Language

The official language of Mongolia is Mongolian, although many of the nomadic tribes speak their own unique tongues or dialects.

Currency

The official currency of Mongolia is the togrog, with banks in the cities happy to exchange US dollars and other major currency, as well as advance money via credit or debit cards. For large transactions such as accommodation and tours, US dollars are acceptable, with euro also taken but less frequently. Street-side money-changing is best avoided for obvious reasons and since the togrog is worthless outside of Mongolia be sure to spend all your local money before you leave. A few ATMs are found in Ulan Bator, but the banks are the best place to withdraw cash. Card payments are accepted at upscale venues and stores, but cash is king everywhere else in the country.

Time

Mongolia Standard Time is eight hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT +8).

Electricity

Mongolia uses electricity at 220-240 V/50 Hz, with sockets accepting Europlug and Schuko plugs. Visitors from the US will need a step-down transformer and possible plug converter, while those from the UK will need just a converter.

Communications

The international dialing code for Mongolia is +976, followed by an area code and the phone number. Cell phones are becoming more popular with G-Mobile and Skytel operating on CDMA networks and Unitel on GSM. Coverage outside the cities is improving steadily as the government prefers to install cheap masts rather than landlines. Any unlocked cell phone will be able to use a Mongolian SIM card.

Duty-free

Arrivals to Mongolia are allowed to bring: 200 cigarettes plus 50 cigars or 250 g of tobacco, one liter of spirits, two liters of wine, three liters of beer, and gifts up to a value of US $1,000.

Tourist Office

Mongolia National Tourism Board: +976-51-267-545 or http://www.mongoliatourism.gov.mn/

Consulates in Mongolia

US Embassy, Ulan Bator: +976-11-329-095
Australian Consulate, Ulan Bator: +976-99-165-764
Canadian Consulate, Ulan Bator: +976-11-328-289
British Embassy, Ulan Bator: +976-11-458-133

Emergency

Police: 102
Fire: 101
Medical: 103