Region in South Gobi, Mongolia
Internet in Gobi Desert: speed, SIM cards and coworking
Is the internet good in Gobi Desert?
Median fixed broadband in Mongolia is 86 Mbps (Speedtest Global Index, 2026-08). Wifi is limited; many camps have none or a weak signal. Buy a local SIM in Ulaanbaatar but expect gaps.
Getting online in Gobi Desert
| Details | |
|---|---|
| Cafés and coworking | Wifi is limited; many camps have none or a weak signal. Buy a local SIM in Ulaanbaatar but expect gaps. |
| Outages | Mobile coverage is patchy outside Dalanzadgad and a few villages. |
| Tourist SIM | Mobicom and Unitel sell tourist SIMs at Chinggis Khaan airport and city shops; passport required. Large rural areas have no signal. |
| eSIM | Local carriers sell eSIMs to visitors. |
| Carriers | Mobicom, Unitel, Skytel, G-Mobile |
| Monthly data plan | ₮20,000–40,000 ($5.5–11.0) |
Coworking in Gobi Desert
There's no dedicated coworking scene here; people work from cafés and accommodation.
Internet speeds in East Asia
National medians, Speedtest Global Index.
| Country | Fixed | Mobile |
|---|---|---|
| Hong Kong | 362 Mbps | 89 Mbps |
| Macau | 322 Mbps | — |
| Taiwan | 298 Mbps | 111 Mbps |
| South Korea | 251 Mbps | 251 Mbps |
| China | 238 Mbps | 176 Mbps |
| Japan | 234 Mbps | 66 Mbps |
| Mongolia | 86 Mbps | — |
Quick answers
Is the internet fast in Gobi Desert?
Median fixed broadband in Mongolia is 86 Mbps (Speedtest Global Index, 2026-08). Wifi is limited; many camps have none or a weak signal. Buy a local SIM in Ulaanbaatar but expect gaps.
Which SIM card should I get in Gobi Desert?
Mobicom and Unitel sell tourist SIMs at Chinggis Khaan airport and city shops; passport required. Large rural areas have no signal.
Can I use an eSIM in Mongolia?
Yes. Local carriers sell eSIMs to visitors, and travel eSIMs work too.
More about Gobi Desert
Going to Gobi Desert solo?
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Sources
- Speedtest Global Index: Mongolia
- Mobicom
- Unitel
- Skytel
- G-Mobile
- Mongolia National Tourism Organization
- MIAT Mongolian Airlines
Speeds are medians from Ookla's Speedtest Global Index, cited for reference. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.