---
title: "Mongolia: Trip Preparation & Destination Information"
description: Traveling to Mongolia? Check out our trip prep page for tips to help you prepare.
image: https://trovatrip.com/hubfs/Mongolia.jpg
---

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# Mongolia: Trip Preparation & Destination Information

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![Mongolia: Trip Preparation & Destination Information](https://trovatrip.com/hubfs/Mongolia.jpg)

### About Mongolia

- [Overview](https://trovatrip.com/traveler/trip-prep/asia/mongolia#overview)
- [Packing List](https://trovatrip.com/traveler/trip-prep/asia/mongolia#packing)
- [Language ](https://trovatrip.com/traveler/trip-prep/asia/mongolia#language)
- [Weather](https://trovatrip.com/traveler/trip-prep/asia/mongolia#weather)
- [Culture Notes](https://trovatrip.com/traveler/trip-prep/asia/mongolia#culturenotes)
- [Tipping](https://trovatrip.com/traveler/trip-prep/asia/mongolia#tipping)
- [FAQ](https://trovatrip.com/traveler/trip-prep/asia/mongolia#faq)
- [Luggage Restrictions](https://trovatrip.com/traveler/trip-prep/asia/mongolia#full-image-title)
- [Other](https://trovatrip.com/traveler/trip-prep/asia/mongolia#other-if-needed)

#### Overview

The Mongolian Nomad, a culture of true adventurers, where travel has been woven into the fabric of their tradition since the time of Ghengis Khan. From the ruggedness of the Gobi Desert to the rolling green hills of Terelj National Park and stretched across the infinite grasslands and plains, you will walk the path of the nomad on your Mongolian adventure.

 

**Capital City**: Ulaanbaatar

**Population**: 3.2 million

**Currency**: Mongolian Tugrik (MNT)

**Time Zone**: Ulaanbaatar Standard Time - (GMT +8)

**Emergency Number**: 102

**Outlet: **Types C/E

![Gobi-Desert-Mongolia](https://trovatrip.com/hubfs/Gobi-Desert-Mongolia.jpg)

![Eagle-Hunter-Mongolia](https://trovatrip.com/hubfs/Eagle-Hunter-Mongolia.jpg)

#### Packing List

**Active Shoes** - Great for exploring off-the-beaten paths, hiking trails and waterfalls. We love sturdy hiking sandals, such as Chacos or Keens, for warmer climates.

**Layers, Layers, Layers** - Warm, lightweight and packable fleece jacket or coat insulated with synthetic material. A pair of leggings or lightweight pants to block the sun and give warmth at night. Thermal baselayers.

**Protect Your Tummy** - Pack some Pepto Bismol and Imodium. Dramamine can be really helpful if you're prone to motion sickness!

**Sunblock with SPF** - Nothing ruins a vacation like a bad sunburn. Remember to pack sunblock with SPF to protect your skin while outside.

**Day Pack** - For carrying cameras, snacks, sunscreen, water, etc.

**Hand Sanitizer** - Need I say more?

**Bug Spray** - Use bug spray with DEET or Picaridin to avoid bug bites and stay healthy during your trip.

**Reusable Water Bottle** - Staying hydrated is a recipe for success. You will have access to clean water for refilling throughout your stay.

**Ear Plugs** - Light sleeper? Nice to have in case of a snoring roommate.

**Portable Chargers** - Great for charging batteries while on the go.

**Travel Adaptor ** - Grab a universal travel adaptor for your electronics.

**Laundry Soap** - Single packets are perfect for sink washes when you're running low on clean clothes.

**Local Currency** - Make sure to get some local currency. On average, you'll lose around 15% at the airport if you use the currency exchange. While many places do accept cards, small local restaurants tend to be cash only.

**Call Your Bank** - Your bank may suspend your card if they suspect unusual activity. Give them a call to let them know when and where you'll be traveling.

**Always pack extra underwear!**

#### Speak the Language

Mongolian is the official language of Mongolia

 

- Good morning - öglöönii mend
- Good afternoon - ödriin mend
- Good night - saikhan amraarai
- Good bye - Bayartai
- Thank you - bayarlalaa
- How are you? - yuu baina
- I’m fine - bi zügeeree
- I’m Sorry - namaig uuchlaarai
- Where is the bathroom? - ugaalgyn öröö khaashaa ve

 

Google Translate: Download the Google Translate app or click [**here**](https://translate.google.com/) 

![Yak-in-a-field-Mongolia](https://trovatrip.com/hubfs/Yak-in-a-field-Mongolia.jpg)

#### Weather

[ULAANBAATAR WEATHER](https://forecast7.com/en/47d89106d91/ulaanbaatar/?unit=us)

#### Culture Notes

- In most cities around Mongolia and particularly in the capital Ulaanbaatar, ATM's and credit cards are becoming more widely accepted however Mongolia is very much a cash-based economy.
- Personal space is optional. Queuing generally doesn't happen and people will jostle to buy things, board a bus etc. While this may feel rude, in many cultures it's just part of how things are done. 
- Possessing or using drugs is strictly illegal in Mongolia. If you are caught taking or carrying drugs, you may end up serving time in prison. Mongolian Police are quite strict on this.
- If you walk around a stupa or prayer wheels always walk in a clockwise direction.
- Remove any hats, sunglasses and shoes before entering any religious building. Dress modestly; wear long-sleeved clothing.
- Don't touch prayer flags, altars, Mani stones or any other items of religious significance.
- Always respect any signage in areas that asks for No Photography. If you are unsure of whether you can take photos in places, ask your Guide.

#### Tipping

Tipping Suggestions: In Mongolia tipping is not considered to be conventionally traditional, however, Mongolians working in tourism and service-related positions appreciate them. If the local teams have added to the experience, please reward them.

| **Guides** |  | USD $10 per person/per day |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **Drivers** |  | USD $10 per person/per day |
| **Restaurants(full service)**  |  | USD 10% of total bill |

 

#### FAQ

**Where can I find information on travel safety? **Check out the US Department of State's [website ](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Mongolia.html)for the most up-to-date information on safety while traveling.

 

**Is the water safe to drink? **Tap water should be avoided by travelers. For drinking water, make sure to drink treated, filtered, or boiled water, even in the capital.

 

**Do I need a Visa? **For Visa information, click [here](http://embassyofmongolia.co.uk/?p=186&lang=en). Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months after you return home and has two or more blank pages. Otherwise, some countries may not let you enter.

 

**What about vaccines?** For vaccination information, click [here](https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/mongolia). 

 

**Do you recommend travel insurance? **While not required, we highly recommend all travelers get travel insurance for their trip to protect themselves from the unknown! Check out travel insurance options from our partner, [worldnomads.com](https://www.worldnomads.com/usa/travel-insurance?affiliate=trvtrip&subld=banner&affiliateTrackingld=db44277c07544303b92d043564508276&utm_source=trvtrip&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=Affiliate&utm_content=banner), or from a provider of your choice.

 

**How much should I pack? **As we will be using shared transfers and spaces throughout our tour we recommend all travelers pack as lightly as possible. All travelers are allowed to bring one large piece of luggage (not exceeding 23kg (50lbs) in weight, with the dimensions (30” x 18” x 10”), one small carry-on (12”x11”x6), and a personal item.

 

**What does public transportation look like?** Ulaanbaatar has a good bus network whether traveling to different parts of the city or even out to the countryside. Otherwise, there are plenty of taxis that circulate around the city.

 

**Is Uber or Lyft available? **There are no ride-share apps in Mongolia as they were deemed illegal since the Mongolian Taxi Services Association were able to shut down Uber, Lyft and local start-up called EasyRide.

#### Luggage Restrictions

![Luggage Restrictions purple](https://trovatrip.com/hubfs/Luggage%20Restrictions%20purple%20(2).jpg)

![Luggage restrictions purple – mobile – 1](https://trovatrip.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Luggage%20restrictions%20purple%20%E2%80%93%20mobile%20%E2%80%93%201.png?width=390&height=929&name=Luggage%20restrictions%20purple%20%E2%80%93%20mobile%20%E2%80%93%201.png)

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