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Communication Essentials

Communication Essentials

Mongolia

Mobile & Internet

Mobile coverage is good in Ulaanbaatar and provincial centers. Expect to be offline for significant periods in the Gobi.

Connectivity Details

  • SIM cards readily available in Ulaanbaatar with passport.
  • Wi-Fi limited in Gobi, some luxury camps have slow satellite internet.
  • Satellite phone recommended for deep Gobi expeditions.

ESIM & Portable WiFi

Stay Connected

Language & Translation

Many people in the tourism industry speak English, but English is limited in the Gobi.

Phrases

  • Hello: Sain Bainuu (Сайн байна уу) – "Sighn bah-ee-noo"
  • Thank you: Bayarlalaa (Баярлалаа) – "Bayar-lah-lah"
  • How much?: Heden tugrug ve? (Хэдэн төгрөг вэ?) – "Hed-en tog-rog veh?"

Learning Resources

Enhance your cultural immersion by learning some Mongolian phrases before your trip.

Study & Prepare

  • Learn Mongolian with Rosetta Stone for comprehensive language study.
  • Download the Mongolian language pack for offline use on Google Translate.
  • A phrasebook also beneficial.

Important Phrases

Basic Greetings

  • Yes: Tiim (Тийм) – "Teem"
  • No: Ugui (Үгүй) – "Oh-gooy"
  • Please: Uuchlaarai (Уучлаарай) - "Ooch-lah-rai" (excuse me / sorry)
  • Water: Us (Ус) – "Oos"

Cultural Notes

  • Do not step on the threshold of a ger.
  • Do not point your feet towards the fire or an altar.
  • Do not whistle indoors.
  • Accept offered tea or food as hospitality.

Communication Tip

Download offline Mongolian language packs for translation apps before your trip.

Travel Logistics

Navigating daily operations and services in the Gobi.

Business Hours

Banks typically 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (weekdays). Shops 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM in towns. Ger Camps operate 24/7 during tourist season.

Banking & ATMs

ATMs are available in Dalanzadgad and other provincial centers. Cash is preferred in rural Gobi areas.

Seasonal & Holidays

Tsagaan Sar and Naadam Festival are major national holidays with business closures. Many ger camps close from late October to late April.

Airport Lounge Access

Enhance your airport experience with comfortable lounge access.

Benefits

  • Access to comfortable airport lounges.
  • Complimentary food and drinks.
  • Relaxing environment before flights. Priority Pass

Flight Disruption Compensation

Seek compensation for flight disruptions like delays or cancellations.

When to Claim

  • Flight delays.
  • Cancellations.
  • Denied boarding. Compensair

Accessibility in the Gobi

Challenges

  • Limited infrastructure for mobility challenges.
  • Rough roads and uneven terrain.
  • Basic ger camp facilities.

Considerations

  • Most attractions require walking over uneven ground.
  • 4x4 vehicles are the only transport option.
  • Consult with specialized accessible travel agencies.

Important Note

Consult tour operators about specific needs to assess feasibility and plan accommodations for accessibility.

Etiquette & Cultural Norms

Interacting respectfully with the nomadic culture a core part of responsible travel in the Gobi.

Greeting Customs

Observe local customs for respectful interactions.

Practice Courtesy

  • Shake hands gently.
  • When greeting elders, support their elbow with your left hand.
  • Always enter a ger with your right foot first.

Appropriate Attire

Choose clothing that respects local norms and practical for the desert environment.

Dressing for the Gobi

  • Modest, functional clothing is best for the Gobi.
  • When visiting monasteries, cover your shoulders and knees.
  • Remove hats indoors, especially in gers or sacred places.

Photography Ethics

Be discreet and respectful with your camera, especially when photographing people.

Guidelines

  • Always ask permission before photographing people or their property.
  • Be respectful at monasteries; photography sometimes restricted or fee required.
  • Strictly forbidden at military or border areas.

Taboos & Sensitive Topics

Avoid actions and discussions that could cause offense in local culture.

What to Avoid

  • Do not turn your back to the altar in a ger.
  • Avoid discussing sensitive political topics.
  • Mongolia is generally conservative; public displays of affection are rare.

Important Cultural Sensitivity

LGBTQ+ Information

  • LGBTQ+ rights exist in law in Mongolia.
  • Societal acceptance, especially in rural areas like the Gobi, is still developing.
  • Discretion is advisable for same-sex couples in public settings.

General Taboos

  • Do not turn your back to the altar in a ger.
  • Do not whistle indoors.
  • Do not refuse hospitality directly; accept offered tea or food.

Dining & Tipping

Dining Customs

  • Traditional Mongolian meals are hearty.
  • Accept offered food and drink as a gesture of goodwill.
  • Show appreciation for hospitality.

Tipping Practices

  • Tipping is customary for tour guides and drivers.
  • Consider tipping ger camp staff for good service.
  • No fixed percentage, use your discretion.

Accommodation & Services

Discover where to stay and what services to expect in the Gobi Desert.

Ger Camps

The main accommodation type in the Gobi, offering an unique cultural experience.

Types & Amenities

  • Standard Ger Camps: Basic, shared facilities.
  • Luxury Ger Camps: More amenities, private bathrooms.
  • Authentic nomadic gers with comfortable beds.

Dining at Camps

Meals at ger camps typically feature traditional Mongolian cuisine.

Culinary Experience

  • Meat-heavy dishes (mutton, beef).
  • Dairy products (yogurt, dried curds).
  • Salty milk tea (suutei tsai).

Essential Supplies

What to pack and where to obtain necessities for your Gobi adventure.

Packing List

  • Sufficient bottled water (limited supply in Gobi).
  • Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses for desert sun.
  • Insect repellent (especially for evenings).

Local Shopping

Small shops in Gobi towns stock basic necessities and local crafts.

Where to Buy

  • Dalanzadgad: Largest town for supplies.
  • Support local businesses by purchasing here.
  • Handicrafts available from artisans.

Gobi Experience Tip

Embrace the unique experience of staying in a traditional ger. It connects you deeply with the nomadic way of life.