place.

Weather swings are dramatic. In summer, daytime can hit 30°C while nights drop close to freezing in the Gobi or high-altitude areas, so pack layers, including a warm jacket and light rain gear. Winters are brutally cold, but crystal clear and beautiful if you’re prepared.

English is widely spoken in tourist services but less so in rural areas, so saving offline maps and key phrases is helpful. To stay connected on long drives and in smaller towns, activate a Hello eSIM before you land, avoiding surprise roaming fees and hunting for local SIM shops. Cash still matters here—especially in markets and villages—so carry some Mongolian tögrög, but expect to pay by card in most city restaurants, hotels, and larger supermarkets.

Distances in Mongolia are big, and the infrastructure is still catching up with them. Within Ulaanbaatar, licensed taxis and ride apps are the easiest option; expect short rides to cost around 5,000–10,000 MNT (roughly 1.50–3 USD). Always confirm the meter is on, or agree a price before you start. For day trips to places like Terelj National Park or Khustain Nuruu, it’s common to hire a car with driver—split the cost with travel companions using Hello’s expense splitting so everyone pays fairly.

Beyond the capital, many roads are paved, but some are rough tracks across the steppe. A 4x4 with an experienced driver is worth the money for Gobi and western Mongolia routes. Buses link major towns such as Dalanzadgad and Khovd; they’re cheap but can be crowded and slow, so keep flexible timing.

Intercity trains run on parts of the Trans-Mongolian Railway, connecting Ulaanbaatar with Sükhbaatar and the Chinese border at Zamyn-Üüd. Book tickets early in summer and keep digital copies stored in your Hello trip planning notes.

Coverage can be patchy outside towns, so download offline maps and use your Hello eSIM to check road conditions, translate signs, and message your driver or host when signal is available.

Mongolian cuisine is hearty and built around meat and dairy—perfect for long days outdoors. Try buuz (steamed dumplings), khuushuur (fried meat pastries), and tsuivan (stir-fried noodles) in local eateries; a filling meal often costs 15,000–25,000 MNT (around 4–7 USD). In Ulaanbaatar, you’ll also find international options and modern cafes around Sukhbaatar Square and the State Department Store area.

Staying in a traditional ger camp is a highlight. Gers are circular felt tents used by nomadic families, and tourist camps range from basic to boutique. Expect shared bathrooms at simpler camps and limited electricity—charge devices when you can. Many camps include full board, but drinks and extra activities (horse riding, camel treks, archery) are often charged separately. Keep track of those small extras in Hello’s budget tracking so costs don’t creep up unnoticed.

Respect local customs: accept offered tea (usually suutei tsai, salty milk tea) with both hands, avoid touching the top of a child’s head, and walk clockwise around sacred ovoo stone cairns. Dress modestly when visiting monasteries like Gandantegchinlen and Erdene Zuu. With a Hello eSIM, you can quickly look up etiquette tips or translate menus, making food adventures and homestays far smoother.

Mongolia’s currency is the tögrög (MNT), and cash is still important once you leave major cities. ATMs are common in Ulaanbaatar and provincial centers, less so in remote areas—withdraw before heading out, ideally in amounts that cover a few days’ expenses. Street snacks can cost around 3,000–6,000 MNT (1–2 USD), while a mid-range dinner in the capital might be 30,000–50,000 MNT (9–15 USD). Use Hello’s budget tracking to log purchases in tögrög and keep an eye on your daily average.

Tipping is not deeply embedded in local culture, but it’s appreciated in tourist settings; rounding up restaurant bills or leaving 5–10% is common in Ulaanbaatar. When traveling in a group, track shared costs for drivers, guides, and ger stays using Hello’s expense splitting, so no one has to play accountant.

Mobile coverage is good in cities and towns, but once you’re in the steppe or desert, it can drop to zero for long stretches. Activate a Hello eSIM ahead of time to avoid roaming charges, then rely on it where there is signal for maps, translations, and checking weather changes—important when sudden winds or dust storms roll in.

Pack sunscreen, lip balm, and a scarf or buff: the high UV index, dry air, and dust can be intense, especially in the Gobi Desert.