Ulan Bator Mongolia Travel Tips

Key Travel Tips for Ulan Bator:

Travel Essentials:

  • Visa: Many nationalities can enter Mongolia visa-free for short periods. Check the specific requirements for your country on the Mongolian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.

  • Currency: The Mongolian currency is the Tugrik (MNT). While USD is widely accepted, it’s best to have some local currency on hand for smaller purchases and markets.

  • Language: The official language is Mongolian, but English is becoming increasingly common in tourist areas. However, learning a few basic Mongolian phrases like “Sain baina uu” (hello), “Bayarlalaa” (thank you), and “Tseg medeh” (goodbye) will be greatly appreciated by locals and enhance your experience.

  • Currency:

    • Mongolian Tugrik (MNT): The local currency is the best for everyday transactions outside of tourist areas.

  • Currency Exchange: It’s advisable to exchange your money at banks or licensed exchange bureaus in Ulaanbaatar.

Respectful Behavior:

  • Shoes: Always remove your shoes before entering a Mongolian home, and sometimes even temples or monasteries (depending on the specific institution). Removing them when entering a ger (traditional dwelling) is always appreciated and respectful.

  • Greetings: The most common greeting is “Sain baina uu” (hello), followed by a handshake.

    • For older people or those in positions of respect, it’s polite to offer a slight bow as well.

  • Gifts: Bringing a small gift for your host is a common and appreciated custom.

    • Consider:
      • A bouquet of flowers (avoid red carnations which symbolize funerals)
      • Traditional sweets or snacks from your home country.
      • Something symbolic, like a souvenir with your home city/country’s emblem

  • Hospitality: Mongolians are known for their hospitality. If you are invited to someone’s home, accept even if you can only stay for a short time. It is considered rude to refuse an invitation.

  • “Offerings”: When visiting a temple or ger (especially a Buddhist one), it’s customary to bring a small offering.

    • This could be:
      • A donation to the temple.
      • Some traditional Mongolian snacks (airag, kumis, dried curd)
      • A respectful gesture like a scarf for a woman (to someone in need of warmth)

Other Cultural Considerations:

  • Respect for Elders: It’s important to show respect for elders by addressing them as “tseg” (elder) and allowing them to go first.

  • Offerings:

    • Bringing something: Always follow the custom of removing your shoes before entering a home, and consider offering a small gift to a host to demonstrate respect and appreciation. This could be a donation, something for their ger (tea, candles, etc.), or a simple gesture like a bow when receiving a drink or food.

  • Food and Drink:

    • “Refusal” is Rude: In Mongolia, it’s considered rude to refuse any food or drink offered to you, even if you don’t like it.

  • Eating Etiquette:

    • Always use your right hand for eating and passing food.
    • Wait for everyone to be served before starting to eat.
    • It’s customary to finish everything on your plate, as this is seen as a sign of respect for the food and the person who prepared it.

Important Tip:

Remember, these are just a few general tips.

It’s always best to do some more in-depth research on the specific customs of the people you will be interacting with (e.g., Buddhist temples vs. traditional Mongolian gers) before traveling to any new destination.

Enjoy your time in Ulaanbaatar!