you pay the tour fee in cash (US dollars or Mongolian tugrik) on arrival in Mongolia<\/strong> \u2014 no payment is needed when you book. Please bring the amount in cash.<\/p>\nIf you plan to explore Ulaanbaatar on your own, eat out or travel to other regions, it’s a good idea to carry some tugrik.<\/p>\n
Which Currencies Can You Use?<\/h2>\n
The tugrik is the main currency. US dollars are accepted in some places, such as some hotels, but you should think of the tugrik as the default for everyday payments.<\/p>\n
Where to Change Money<\/h2>\nAt the airport<\/h3>\n
![\"Currency](\"https:\/\/mongol-jyouba-gakkou.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/IMG_0848-scaled.jpg\")
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There is a 24-hour exchange desk on the 1st floor of the arrivals hall at Chinggis Khaan International Airport. The rate is a little worse than in the city, but for convenience we recommend changing some money right after you land. In summer, though, the queue can get long.<\/p>\n
Cash withdrawal at an ATM<\/h3>\n
![\"ATMs](\"https:\/\/mongol-jyouba-gakkou.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/IMG_6180-scaled.jpg\")
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You can also get tugrik without changing money by withdrawing cash from an ATM with your debit or credit card. Credit card cash advances usually charge interest from day one, so pay them back as soon as you can. Check the fees with your card issuer before you travel.<\/p>\n
Things to watch out for at ATMs<\/h3>\n
The machine may keep your card<\/strong>
\nAt the old airport, ATMs sometimes swallowed cards. We don’t know whether this still happens at the new airport, but once a card is swallowed, you can only get it back during bank opening hours \u2014 so at night, you’ll have to wait until the next day. If it happens, wait there to see whether the card comes back out; if it doesn’t, call your card company to block it.<\/p>\nI’ve used ATMs in Mongolia many times and it has never happened to me, but I have seen it happen to someone else. Newer machines seem less likely to do this, but it’s a risk worth knowing about. Bringing a second card is a good backup.<\/p>\n
Withdrawal limits<\/strong>
\nCheck your card’s daily withdrawal or cash advance limit before you leave. If it’s low, ask your bank to raise it \u2014 this can take a few days, so do it early.<\/p>\nBe aware of your surroundings<\/strong>
\nMore than ten years ago there were cases of people being robbed after using an ATM. We rarely hear of this now, but don’t let people see where you put a large amount of cash. Skilled pickpockets in Mongolia can take the money out of your wallet without you noticing.<\/p>\nChanging Money in Ulaanbaatar<\/h2>\n
In Ulaanbaatar you can change money at banks, hotels and exchange shops. US dollars, euros and other major currencies are easy to exchange.<\/p>\n
Banks<\/h3>\n
Banks are everywhere in the city and easy to spot \u2014 just look for the word “BANK.” Queues can be long, and it may take up to an hour. You’ll need your passport, so don’t forget it.<\/p>\n
Hotels<\/h3>\n
Many hotels can change money. The rate is usually the worst, but there’s rarely a queue. For small amounts the difference is minor, so it’s handy if you’re short on time.<\/p>\n
Exchange shops<\/h3>\n
Private exchange shops usually offer better rates than banks, so they’re the best choice for larger amounts. Exchange shops are often clustered on the same street, and each one shows its current rates on a board.<\/p>\n
The board shows two numbers for each currency. Look at the “\u0410\u0412\u0410\u0425” (buy) column for your currency and compare a few shops \u2014 the higher the number, the more tugrik you get.<\/p>\n
Show your money to the staff and they’ll show you the amount on a calculator. Always count the money you receive on the spot. Foreigners are sometimes given a little less than they should be.<\/p>\n
You may see people standing outside exchange shops holding cash, offering a better rate than the shop. We recommend not using them. In the past, there was a case where someone took the money, shouted “Police!” and ran off with it.<\/p>\n
Watch out for pickpockets after changing money<\/strong>
\nPut your money away inside the shop and leave quickly. Pickpockets may be watching.<\/p>\nExchanging money outside Ulaanbaatar<\/h3>\n
You can also change money in regional towns, at banks and ATMs in the town center. These towns are not especially dangerous, but if people notice you’re carrying a lot of cash, someone might be tempted \u2014 so be careful, for everyone’s sake.<\/p>\n
If an ATM in a regional town swallows your card, it is very unlikely you will get it back. It’s safest to withdraw what you need in Ulaanbaatar.<\/p>\n
Using Credit Cards in Mongolia<\/h2>\nWhich cards are accepted?<\/h3>\n
Visa and Mastercard are the most widely accepted. JCB and American Express are accepted in far fewer places, so bring a Visa or Mastercard if you can.<\/p>\n
![\"Mongolian](\"https:\/\/mongol-jyouba-gakkou.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/14712234536542.jpg\")
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