Everything You Need to Know Before You Go

TRAVEL GUIDE
FOR TOURISTS VISITING MONGOLIA

Traveling to Mongolia is a once-in-a-lifetime experience—but preparation is key to enjoying the journey to the fullest. Whether you’re joining a nomadic immersion or an adventure expedition, this guide will help you pack smart, dress appropriately, and navigate Mongolian culture with ease.

WHAT TO BRING

✅ ESSENTIAL ITEMS

Passport
(valid for 6+ months beyond your stay)

Printed travel documents
(tour confirmation, emergency contact card)

Cash in USD or EUR
(for countryside areas where cards are not accepted)

Refillable water bottle
(filtered water is provided on most tours)

Universal power adapter
(Mongolia uses Type C and E plugs, 220V)

💊 PERSONAL HEALTH KIT

Prescription medications (with labels)

Motion sickness tablets (for long drives)

Pain relievers, cold medicine, anti-diarrheal

Hand sanitizer, wet wipes

Sunscreen (SPF 50+), lip balm (dry weather)

Insect repellent (for summer travel)

USEFUL EXTRAS

Flashlight or headlamp
(some ger camps have limited lighting)

Power bank
(for phones/cameras)

Travel towel
(lightweight, fast-drying)

Dry bag or zip locks
(for organizing electronics and toiletries)

Snacks, instant noodles
(optional for countryside comfort)

WHAT TO WEAR

Mongolia’s climate is dry and variable—even in summer. Layering is essential, as temperatures can fluctuate by 15–20°C between day and night.

SUMMER (JUNE–AUGUST)

Breathable long-sleeve shirts (sun protection)

Lightweight fleece or jacket (for evenings)

Comfortable trousers/hiking pants

Wide-brim hat or cap, sunglasses

Windbreaker or rain jacket (occasional rainstorms)

Closed shoes/hiking boots (for uneven terrain)

Sandals or slippers (for indoors or hot days)

SPRING/AUTUMN 
(APRIL–MAY, SEPT–OCT)

Thermal base layers

Insulated jacket or coat

Gloves, hat, scarf (cold mornings/evenings)

Waterproof outerwear

WINTER (NOVEMBER–MARCH)

Down parka or thick winter coat

Wool socks, thermal underwear

Snow boots or insulated hiking boots

Gloves, scarf, and beanie

Moisturizer and extra lip balm

FOOD & DRINK

Mongolian food is hearty, simple, and meat-heavy—centered around beef, mutton, goat, dairy, and flour-based products. In cities, vegetarian and international options are available, but in rural areas, options may be limited.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Meat dishes: Khuushuur (fried dumplings), buuz (steamed dumplings), tsuivan (noodle stir-fry)

Dairy: Airag (fermented mare’s milk), yogurt, dried curds

Soups and stews: Common in countryside camps

Tea: Suutei tsai (salty milk tea) is often served by locals

DIETARY TIPS

Alcohol (beer, vodka) is widely available but not served in all camps

Inform your tour provider of dietary restrictions in advance

Bring snack bars, instant soup, or non-meat supplements if vegetarian

Bottled water is provided; tap water is not recommended for drinking

SAFETY & HEALTH

GENERAL SAFETY

Mongolia is very safe for international travelers and solo tourists

Violent crime is rare; petty theft can occur in busy markets

Always lock valuables in hotel safes or keep them on your person

In rural areas, listen to your guide’s instructions, especially regarding wildlife, animals, or local customs

MEDICAL CONSIDERATIONS

Emergency evacuation options are limited in remote areas—keep your guide informed if you have any chronic health conditions

Pharmacies are available in Ulaanbaatar but limited outside the city

Your tour includes basic local insurance; consider buying international travel insurance

ROAD TRAVEL

Some roads are unpaved or rough; 4×4 vehicles are standard

Long travel days (4–8 hours) are common—carry snacks and neck pillows

Vehicles have limited charging capacity; bring your own power bank

CONNECTIVITY & COMMUNICATIONS

SIM cards with data are available at the airport (Unitel, Mobicom)

Wi-Fi is available in Ulaanbaatar hotels; limited or unavailable in rural areas

Portable Wi-Fi or local SIM card is recommended if you need regular connectivity

Common apps used: WhatsApp, LINE, WeChat, Facebook Messenger

CULTURAL TIPS & ETIQUETTE

🙏 DOS

  • Greet people with a smile and slight bow or handshake
  • Always accept items with your right hand or both hands
  • Remove shoes when entering homes or gers
  • Respect elders and religious sites
  • Ask before taking photos of people or religious ceremonies

🚫 DON’TS

  • Do not point your feet toward people or shrines
  • Don’t step over someone’s belongings (especially sitting mats or food)
  • Avoid whistling inside gers (considered bad luck)
  • Don’t touch the top of anyone’s head, even children

MONEY & PAYMENTS

  • Currency: Mongolian Tugrik (MNT)
  • Major cards accepted in Ulaanbaatar (Visa, MasterCard); cash only in the countryside
  • ATMs are available in cities; bring USD or EUR to exchange
  • Tipping is appreciated: $5–10/day for guides, $3–5/day for drivers

ARRIVAL & BORDER ENTRY

  • Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months
  • Some nationalities (e.g., Taiwanese) require a visa—check evisa.mn
  • Keep your printed tour confirmation and hotel info handy at customs
  • Your guide will meet you at the airport with a welcome sign

FINAL TRAVEL CHECKLIST

  • Passport + visa (if needed)
  • Tour confirmation & contact info
  • Insurance certificate (digital/print)
  • Weather-appropriate clothing
  • Personal medication & health kit
  • Travel adapter + power bank
  • Snacks and cash for rural areasCamera, SD cards, and flashlight

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STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?

Mazala Travel is here to support you every step of the way—from pre-departure to your return home.

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