£1 MNT 4,779.11
Today
10:49 am
+8h from you
Weather in Mongolia
Mongolia
9°
Overcast
Fri
-5
9
Sat
-3
2
Sun
-7
5
Mon
-4
11
Tue
-5
3
SPF level in Mongolia
Recommended: SPF 50
Spring
SPF 30
Summer
SPF 50
Autumn
SPF 30
Winter
SPF 15
Suncream is often more expensive in tourist zones. Pack your preferred SPF from the UK, especially for beach holidays. Always carry travel-size (100ml max) for hand luggage.
Getting around Mongolia
Tipping in Mongolia
Tipping in Mongolia is not as customary as in some Western countries, but it is becoming increasingly common, especially in tourist-related services. While not mandatory, a small tip for good service is always appreciated.
Restaurant
5-10% for good service, or round up the bill. Not expected but appreciated.
Bar/Café
Round up the bill or leave a small tip for exceptional service.
Taxi
Round up the fare to the nearest 500-1000 MNT.
Hotel Porter
500-1000 MNT per bag is appreciated, especially in higher-end hotels.
Hotel Housekeeper
1000-2000 MNT per day, left at the end of your stay, would be a kind gesture.
Tour Guide
5-10% of the tour cost, depending on the length and quality of the tour.
Safety in Mongolia
Tips for British travellers
Mongolia is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Pickpockets may operate in markets and crowded public places, with increased risk during festivals in December to February and July.
Keep your mobile phone, passport, and money in a secured bag on your person, and leave valuables in a hotel safe if possible.
Avoid being out alone at night, and ask hotels, restaurants, or clubs to order a car for you, or use only licensed taxis like VIP Taxis or the trackable UBCab app.
Always carry your passport as police do not accept copies and you could be fined, and keep copies of the photo page and entry stamp separately.
It is illegal to photograph or video police, police escorts, or military personnel, and you could be arrested and fined.
Bonus tips:
In rural areas, prepare for driving by researching your route, asking local guides about road conditions, and packing plenty of water and provisions.
In Mongolia, most UK phone networks work in cities with widely available wifi, but rural areas have large areas without network coverage.
Driving in Mongolia
A UK driving license is accepted for short visits. An International Driving Permit is recommended.
Side of road
right
Motorway speed limit
100 km/h
Urban speed limit
60 km/h
Alcohol limit
0.05%
Remember: Mongolia drives on the right. Take extra care at junctions if you normally drive on the left.
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
101
Police
102
Ambulance
103
Save 101 in your phone before travelling.
Electrical in Mongolia
Voltage
220V / 50Hz
Plug types
Type C, Type E
UK adapter needed?
Yes
Mongolia uses 220V electricity at 50Hz. Plugs are typically Type C and Type E. British travelers will need an adapter.
Cards & payments
Credit and debit cards are accepted in larger establishments in Ulaanbaatar, such as hotels, restaurants, and department stores. However, cash is still widely used, especially in smaller towns, markets, and for transportation.
Visa
Medium
Mastercard
Medium
American Express
Low
Lost card? Call Visa: +1-303-967-1096
ATMs in Mongolia
ATMs are mainly available in Ulaanbaatar and major towns. Availability decreases significantly in rural areas. It is advisable to carry sufficient cash when travelling outside the capital.
Local name
Банкны машин
Chip & PIN required?
Yes
ATMs in Mongolia generally accept international cards with a chip and PIN. Check with your bank about potential fees for international transactions.
Mobile & roaming
Since Brexit, EU roaming agreements no longer apply to UK mobile customers. Check with your mobile provider for roaming charges in Mongolia. Purchasing a local SIM card can be a more cost-effective option for data and calls.
Local SIM data package
10 GB for 30,000 MNT (~£7)
Network coverage
4G, 3G, 2G
Local carriers
Unitel, Mobicom, G-Mobile
WiFi & internet
WiFi is available in hotels, cafes, and restaurants in Ulaanbaatar. Coverage is less common in rural areas.
Average speed
15 Mbps
Many hotels and cafes offer free WiFi, but the speed and reliability can vary. Purchasing a local SIM card with a data plan is a good alternative for reliable internet access.
Health & vaccinations in Mongolia
Make sure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical expenses, including emergency evacuation. Check that it covers the activities you plan to do, such as trekking or horse riding. You will be charged for medical assistance if you are not insured.
Vaccinations required?
No
Recommended
Hepatitis A
Consult your doctor or a travel clinic for personalized advice on vaccinations and necessary precautions. Drink only boiled or bottled water. Food hygiene standards may vary, so be cautious about where you eat. Altitude sickness can be a risk in mountainous areas; ascend gradually and stay hydrated. Air pollution can be a concern in Ulaanbaatar, especially during winter.
Calling Mongolia
Country code
+976
To call Mongolia from the UK, dial 00 976 followed by the local number.
To call the British Embassy in Ulaanbaatar from the UK, you would dial 00 976 11 458133.
Mongolia's country code is 976. When calling from abroad, dial the exit code of your country, followed by 976, and then the local number. Mobile coverage is generally good in Ulaanbaatar but can be limited in rural areas.
UK Embassy in Mongolia
British Embassy Ulaanbaatar
12th Floor, Central Tower, Sükhbaatar Square 8, Ulaanbaatar 14200, Mongolia
Airports in Mongolia
Frequently asked questions
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, AtoBeach cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. We recommend verifying details with official sources before travelling.