Budget/Backpacker Travel Guide: Ulaanbaatar
Experience authentic local culture on a shoestring budget with hostels, street food, and public transport
Daily Budget: $24-70 per day
Complete breakdown of costs for budget/backpacker travel in Ulaanbaatar
Accommodation
$8-25 per night
Dorm beds in backpacker hostels, basic guesthouses, or budget ger camps on city outskirts
Food & Dining
$8-20 per day
Local canteens, street food, traditional Mongolian dishes from local markets, self-catering
Transportation
$3-10 per day
Public buses, walking, shared taxis for longer distances
Activities
$5-15 per day
Free walking tours, public museums, temple visits, hiking around city outskirts
Currency: ₮ Mongolian Tugrik (MNT) - though many tourist services quote prices in USD
Budget/Backpacker Activities in Ulaanbaatar
Curated experiences perfect for your budget/backpacker travel style
Money-Saving Tips
Eat at local Mongolian canteens instead of tourist restaurants (typically 60-80% cheaper)
Use public buses and shared transport instead of private taxis (usually 70-85% savings)
Stay in ger camps outside the city center rather than downtown hotels (generally 40-60% less expensive)
Book accommodation during shoulder seasons for 25-40% discounts
Buy groceries at local markets for breakfast and snacks (can reduce food costs by 50%)
Join group tours instead of private tours (typically 60-75% cheaper per person)
Visit free attractions like Sukhbaatar Square and public temples before paying for premium sites
Common Budget Mistakes to Avoid
Only eating at hotel restaurants and tourist areas (typically costs 150-300% more than local options)
Taking taxis everywhere instead of learning the public transport system (usually 4-6x more expensive)
Booking last-minute accommodation during peak season (generally 50-100% higher rates)
Not negotiating prices at local markets and for services (can overpay by 30-50%)
Booking single-day tours instead of multi-day packages (typically 20-40% more expensive per day)