Organize your stay Mongolia
Money Mongolia
The Mongolian currency is called the tugrik, or tögrök, which is written as "T" or, more rarely, "Tg". The banking system also uses "MNT". The currency in circulation is only in the form of banknotes, on which the national heroes Chinggis Khaan or Sükhbaatar on one side, and landscapes with ger and horses on the other. The banknotes are T10, T20, T50, T100, T500, T1,000, T5,000, T10,000 and T20,000. There are no coins.
Some tourist establishments display their prices in U.S. dollars to avoid the sometimes unstable inflation in the country.
Tögrög, euro or U.S. dollar? This guide indicates several times the prices of some establishments or travel agencies in U.S. dollars, and for a simple reason: the world of tourism in Mongolia (ger camps, travel agencies, hotels ...) often displays prices in U.S. dollars to avoid having to take into account the inflation, sometimes unstable, that the country is experiencing. In this guide, Petit Futé transcribes the prices as they are presented to the public, sometimes in tögrög (T), sometimes in dollars (US$) and sometimes even in euros (€).
Budget & Tips Mongolia
By exchanging euros for tugriks, any visitor can quickly become a millionaire. Life in Mongolia is not very expensive on a Western salary. Food is inexpensive: you can easily eat for T10,000 in a guanz and have a gourmet meal for T30,000.
Small budget: 30 €/day: this is a very tight budget for those who want to discover the Mongolian countryside in depth. You'll need to use the few local means of transport, not use an agency, eat in the guanz and camp most of the time, or take low-end guesthouses.
Medium budget: €100/day: this budget allows you to travel in Mongolia in a small group, via a travel agency that provides driver, guide, accommodation and food.
Big budget: €250/day: with this budget, you can organize a tailor-made trip. You can sleep in good hotels, fly from one end of the country to the other and hire a private guide and driver.
Passport and visas Mongolia
Since 2023, citizens of 34 countries - mainly EU countries including France, Belgium and Switzerland - have been exempt from tourist visas for stays of up to 30 days in Mongolia, until the end of 2025. There are no administrative formalities or steps to take to enter Mongolia, and all you need is a valid passport.
For travelers to neighboring countries: since November 30, 2024, French and Belgian citizens have been exempt from tourist visa requirements for stays in China not exceeding 30 days. While it used to be complicated to obtain a Chinese tourist visa in Ulan Bator, this will no longer be an issue until December 31, 2025: holders of a French or Belgian passport will be able to cross the border without a visa. Stays in Russia are strongly discouraged, except for imperative reasons.
Driver's license Mongolia
To drive in Mongolia, you'll need to show both your French driving license and the International Driving Permit. The latter is recognized for a period of 12 months and authorizes you to drive for up to 3 months in Mongolia (beyond that, you'll need to obtain a local license). You can apply for an international driving license online at https://www.service-public.fr/particuliers/vosdroits/F11534.
Health Mongolia
There are no particular risks in Mongolia. However, as for any trip abroad, it is more than recommended to take out a medical insurance policy before departure, to be able to cover any hospitalization or repatriation.
Mandatory vaccination Mongolia
There are no compulsory vaccinations for travel to Mongolia. However, some are recommended, such as hepatitis A, hepatitis B and rabies. It is also advisable to be up-to-date on vaccinations against tetanus, diphtheria and poliomyelitis.
Security Mongolia
There are no particular risks in Mongolia, the country is very safe. It is only necessary to take the usual precautions, as for any trip abroad.
Time difference Mongolia
Mongolia is divided into two time zones. There is a one hour difference between the three western aimag and the whole country.
The three westernmost aimag (Bayan-Olgiy, Khovd and Uvs) have a time difference with France (GMT +1) of six hours in winter and five hours in summer (GMT +7).
The rest of the country is seven hours behind France in winter and six hours in summer (GMT +8).
Spoken languages Mongolia
Mongolians speak Mongolian. Russian is also sometimes understood and even spoken by everyone over 40. Mongolians involved in tourist activities generally speak English, especially the guides. There are also a few French-speaking guides, but their services are much more expensive than those of English-speaking guides. For travelers who intend to go it alone, you can expect to encounter enormous communication difficulties. We strongly advise you to bring along a French-Mongol or English-Mongol dictionary. It will come in very handy, as the population is almost 98% literate. Translation applications such as Google Translate also work very well, and you'll be able to use them even in the most remote parts of the country, where 4G reception is surprisingly good (provided you have a local SIM card).
Communication Mongolia
Data usage abroad is subject to surcharges, so it's best to buy a SIM card on arrival. Not only will you be able to use the country's 3G and 4G network, but you'll also be able to make calls without being overcharged. Network coverage is very good in Mongolia, even in remote areas in the middle of nowhere.
To buy a local SIM card, you have two options: Mobicom and Unitel. Both operators offer equivalent packages for tourists, but it's advisable to opt for Unitel, which has better coverage. With Mobicom, there's a risk that you won't be able to pick up the network in some remote areas, particularly in the north of the country. You'll find a store for each operator at Ulaanbaatar international airport, but also in the city if you arrive by train.
Electricity and measurements Mongolia
Electricity. The electric current is 220 V and the plugs are similar to those used in France. No need to bring an adapter, therefore.
Weights and measures. Mongolia uses the metric system.
Floors. In Mongolia, the first floor is always designated as the second floor. In elevators, there is never a zero level.
Luggage Mongolia
The climate has the particularity to be very changeable in Mongolia, and the temperature variations can be very important between day and night, or even according to the altitude level. Even in summer, it is advisable to leave with warm clothes and rain gear! Nights can be very cold, especially in the desert or in the mountains, so it is necessary to take something to cover yourself. In winter, it is important to bring excellent equipment to withstand the sub-zero temperatures that affect the country.
