That's why we wanted to answer the top 10 questions most people ask before visiting Mongolia.
Can I use my credit card in Mongolia?
Credit cards are widely becoming accepted all over the capital of Ulaanbaatar. However, Mongolia is still predominantly a cash-based country.
Where do I exchange my money?
Any bank will be happy to exchange your money to the local currency called Tugrik. Bear in mind that US dollars are widely accepted, especially in Ulaanbaatar.
How do I get to Mongolia?
Mongolia is a faraway country to most people in the west, and it always seems like it’s hard to reach. However, the reality is that you can easily reach this stunning land. Several direct flights go to the capital Ulaanbaatar, and most of them are from Beijing, Honk Kong, Seoul, Tokyo, Istanbul, Moscow, and Berlin. You can also choose the adventurous route via the Trans-Mongolian train that goes from Moscow to Beijing.
When is the best time of the year to go to Mongolia?
The best time to visit Mongolia is from May to September, while July is the peak season. The Gobi desert is best to visit in June or in September. If you want to experience the winter season, it’s best to go in February.
Do I need a visa to visit Mongolia?
It depends on where you’re from in the world. Some citizens don’t need a visa (like Americans, Canadians, Germans, and others), while some can get it upon arrival. Other countries need to get a visa before they visit. This article offers a handy map of which countries need a visa and which don’t.
What should I wear in Mongolia?
Most of the popular months for visiting Mongolia are very hot, but you should still have something warm and wind-resistant if you're going to go on an adventure. Here’s what you need to pack.
What should I do when a Mongolian invites me to their home?
Mongolians are known to be very welcoming to foreigners, and they will often invite them to their homes. If you want to be as nice as they are bound to be to you, it would be good to bring a gift, say hello when you arrive (sain baina uu), and always accept food and gifts when offered. If you want to know more about Mongolian etiquette, take a look at this post.
What do they eat and drink in Mongolia?
The traditional Mongolian food usually consists of beef, mutton, rice, and noodles. Furthermore, cheese, vegetables, eggs, peanut butter, airag, and yak are also common. In Ulaanbaatar, you can always eat at fine European and Asian restaurants, if you want.
What is the water like, and are there any diseases I should be worried about?
Mongolia is known for its untouched nature and being in line with a traditional way of life. That means that the water is safe to drink in cities and that there are no uncommon diseases (thus no vaccinations are needed).
Is Mongolia dangerous to visit?
The country and the capital Ulaanbaatar are generally safe to visit, albeit there are occasional cases of pickpocketing and other minor crimes, as is the case with any country in the world.
If you have additional questions, don’t hesitate to ask!
