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's healthcare system is a mix of public and private facilities, with the best medical care concentrated in Ulaanbaatar. Public hospitals provide basic care but often lack modern equipment and English-speaking staff. Private clinics and hospitals offer higher standards of care with English-speaking doctors, though at significantly higher costs.
Hospitals
For tourists, recommended facilities include SOS Medica Mongolia (24/7 emergency care, Western-trained doctors), Intermed Hospital (modern private hospital), and the Songdo Hospital (Korean-operated). The State Central Clinical Hospital is the main public facility but is best avoided unless absolutely necessary. Most private facilities require upfront payment or proof of insurance.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies (эмийн сан - 'emiin san') are widely available throughout the city, with many open late. Common medications are available, though brand names may differ. Bring prescriptions for any regular medications, and note that some Western medications may not be available. Pharmacists often speak limited English, so having medication names written in Mongolian or showing pictures helps.
Insurance
Travel insurance with comprehensive medical coverage and emergency evacuation is strongly recommended and essential for travel to Mongolia. Medical evacuation alone can cost $50,000-100,000 USD. Ensure your policy covers adventure activities if planning trips outside the city.
Healthcare Tips
- Bring a sufficient supply of prescription medications as specific brands may be unavailable
- Carry hand sanitizer and practice good hygiene, as sanitation standards vary
- Drink only bottled or boiled water; tap water is not safe for drinking
- Private clinics require payment upfront or insurance guarantees - keep insurance documents accessible
- Air pollution can exacerbate respiratory conditions; consider bringing masks during winter months
- Altitude (1,350m/4,430ft) may affect some visitors; allow time to acclimatize
- Keep copies of prescriptions and medical records in English and digitally stored
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Pickpocketing and bag snatching are the most common crimes affecting tourists, particularly in crowded locations. Thieves often work in groups, with one person creating a distraction while another steals belongings. Theft from bags, pockets, and even grabbed items are reported regularly.
While violent crime against tourists is uncommon, muggings and assaults can occur, particularly at night in poorly lit areas or when victims appear intoxicated. Groups of young men have occasionally targeted lone individuals, especially in entertainment districts late at night.
Traffic in Ulaanbaatar is chaotic with aggressive driving, poorly maintained vehicles, and minimal adherence to traffic rules. Pedestrian crossings are often ignored by drivers. Roads can be hazardous with potholes, unmarked construction, and inadequate lighting. Drunk driving is a significant problem, especially on weekends.
Ulaanbaatar experiences some of the world's worst air pollution during winter months (November-March), with PM2.5 levels often exceeding safe limits by 10-20 times. The pollution comes from coal heating in ger districts, vehicle emissions, and power plants. This poses serious health risks, especially for children, elderly, and those with respiratory conditions.
Winter temperatures regularly drop to -30°C to -40°C (-22°F to -40°F) from December to February, creating serious risk of frostbite and hypothermia within minutes of exposure. Many tourists underestimate the severity of the cold.
Ulaanbaatar's infrastructure is developing, resulting in physical hazards including open manholes (sometimes uncovered or poorly marked), uneven sidewalks, missing pavement sections, construction zones without adequate signage, and poor street lighting in many areas.
At 1,350 meters (4,430 feet), Ulaanbaatar's elevation can cause mild altitude-related symptoms in some visitors, including headaches, fatigue, and shortness of breath, particularly when combined with air pollution.
Packs of stray dogs roam some areas of the city, particularly in ger districts and outskirts. While most are not aggressive, they can be territorial and may pose rabies risk. Dog bites do occur occasionally.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Unlicensed or unscrupulous taxi drivers quote inflated fares to tourists who don't know local prices, or take unnecessarily long routes. Some drivers claim the meter is broken. Airport taxis are particularly known for overcharging.
Unofficial money changers on the street offer attractive rates but use sleight of hand to shortchange victims, swap bills, or provide counterfeit currency. Some work near the State Department Store or markets.
Individuals approach tourists offering cheap tours to countryside or attractions, then provide substandard service, change itineraries, demand extra payments, or disappear with deposits. Some use fake offices or websites.
Friendly locals (often attractive women) invite solo male travelers to a bar or nightclub, encourage ordering expensive drinks, then the victim receives an exorbitant bill. Aggressive staff may intimidate victims into paying.
One person creates a distraction (spilling something, asking for directions, showing a petition, dropping items) while an accomplice steals from bags or pockets. Children sometimes work in groups for this scam.
Individuals posing as plainclothes police officers approach tourists, claim to be investigating counterfeit money or drugs, and demand to inspect wallets or passports, then steal money or personal information.
Hotels or guesthouses show attractive photos online but provide inferior rooms, claim the booked room is unavailable and offer a worse alternative at the same price, or add unexpected fees.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
General Safety
- Register with your embassy upon arrival for emergency notifications
- Keep copies of important documents (passport, visa, insurance) both physical and digital
- Share your itinerary with family or friends back home
- Learn basic Mongolian phrases or use translation apps as English is limited outside tourist areas
- Keep emergency numbers saved in your phone with local SIM card
- Carry small bills as change can be difficult to obtain
- Be respectful of local customs, particularly at religious sites
- Download offline maps as internet can be unreliable in some areas
Money and Valuables
- Use hotel safes for passports and excess cash
- Carry only what you need for the day; leave other valuables secured
- Use ATMs inside banks during business hours rather than street ATMs
- Notify your bank of travel plans to avoid card blocks
- Carry backup payment methods (multiple cards, some cash)
- Keep emergency cash hidden separately from wallet
- Photograph credit cards and important documents in case of loss
- Be discreet when handling money in public
Transportation Safety
- Use official taxi services or ride-sharing apps; avoid unmarked vehicles
- Always wear seatbelts; many vehicles lack working belts in back seats
- Avoid traveling by road outside the city after dark
- If renting a car, ensure comprehensive insurance and check vehicle condition thoroughly
- Be extremely cautious crossing streets; look both ways multiple times
- Keep taxi doors locked while in vehicle
- Take photo of taxi license plate and share with someone when traveling alone
- Public buses are cheap but crowded and prime targets for pickpockets - keep bags secure
Food and Water Safety
- Drink only bottled, boiled, or filtered water; avoid ice in drinks
- Choose busy restaurants with high turnover of food
- Be cautious with street food; ensure it's freshly cooked and hot
- Wash hands frequently or use hand sanitizer before eating
- Avoid raw vegetables unless you can peel them yourself
- Dairy products should be pasteurized; be cautious with traditional dairy in countryside
- Meat should be thoroughly cooked; undercooked meat can carry parasites
- Bring anti-diarrheal medication and rehydration salts just in case
Accommodation Safety
- Choose accommodations in central, well-lit areas
- Check that rooms have working locks and secure windows
- Know emergency exits and evacuation procedures
- Keep room number private; don't announce it in public areas
- Use door chain or portable door lock for added security
- Don't let strangers into your room, including those claiming to be staff without verification
- Keep valuables out of sight even in locked rooms
- Choose higher floors when possible (above ground level but below 7th floor for fire safety)
Communication
- Purchase a local SIM card for reliable communication (Mobicom, Unitel, or Skytel)
- Download offline translation apps (Google Translate with Mongolian language pack)
- Have hotel address written in Mongolian for showing taxi drivers
- Save important contacts including embassy, accommodation, and tour operator
- Keep phone charged; carry portable battery pack
- Learn basic Mongolian phrases for emergencies
- WiFi is available in most hotels and cafes but can be slow
- Consider portable WiFi device for constant connectivity
Cultural Sensitivity
- Remove shoes when entering gers (traditional homes) and some buildings
- Don't point feet at people or sacred objects; avoid stepping on thresholds
- Accept offerings with right hand or both hands, never left hand alone
- Ask permission before photographing people, especially monks or at religious sites
- Dress modestly when visiting monasteries; cover shoulders and knees
- Don't touch people's heads, including children
- Walk clockwise around monasteries and stupas
- Be respectful during Naadam Festival and religious ceremonies
Seasonal Preparation
- Winter (Nov-Mar): Bring extreme cold weather gear; expect air pollution; book heated accommodation
- Spring (Apr-May): Prepare for dust storms and temperature fluctuations; layer clothing
- Summer (Jun-Aug): Best weather but book early as peak season; bring sun protection and rain gear
- Autumn (Sep-Oct): Beautiful weather but gets cold quickly; prepare for temperature drops
- Check seasonal events and book accommodation early during Naadam Festival (July)
- Winter visitors should have contingency plans for flight delays due to weather
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
Mongolia generally respects women and female travelers report relatively positive experiences compared to some other Asian destinations. Ulaanbaatar is reasonably safe for women traveling solo or in groups, with violent crime against women being uncommon. However, standard precautions are essential, and harassment (catcalling, unwanted attention) can occur, particularly in nightlife areas or from intoxicated individuals. Mongolian women have relatively high status in society, and foreign women are usually treated with curiosity and respect rather than hostility.
- Dress modestly, especially outside tourist areas and at religious sites; conservative clothing attracts less attention
- Avoid walking alone after dark; use registered taxis or ride-sharing apps for evening transportation
- Be cautious in bars and nightclubs; don't accept drinks from strangers; watch your drink being prepared
- Book accommodations in central, well-reviewed areas; check security features before booking
- Trust your instincts; remove yourself from uncomfortable situations immediately
- Consider joining group tours or activities to meet other travelers
- Keep phone charged and have emergency numbers readily accessible
- Wear a fake wedding ring if it makes you more comfortable
- Be firm but polite when declining unwanted attention; Mongolian men may be persistent but usually respect clear boundaries
- Avoid excessive alcohol consumption which makes you more vulnerable
- Share itinerary with family/friends; check in regularly
- Carry a whistle or personal alarm for emergencies
- In taxis, sit in back seat and keep doors locked; share taxi details with someone
- Be aware that some local men may view foreign women as more 'available'; maintain clear boundaries
- Women-only accommodations or female dorm rooms are available in some hostels
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Homosexuality is legal in Mongolia with no specific laws criminalizing same-sex relationships. The age of consent is equal (16) regardless of sexual orientation. However, there are no legal protections against discrimination, and same-sex marriage or civil unions are not recognized. Mongolia has no hate crime legislation specifically protecting LGBTQ+ individuals.
- Exercise discretion with public displays of affection; avoid holding hands or kissing in public
- LGBTQ+ venues are limited and operate discreetly; research current options before visiting
- Don't assume acceptance; many locals have limited exposure to openly LGBTQ+ individuals
- Book accommodations in advance; some guesthouses or hotels may be unwelcoming
- Consider booking separate beds/rooms if concerned about discrimination
- Connect with local LGBTQ+ organizations online for current information and advice (LGBT Centre Mongolia)
- Be cautious about sharing personal information regarding sexual orientation or gender identity
- Dating apps should be used with caution; meet in public places; some users may not be genuine
- Transgender travelers may face additional challenges; bring sufficient medication and documentation
- Embassy support may be limited; research your embassy's stance on LGBTQ+ issues before traveling
- Rural areas and countryside are more conservative than Ulaanbaatar
- Focus on the cultural and natural attractions rather than expecting an LGBTQ+-friendly scene
- Connect with other LGBTQ+ travelers for support and shared experiences
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is absolutely essential for visiting Ulaanbaatar and Mongolia. The country's limited medical facilities mean serious conditions require expensive medical evacuation to Bangkok, Seoul, or Beijing, which can cost $50,000-100,000 USD. Even routine medical care at private clinics requires upfront payment. Additionally, extreme weather can cause flight delays or cancellations, and winter conditions create risks of cold-related injuries. The remote nature of countryside travel adds further risks. Without proper insurance, medical emergencies could result in catastrophic expenses or inadequate care.
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