Ulaanbaatar Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Ulaanbaatar.
Healthcare System
Mongolia has a public healthcare system, but facilities and standards in Ulaanbaatar vary widely. Private international clinics offer higher standards of care, with English-speaking doctors, but at a significantly higher cost.
Hospitals
For tourists, private clinics are strongly recommended: Intermed Hospital (Sergelik District), SOS Medica Mongolia, and UB Songdo Hospital. These have 24/7 emergency services and English-speaking staff.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies ("emchilge") are widespread. Common medications (painkillers, cold medicine) are available over-the-counter. Bring an adequate supply of any prescription medications, along with the prescription and generic names.
Insurance
Travel insurance with complete medical coverage, including medical evacuation, is ABSOLUTELY ESSENTIAL and should be considered a requirement for visiting Mongolia.
Healthcare Tips
- Carry a copy of your insurance policy and the clinic's contact details with you at all times.
- For serious emergencies, head directly to a recommended private international clinic; do not rely on the public ambulance system for critical care.
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
The most common crime against tourists. Occurs in crowded markets, public buses, and tourist areas like the State Department Store or Gandan Monastery.
Ulaanbaatar has some of the world's worst winter air pollution (Oct-Apr) due to coal burning. PM2.5 levels are often hazardous, causing respiratory issues.
Traffic is chaotic, with aggressive driving, poor lane discipline, and frequent jaywalking. Pedestrian crossings are not always respected.
Public drunkenness, at night, can lead to aggressive behavior, fights, or opportunistic crime.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Individuals posing as plainclothes police ask to check your passport and wallet for 'counterfeit money' and steal cash during the inspection.
Taxi drivers without meters or market vendors quoting prices 5-10x higher for foreigners.
Tourists are invited for a drink, then presented with an exorbitant bill and threatened if they don't pay.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
Transportation
- Use ride-hailing apps (UBCab, UB Ride) for reliable, metered taxis.
- Avoid unofficial taxis; if you must hail one, negotiate the price firmly before entering.
- Be extremely cautious when driving; road rules are often loosely followed.
Money & Documents
- Carry a photocopy of your passport and visa. Leave the original in your hotel safe.
- Use ATMs inside banks during daylight hours to avoid skimming devices.
- Notify your bank of your travel plans to avoid card blocks.
- Carry small denominations of Mongolian Tugrik (MNT) for daily expenses.
General Precautions
- Learn a few basic Mongolian phrases (hello, thank you, how much?).
- Dress modestly when visiting monasteries and religious sites.
- Stay hydrated; the climate is very dry.
- Register with your embassy online upon arrival.
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
Ulaanbaatar is generally safe for solo women travelers, though unwanted attention (staring, comments) can occur. Violent crime against foreign women is rare, but standard precautions are advised.
- Avoid walking alone in dimly lit areas or parks after dark. Take a registered taxi.
- In bars or clubs, be cautious of accepting drinks from strangers and never leave your drink unattended.
- Dress conservatively to blend in and minimize unwanted attention, outside the city center.
- Trust your instincts. Mongolian culture is generally respectful, but if a situation feels uncomfortable, remove yourself from it.
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Homosexuality is legal in Mongolia, and discrimination based on sexual orientation is banned. However, same-sex marriage is not recognized.
- Exercise discretion. Avoid public displays of affection.
- Be cautious when discussing relationships with strangers or service providers.
- Research LGBTQ-friendly venues online, as they are few and not openly advertised.
- Double-check the policy of your accommodation if traveling with a same-sex partner, though major hotels are generally professional.
Travel Insurance
CRITICAL. Given the potential cost of private medical care and the absolute necessity of medical evacuation coverage for serious illness or injury (medical facilities outside Ulaanbaatar are very basic), complete insurance is non-negotiable.
Travel insurance for adventurous travelers • Coverage in 200+ countries