Capital city, Mongolia
Ulaanbaatar
Mongolia's gateway capital: a rough-edged city of Soviet blocks, ger districts and good cafés, mainly a base for steppe and Gobi trips. Winter smog is severe and traffic is heavy.
At a glance
- Safety3/5Take real precautionsDetails
- Monthly budget$825–1,370Comfortable, one person · ₮3M–5MDetails
- Value for money52/100Better value than 51% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goJun–SepWarmest: Jul, 26°CDetails
- Air quality60 µg/m³PM2.5 annual average (2019) · Severely pollutedDetails
- Internet86 MbpsFixed broadband, Mongolia medianDetails
- Tap waterFilter or boilTreated but locals boil or filter it.Details
- LGBTQ+3/5Tolerant, but be discreetDetails
- Solo travel3/5English: limitedDetails
- Doctor's visit$14–41Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundUBCabWalkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardMixed: cards and cashCards work in shops, restaurants and hotels in the city; carry tugrik cash for markets, taxis and rural trips.Details
Where to stay in Ulaanbaatar
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Sukhbaatar Square and central Sukhbaatar District | Hotels, cafés, museums and most tour offices |
| Bayangol and Peace Avenue area | Restaurants, shops and quicker transit links |
| Zaisan and Khan-Uul | Quieter residential area with expats and cafés |
Apps that work in Ulaanbaatar
Ride-hailing
Food delivery
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| Toki | Delivery from many restaurants; some features need a local SIM |
| UBCab Eats | Restaurant and grocery delivery |
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: Facebook Messenger
- Toki: Train and intercity bus tickets, data SIMs
- Taxis: Street taxis are unmetered; agree the price first. Apps are safer and cheaper for visitors.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Mongolia.
- Mixed: cards and cash Cards work in shops, restaurants and hotels in the city; carry tugrik cash for markets, taxis and rural trips.
- Currency: Tugrik (MNT). US$1 ≈ ₮3,636.87 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Khan Bank and Golomt Bank ATMs accept foreign cards; fees vary by bank. Few ATMs outside provincial centres.
- Tipping: Not traditional, but tour drivers, guides and cooks expect a tip at the end of a trip; 10% in tourist restaurants.
- Paying by phone: Local QR wallets (QPay, SocialPay) need a Mongolian account; foreign contactless cards work widely in Ulaanbaatar.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Temporary visa waivers for many nationalities run until 31 December 2026; others apply for an e-Visa at evisa.mn.
- Staying over 30 days: register with the Immigration Agency within 7 days. Hotels and landlords register guests by app.
- Make sure your passport is stamped on entry; foreigners may only use specific land crossings with China and Russia.
Emergency numbers
Police 102 · Ambulance 103 · Fire 101
Plugs
Type C, E, F · 220 V, 50 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Mobicom and Unitel sell tourist SIMs at Chinggis Khaan airport and city shops; passport required. Large rural areas have no signal. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Mongolia
Going to Ulaanbaatar solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Ulaanbaatar meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.