Practical Information

If you are planning a vacation in Mongolia but are unsure when to go, how to get there, or what to pack, here are our essential tips and practical advice for preparing your trip. Feel free to contact us if you need further information.

Accommodation in Mongolia

At Hotels:
Check-in is generally from 2:00 PM on the day of arrival, and check-out is no later than 12:00 PM (sometimes 10:00 AM) on the day of departure. Access to rooms outside these hours usually incurs an additional fee not included in the standard rate. In Asia, a triple room is often a double room with an extra bed. Upon arrival, some hotels may request a credit card imprint to cover potential extra personal expenses (minibar, massages, etc.).

Transportation

Driving in Mongolia is on the right-hand side of the road, but most travel takes place on long, often bumpy dirt tracks. Vehicles are mostly Soviet-made, particularly in the Altai region, or sometimes Japanese. Travel in the steppe is always done in a local 4×4 vehicle, such as a minibus. For safety reasons, renting a car without a driver is not permitted in Mongolia.

Shopping

Handicrafts are central to Mongolian life. You can easily find artworks, wood carvings, watercolors and paintings, reproduction books and photography, leather goods, silver jewelry, traditional and trekking clothing, cashmere and camel wool scarves and blankets, felt carpets, wall hangings, and furs.

Communications

In Ulaanbaatar, public telephones are widely available. For international calls, you’ll need to call from the central post office, large hotels, or private residences.

• To call France from Mongolia, dial 00 33 followed by the recipient’s number.
• To call Mongolia from France, dial 00 976 followed by the city/region code (e.g., 1 for Ulaanbaatar) and then the recipient’s number.

Outside Ulaanbaatar, mobile coverage is generally good but can be unreliable in the southern Gobi region.
The Central Post Office in Ulaanbaatar is open from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM (until 9:00 PM in summer). It is better to buy stamps and send letters directly at the post office rather than in hotels or public mailboxes. Mail delivery usually takes 1–2 weeks.

Tips / Tipping

Tipping is common and expected for guides and drivers in Mongolia. It should be seen as a reward for service rather than an obligation. The amount is up to you. It is recommended to prepare two separate envelopes: one for the guide and one for the driver.

Health

No vaccines are required, but it is recommended to be up to date on DTP (diphtheria-tetanus-polio), typhoid, and hepatitis A and B. Bring personal medications, broad-spectrum antibiotics, a first aid kit, and supplies for sore throats and digestive issues.
The climate is generally healthy and food is balanced, but medical coverage is nearly nonexistent in the steppe, so it is advisable to purchase a repatriation assistance package.

Money in Mongolia

The Tugrik (MNT) is the local currency. It is highly recommended to bring US dollars or euros in small denominations for spending outside Ulaanbaatar, especially in smaller markets. Credit cards are accepted in most large hotels in the capital.