Although Mongolia is only a few hours away from Japan by plane, its climate, road conditions, and accommodation facilities can be very different from those in Japan.
However, there’s no need to worry if you know a little about what to expect before your trip.
Here, we’ve put together some essential information to help first-time visitors prepare for their trip to Mongolia.
Time Difference, Language & Currency
Time Difference
Mongolia’s major regions, including Ulaanbaatar, are 1 hour behind Japan.
When it is 12:00 noon in Japan, it is 11:00 AM in Ulaanbaatar. With only a small time difference, it is relatively easy to adjust to the local time after arrival.
Ulaanbaatar follows GMT+8.
Language
The official language is Mongolian, and the Cyrillic alphabet is primarily used.
English is sometimes spoken at hotels and tourist attractions in Ulaanbaatar, but it is not uncommon to find that English is not widely spoken in rural areas or in nomadic households.
During your tour, our guides and staff will be there to assist you, so there is no need to worry if you don’t speak Mongolian.
Currency
Mongolia’s currency is the Mongolian tögrög (MNT / ₮).
Although it may be unfamiliar to Japanese travelers, currency exchange offices and ATMs are available throughout Ulaanbaatar.
Seasons, Temperatures & What to Wear
One of the most important things to prepare for when traveling in Mongolia is changing temperatures.
Even when summer days are warm, temperatures can drop sharply in the early morning and evening. For example, in Ulaanbaatar in July, average daytime temperatures are around 24°C, while nighttime temperatures can fall to around 11°C.
For this reason, we recommend dressing in layers, even in summer. Instead of bringing only short-sleeved shirts, prepare clothing you can layer, such as:
Short sleeves + long sleeves + a lightweight jacket
Spring and autumn can be even colder, so bringing a fleece or lightweight down jacket is a good idea.
Mongolian winters are extremely cold. In Ulaanbaatar, average nighttime temperatures in January can reach around −28°C. If you plan to visit in winter, proper cold-weather clothing and equipment are essential.
Be Prepared for Rain, Wind & Strong Sunlight
Mongolia has a dry climate, but sudden rain showers can occur during the summer.
On the open steppes, there are few buildings or other structures to block the wind, so it can sometimes feel quite strong. Bringing a lightweight windbreaker or rain jacket is a good idea.
Mongolia also has strong sunlight, so we recommend bringing a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect yourself outdoors.
Money & Payments
Cash
Cashless payments are becoming increasingly common in Ulaanbaatar, but we recommend carrying some cash when traveling to rural areas.
Small shops and facilities outside the cities may only accept cash, so it’s a good idea to have some Mongolian tögrög on hand.
Credit Cards
Credit cards from major international providers are increasingly accepted at hotels, large supermarkets, and restaurants in Ulaanbaatar.
However, card payments may not be available in rural areas or nomadic communities.
For peace of mind, it’s best to carry both a credit card and cash rather than relying on cards alone.
Currency Exchange
After arriving in Mongolia, you can exchange Japanese yen, US dollars, and other currencies for Mongolian tögrög at Chinggis Khaan International Airport.
Banks and currency exchange counters are available at the airport, and Golomt Bank also offers banking and foreign currency exchange services. There are also banks and exchange offices in Ulaanbaatar, so you don’t need to exchange all the money you’ll need for your trip at the airport.
You may want to buy a drink or pick up a few small items soon after arrival, so it’s convenient to exchange a small amount at the airport first.
Check Today’s Exchange Rate
The Bank of Mongolia publishes the official exchange rates for the Mongolian tögrög against other currencies every day.
Check the Latest Exchange Rates
Note: The rates published by the central bank are reference rates. The actual rates offered by airports, banks, and currency exchange offices may differ.
Before your trip, check the current exchange rate to get an idea of how many Mongolian tögrög you’ll receive for ¥10,000. This will make shopping and managing your spending in Mongolia easier.
Internet Access & Charging
SIM・Wi-Fi
Mobile connectivity is relatively good in Ulaanbaatar, and Wi-Fi is available at many hotels and restaurants.
You can also stay connected by using a SIM card or eSIM designed for travelers.
However, as you travel into the grasslands and mountainous areas, mobile signals may become weak or unavailable.
Rather than expecting to be connected to the internet at all times, come prepared to enjoy a little time away from your smartphone while experiencing the vast, open steppes of Mongolia.
Power Outlets
Mongolia uses 220V, 50Hz electricity.
Please take care when using electrical appliances designed exclusively for Japan’s 100V power supply.
Many smartphone and laptop chargers support 100–240V, but always check the label on your device or charger before use.
The shape of electrical outlets may differ from those in Japan, so it’s a good idea to bring a universal travel adapter.
Portable Chargers (Power Banks)
Charging facilities may be limited in some areas of the Mongolian steppes.
If you plan to take lots of photos with your smartphone, we recommend bringing a portable charger (power bank).
Note: Power banks may not be allowed in checked baggage on flights. Please check your airline’s regulations in advance.
Ulaanbaatar vs. the Mongolian Steppes
When traveling in Mongolia, it helps to understand that Ulaanbaatar and the open steppes offer two very different travel environments.
In Ulaanbaatar, you’ll find hotels, convenience stores, supermarkets, shopping centers, restaurants, and other modern amenities.
Once you head out into the steppes, however, buildings and facilities become much less common.
Roads & Travel Times
Major highways are paved, but roads may become unpaved as you travel toward tourist destinations or nomadic families.
Unlike in Japan, traveling 100 km doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll arrive in just over an hour.
Travel times can vary depending on road conditions, weather, and traffic. This is a normal part of traveling in Mongolia.
Shopping
We recommend buying any essentials, such as drinks, snacks, and daily necessities, in Ulaanbaatar or in towns along the way before heading out into the steppes.
Even if you think, “I’ll stop at a convenience store later,” you may find that there are no shops further along the route.
Toilets & Showers
Hotels in Ulaanbaatar offer facilities that are generally comparable to those in Japan.
However, facilities become more basic in rural areas. Tourist camps may have shared toilets and showers, while nomadic family homes may not have shower facilities at all.
Rather than expecting the same level of comfort as in Japan, we hope you’ll embrace a little inconvenience as part of the Mongolian travel experience.
Food & Drinking Water
Mongolian Cuisine
Mongolian cuisine mainly consists of meat dishes made with mutton and beef, along with dishes prepared using wheat flour.
Some popular traditional dishes include:
- Buuz: Steamed dumplings similar to Chinese soup dumplings.
- Khuushuur: Deep-fried pastries filled with meat.
In Ulaanbaatar, you can also enjoy a wide variety of international cuisines in addition to traditional Mongolian food.
Drinking Water
We recommend drinking bottled mineral water throughout your trip.
Before heading out into the steppes, make sure to bring enough drinking water for the journey.
Allergies & Dietary Restrictions
If you have any food allergies, follow a vegetarian diet, or have religious dietary restrictions, please let us know before your trip.
Food options may be limited in rural areas, so it may not be possible to accommodate your needs after you arrive.
We’ll do our best to make the necessary arrangements in advance.
A Guide to Staying in a Ger
One of the experiences we highly recommend during your trip to Mongolia is staying in a traditional ger.
There are a few differences between staying in a ger and staying in a hotel, so knowing what to expect in advance will help you feel more comfortable.
Indoor Temperature
Gers can become warm when the heating is on, but the indoor temperature may drop during the night or in the early morning as the fire dies down.
Even in summer, mornings and evenings can be chilly, so we recommend bringing warm sleepwear to stay comfortable.
Noise
Gers are not soundproof like hotel rooms.
You may hear the sound of the wind, animals, or conversations from neighboring gers.
If you’re sensitive to noise, bringing earplugs can help you sleep more comfortably.
Insects
Since gers are located in the open steppes, insects may occasionally enter the ger, depending on the season.
We recommend bringing insect repellent spray to help keep insects away.
Traveling at Night
Toilets may be located outside the ger. Keep a small flashlight or your smartphone’s flashlight somewhere easily accessible so you can use it when walking around at night.
Shared Facilities
Depending on the tourist camp, toilets and showers may be shared facilities.
Facilities vary by accommodation, so please check the details provided for each tour.
Etiquette in Mongolia
In Mongolia, you may have opportunities to visit nomadic families in their homes.
You don’t need to memorize any complicated rules, but it’s important to remember that you are visiting someone’s home and respecting their way of life.
Photography
When taking photos of people, please ask for their permission whenever possible.
In particular, when visiting a nomadic family, avoid taking close-up photos of family members without their consent.
If a staff member is accompanying you, they can help confirm whether photography is permitted.
Inside a Ger
Please take the seat you are shown and enjoy the tea and food offered to you, as much as you feel comfortable.
Avoid touching household items or the family’s altar without permission. If you’re unsure about anything, feel free to ask your guide or accompanying staff.
You don’t need to memorize every custom or rule. A respectful attitude and a simple “Thank you for welcoming me into your home” are more than enough.
Preparing for Your Trip
Before you depart, take a moment to go through this final checklist.
Passport
Be sure to check that your passport has at least 6 months of validity remaining.
Entry requirements and visa regulations for Mongolia may change, so please check the latest information from the Mongolian government or embassy before departure. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Mongolia also publishes official information on visas and entry requirements.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is required for all customers participating in our tours.
Please check that your policy covers not only medical expenses but also accidents, emergency assistance, and rescue costs.
If you are joining a horseback riding tour with HorseCampMongolia, please also review the participation requirements on the relevant tour page.
Personal Medications
If you take any regular medications, please bring them with you from Japan.
The same medications may not be available in rural areas. For peace of mind, we recommend bringing a small supply of items you commonly use, such as motion sickness medication, stomach medicine, pain relievers, and adhesive bandages.
Useful Items to Bring
モThe following items can be useful when traveling in Mongolia:
- A warm layer you can easily put on
- A hat
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Lip balm and moisturizer
- Rain gear or a windbreaker
- A portable charger (power bank)
- A travel adapter
- Personal medications
- Wet wipes
- A small flashlight
- Insect repellent
You don’t need to prepare everything perfectly.
Simply understanding that the environment may be a little different from Japan and bringing a few essentials can make your trip to Mongolia much more comfortable.
At HorseCampMongolia, our local staff are here to support you throughout your trip, helping even first-time visitors to Mongolia feel at ease.