After Arrival Questions: Traveling in Mongolia
How can I meet Look Mongolia upon arrival in Mongolia?
Upon your arrival at Ulaanbaatar airport or train station, a Look Mongolia representative; your guide/travel expert will pick you up and transfer you the hotel in Ulaanbaatar or next destination. Depending on the tour program you booked, the consecutive services are provided. We must always be supplied with your international arrival departure time and details. Please bring your tour confirmation sheet either printed or electronic and proof of your ID.
What is the local currency, where can I exchange my money?
Mongolian national currency is Tugrug (MNT). USD 1 is equal to MNT 3,500 (as of June 2026). Any bank offers currency exchange services. There are many exchange offices in Ulaanbaatar. You can find them in areas popular with tourists. Be sure to check the exchange rate before exchanging your money, and avoid exchanging money on the street. You will need to bring your passport to exchange money at the bank.
Do I need travel insurance?
It is recommended to purchase a standard travel before traveling to Mongolia. This is an affordable and comprehensive travel protection program that covers you for unexpected events that could cause you to cancel or interrupt your tour, unexpected delays, medical assistance, loss of or damage to baggage.
Are medical services available?
Visitors to Mongolia should be in good health condition and able to engage in a reasonable amount of physical activities. Medical services are only available in provincial centers, towns, and soum (administrative unit) centers. Be sure to bring an adequate supply of medications and antibiotics to protect yourself against various infections, diarrhea, insect etc. Make sure your travel insurance covers medical related services.
What language is spoken in Mongolia?
Mongolian is the official language in Mongolia. But many Mongolians speak foreign languages, with English being the most widely spoken language among the younger generations. Mongolians older than 45 years also speak Russian as they were taught it in secondary school.
What are internet and mobile services like in Mongolia?
Internet and mobile services in Mongolia are very good. In major cities such as Ulaanbaatar, you can find good quality internet and mobile service, although coverage may be spotty in rural areas. There are four main mobile service providers in Mongolia: Mobicom, Unitel, Skytel and G-Mobile. They offer 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G services with coverage in most major cities and towns. You can buy a SIM card from any of these providers at their shops or kiosks, or at the airport upon arrival. To activate your SIM card, you will need to present your passport. You can then purchase a data plan for your phone or mobile hotspot. Many hotels, restaurants, and cafes in Mongolia offer free Wi-Fi for customers. The quality and speed of the Wi-Fi may vary, but it's a good option for staying connected while you're out.
Are there any restrictions on photography?
In Mongolia, most people are very comfortable being photographed. When in doubt, ask first. In certain areas, such as temples, monasteries, and museums, photography is prohibited.
Is it safe to drink tap water in Mongolia?
Tap water is not safe to drink in Mongolia. Look Mongolia provides ample bottled water throughout the journey, and we allow restaurants to serve only purified water.
What kind of electric plugs are used in Mongolia?
The electric plugs used in Mongolia are type C and type E. Type C plugs are two round pins and are commonly used in continental Europe, while type E plugs are two round pins with a grounding pin and are commonly used in France and Belgium. You will need to bring a travel adapter that can handle type C or type E sockets to use your electronic devices in Mongolia. Mongolia operates on a 220-240V electrical system, so be sure to check your electronic devices' voltage requirements before plugging them in. If your device cannot handle 220-240V, you will need to bring a voltage converter or transformer as well.
Should tourists tip service staff?
It is common to tip your guide and driver at the end your tour in Mongolia. The tipping amount depends on the length of your trip, the number of staff, and the number of clients on the trip. If you enjoyed your trip, giving a tip is a way of showing your gratitude. Tipping tourist camp staff, taxis, restaurants, and hotels is purely at your own personal discretion. Look Mongolia’s basic tipping guidelines will be sent to you, along with other useful pre-departure information, approximately one month before your departure. In some situations, gift giving is appropriate. For example, for homestays, we suggest guests give a small gift to the host family and bring along small items, such as pencils, candies for the children in the family or for other village children.
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