Frequently Asked Questions About Mongolia

General FAQs for Mongolia

Which city is the capital of Mongolia?

The capital of Mongolia is Ulaanbaatar. It is also the largest city in Mongolia with a population of over 1.3 million people. The city was founded in 1639 and has been the capital since 1778. It is situated in the north central part of the country, on the Tuul River. Ulaanbaatar has a continental climate, with long, cold winters and short, hot summers. January is the coldest month, with an average temperature of -15°C, and July is the hottest month, with an average temperature of 25°C. The city experiences little rainfall, averaging around 300mm per year.

What is the currency of Mongolia?

The currency used in Mongolia is the Mongolian Tugrik (MNT). One Tugrik is divided into 100 Mongo. The Tugrik was introduced in 1925, replacing the Russian Ruble. Coins come in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 Tugriks, while banknotes come in denominations of 500, 1000, 2000, 5000, 10,000 and 20,000 Tugriks. As of June 2018, the exchange rate was around 2,700 Tugriks to 1 US dollar.

Which language is spoken in Mongolia mainly?

The official language of Mongolia is Mongolian, which is spoken by around 95% of the population. It is a member of the Mongolic language family, and is closely related to Khalkha Mongolian, the dialect spoken in the capital, Ulaanbaatar. Russian is also widely spoken, due to the country’s history as a Soviet satellite state. Around 30% of the population speaks Russian as a second language. Other languages spoken in Mongolia include Turkic languages such as Turkish and Azerbaijani, as well as Tungusic languages such as Evenki and Dolgan.

How long do you need to travel Mongolia?

How many days you need for a trip to Mongolia depends on what you want to do. If you just want to explore the capital, Ulaanbaatar, then two or three days is sufficient. However, if you want to experience the countryside and get a taste of nomadic life, then you will need at least a week.

Which are the emergency numbers in Mongolia?

The emergency numbers in Mongolia are 101 for the police, 102 for the ambulance service and 103 for the fire brigade.

Do I require visa to travel to Mongolia?

Citizens of most countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, do need a visa to travel to Mongolia. Visas can be obtained from Mongolian embassies and consulates, or online through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ e-Visa portal. The cost of a visa varies depending on the nationality of the applicant, but is generally between $30 and $100. Visa requirements may also vary depending on the purpose of the visit, with business visas being more expensive than tourist visas. Visitors from some countries, such as Japan, South Korea and Singapore, are eligible for a visa-free stay of up to 30 days.

Places FAQs For Mongolia

What are the must visit places in Mongolia?

Some of the best places to visit in Mongolia include the capital, Ulaanbaatar; the Gobi Desert; Lake Khövsgöl; and the Flaming Cliffs of Bayanzag. Other popular tourist destinations include the Orkhon Valley, Mount Khuiten and Erdenezuu Monastery.

How do tourist get around in Mongolia?

The best way to get around in Mongolia is by car. The country’s roads are in good condition, and there is a wide network of highways linking the major cities and towns. However, visitors should be aware that driving conditions can be challenging, due to the large number of potholes, livestock on the road, and reckless drivers.

Budget FAQs For Mongolia

How much will Mongolia trip cost?

The cost of a trip to Mongolia depends on a number of factors, such as the time of year, the length of stay, and the type of accommodation. In general, budget travelers can expect to spend around $50 per day, while mid-range travelers can expect to spend around $100 per day. Luxury travelers can expect to spend upwards of $200 per day.

How much does food cost in Mongolia?

A meal in Mongolia will cost around $10 per person.

What is the cost of accommodation in Mongolia?

Accommodation in Mongolia will cost around $30 per night for a budget hotel, $50 per night for a mid-range hotel, and $100 per night for a luxury hotel.

What is the cheapest time for Mongolia trip?

The cheapest time to visit Mongolia is during the winter months, from December to February. Hotel prices are at their lowest during this time, and flights are often cheaper as well. However, visitors should be aware that temperatures can dip below -30°C during the winter, so they should be prepared for extreme weather conditions.

Culture FAQs For Mongolia

How are the people in Mongolia generally?

The people of Mongolia are generally friendly and hospitable. However, visitors should be aware that Mongolians can be quite direct, and may not sugarcoat their opinions. English is not widely spoken in Mongolia, so it is advisable to learn some basic phrases in Mongolian before traveling.
Some of the popular dishes in Mongolia include buuz (steamed dumplings), khorkhog (barbecued mutton or lamb), and tsagaan ip (sheep’s milk yogurt).
Some of the popular sports in Mongolia include horseback riding, archery and Kazakh Eagle Hunting.

What are main religions in Mongolia?

The two common religions in Mongolia are Buddhism and Islam. However, there is a small Christian minority as well. Visitors should be respectful of all religious beliefs and customs.

Which festivals are celebrated in Mongolia?

Some of the popular festivals celebrated in Mongolia include Naadam (a national festival featuring traditional sports such as horse racing, archery and wrestling), Tsagaan Sar (the Mongolian Lunar New Year) and White Moon Festival.

What are the best souvenirs to buy in Mongolia?

Some popular souvenirs to buy from Mongolia include cashmere products, camel wool products, horsehair products, traditional clothing and handicrafts.