What Essentials to Pack for Your Mongolia Trip

If you're planning a trip to Mongolia, there are a few things you should consider packing to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable trip. Here are some general guidelines to follow:

1. Clothing: Pack lightweight, breathable clothing that can be layered. Mongolia can experience extreme temperature fluctuations, ranging from +30°C in the daytime to +3°C at nighttime, especially in the northern territory. Therefore, it's important to be prepared for both hot and cold weather. It is highly recommend outdoor clothing from reputable brands such as Patagonia, Rab, North Face, Jack Wolfskin, Spyder, Helly Hansen, and Arc'teryx, among others. If you prefer to pack light, you can buy warm clothes locally. Consider investing in a traditional Deel as a special gift for yourself. You can find Deel from Narantuul Market or from the State Department Store in the city center.
2. Footwear: Comfortable, sturdy shoes are essential for exploring Mongolia's rugged terrain. If you'll be spending time in the city, consider bringing a pair of smart-casual shoes. There's no need to pack flip flops.
3. Personal items: Be sure to pack all your personal items, including toiletries, medications, mosquito spray, and other essentials. Don't forget sunscreen, as the sun can be quite intense in Mongolia. While you can purchase these items locally, be aware that prices might be two to three times higher due to importation.
4. Travel documents: Besides your passport and visa, ensure you bring any other necessary documents, such as a guide for getting around, and medical records. It's always a good idea to have travel insurance when traveling abroad, in case of any unexpected emergencies or issues. WorldNomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance at reasonable price.
5. Money: When traveling to Mongolia, it's recommended to carry both cash and a credit or debit card, since not all places accept card payments. It's wise to have a mixture of both smaller denominations and larger bills. Additionally, consider using digital-only bank cards such as Revolut, Monzo, or Wise. These cards can be loaded as required and are easily replaceable in case they are lost. The last thing you'd want is for your primary bank card to get swallowed by a local ATM. When withdrawing money in Mongolia, it's advisable to use banks like Golomt and Trade & Development, as they are more internationally friendly.
6. Electronics: If you're bringing any electronic devices, don't forget to pack the necessary chargers and adapters. For power socket Mongolia predominantly uses the Type C plug, which has the 2 round pins, and the Type E plug, which has the additional earth pin. The standard voltage is 230V, running at 50Hz frequency. Most usb based plug can be purchased in Mongolia.
7. Telephone & Sim Card: Be sure to bring a phone that can accept any sim card on any band. You can purchase a local mobile SIM card at the airport or from the State Department Store (also widely available throughout the country). Monthly prepaid SIM cards typically cost around $8-10 for unlimited talk and text, with 12-24GB of data included. There are four main telecom providers in Mongolia: Mobicom (the first ever), Unitel, Skytel, and G-Mobile. All offer 3G, 4G, and limited 5G coverage.

What you should not pack for Mongolia

Here are some items you should not pack for Mongolia, and instead purchase these locally.

1. Wet wipes, toilet paper and hand sanitiser.
2. Too much gadgets such as laptops, ipad, and multiple cameras and lenses. Instead, leave space for clothing or small gifts.
3. Snacks and sweets.

By following these general guidelines, you should be well-prepared for your trip to Mongolia.