Practical Guide to Mongolia

Here’s an in-depth overview of essential information for anyone planning to live in, work in, or travel through Mongolia.

Quick Facts

 

Geography and Climate

Mongolia is a vast, landlocked nation in East Asia, bordered by Russia to the north (3,485 km) and China to the south (4,673 km). At an average elevation of 1,580 m, its terrain includes:

• Semi-desert and desert plains in the south (Gobi Desert)

• Rolling steppes across the central regions

• Mountain ranges in the west and southwest

The climate is extremely continental:

• Winters (Nov–Apr): average –26 °C; long, dry, and sunny

• Springs (May–Jun): brief transition with potential strong winds

• Summers (Jul–Sep): average +20 °C; highs can exceed +40 °C in the Gobi

• Annual rainfall: 200–220 mm, mostly during summer

 

Population and Society

Ethnic composition:

• Khalkha Mongols: ~86%

• Kazakhs: ~6%

• Other groups: Buryats, Dorvod, Tsaatan, and more

Urbanization and demographics:

• ~67% live in cities (predominantly Ulaanbaatar)

• Median age: 28.2 years (2022)

• Literacy rate: 99.18% (2022), up from 82.9% in the early 2010s

Languages and religions:

• Official: Khalkha Mongolian (with regional dialects)

• Commonly spoken: English, Russian, Chinese (especially in Ulaanbaatar)

• Religions: Tibetan Buddhism (47%), non-religious (39%), Islam (8%), Shamanism (3%), Christianity (2%)

 

Government and Administrative Divisions

Mongolia is a unitary parliamentary republic:

1. Head of State: President (6-year term)

2. Head of Government: Prime Minister (4-year term)

3. Legislature: Unicameral State Great Khural (76 members elected every four years)

4. Judiciary: Constitutional Court, Supreme Court, provincial (aimag) and district (soum) courts

Administrative hierarchy:

• 21 aimags (provinces) + Ulaanbaatar city

• Soums (counties) within each aimag; districts (khoroos) in Ulaanbaatar

• Bags and khoroos as sub-district units

 

Economy and Currency

Currency details:

• Tögrög (MNT): coins (10–500 MNT) and notes (1,000–20,000 MNT)

• Exchange services and ATMs widely available in Ulaanbaatar

Key economic sectors:

• Mining: copper, coal

• Agriculture: livestock herding

• Services: tourism, finance

Tipping is not customary but appreciated for exceptional service.

 

Travel Essentials

Entry Requirements

• Visa on arrival (Chinggis Khaan International Airport): USD 53 and invitation

• Other entry points: Sukhbaatar Railway (Russia), Zamyn-Uud (China)

Transportation

• Domestic flights link Ulaanbaatar with regional centers

• Trains: Trans-Mongolian Railway to Russia and China

• Road travel: major highways radiate from Ulaanbaatar; secondary roads often require a 4×4

Accommodation

• Ulaanbaatar: hostels to luxury hotels

• Countryside: nomadic ger camps (book through reputable tour operators)

Communication and Connectivity

• SIM cards: Mobicom, Unitel (available at airport and city outlets)

• Internet: 4G/5G in cities; limited rural coverage—Starlink increasingly available

• Electricity: 220 V, 50 Hz; European-style two-pin plugs

 

Health and Safety

• Vaccinations: hepatitis A/B, tetanus, routine travel shots; check COVID-19 protocols

• Drinking water: bottled outside Ulaanbaatar; tap water in the city is treated but may upset sensitive stomachs

• Wildlife and dogs: keep distance from stray animals and wildlife

• Crime: petty theft can occur; use hotel safes and remain vigilant

 

Cultural Etiquette and Public Holidays

Etiquette tips:

• Greet with a slight bow and extended right hand

• Present gifts with both hands

• Remove shoes before entering a ger or home

Major holidays:

• Tsagaan Sar (Mongolian New Year): Jan/Feb, 3–5 days

• Naadam Festival: July 11–13 (wrestling, horse racing, archery)

• Gregorian New Year: Dec 31–Jan 1 (3 days)

 

Seasonal Travel Tips

• Winter: ideal for ice festivals and winter sports—dress in layers for –30 °C chills

• Spring: watch for muddy roads and “zud” effects on livestock

• Summer: perfect for Gobi exploration—pack sun protection and breathable clothing

• Autumn: clear skies and mild days—great for cultural events and nomadic visits

 

Further Exploration

• Attend a traditional throat-singing (khöömei) performance

• Experience eagle hunting in Bayan-Ölgii’s Kazakh communities

• Visit the Tsaatan reindeer herders in the northern taiga