How do I get to Mongolia?

Chinggis Khaan International Airport (UBN) in Ulaanbaatar is the main gateway. Direct flights operate from Seoul (Korean Air, MIAT), Beijing (Air China, MIAT), Tokyo (MIAT), Moscow (Aeroflot, MIAT), and Istanbul (Turkish Airlines). There are no direct flights from North America or most of Europe — transit through Seoul or Istanbul is most common.

What is the best time of year to move to Mongolia?

May through September is ideal — temperatures are warm (15–30°C), the countryside is green, and Naadam Festival (July) is a spectacular cultural introduction. Avoid arriving in December–February unless necessary — temperatures of -30°C to -40°C make the settling-in process significantly more challenging.

Should I bring a car to Mongolia?

Generally no — importing a vehicle is expensive and bureaucratically complex. Used cars are available in UB (mostly Toyota Land Cruisers and Priuses), and taxis are very cheap. If you plan extensive countryside travel, buy or rent a vehicle locally. Right-hand drive vehicles are common despite Mongolia driving on the right.

How do I handle the extreme cold when I arrive in winter?

Invest in quality layering: thermal base layer, fleece mid-layer, and a serious down jacket. Insulated boots rated to -40°C are essential. Cover all exposed skin. Your apartment will be heated by the district heating system (usually 20–22°C indoors). The cold is manageable with proper clothing — locals thrive in it year-round.

Is there an expat community in Ulaanbaatar?

Yes — small but active. The 'Expats in Mongolia' Facebook group is the main hub with ~5,000 members. Regular meetups, pub nights, and cultural events happen throughout the year. The community includes diplomats, NGO workers, teachers, mining professionals, and a growing number of digital nomads. Most expats describe the community as tight-knit and welcoming.

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🇲🇳 Mongolia

Moving Guide

Moving to Mongolia requires preparation for extreme conditions, limited infrastructure, and a different pace of bureaucracy. Pack for -40°C winters, arrive with cash reserves, and plan for a transition period as you navigate registration, housing, and daily logistics in a country that doesn't cater to mass expat arrivals..

30 days

Visa-Free Entry

Most nationalities

12–20+ hours

Flight to UB

From Europe/Americas

$3,000–$8,000

Shipping Container

20ft from US/Europe

2–4 weeks

Settling-In Period

For basic setup

Last updated: March 2026

Overview🏙️Ulaanbaatar 🏭Darkhan

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Overview

Key Takeaways

Research your visa options: tourist (30 days), work visa (employer-sponsored), or business visa
Winter essentials: down jacket (-30°C rated), thermal base layers, insulated boots, wool hat, fleece balaclava, thick gloves
Day 1: Get a local SIM card at the airport (MobiCom or Unitel) — prepaid plans from ₮10,000 ($3)
Full container (20ft) from US/Europe: $3,000–$8,000 depending on origin and route

Planning Your Move — Before You Leave

Moving to Mongolia requires more advance planning than most destinations. The extreme climate, limited international shipping, and unique bureaucratic requirements mean you should start preparing at least 2–3 months before your planned departure. If you're going for work, your employer will likely handle much of the logistics.

Research your visa options: tourist (30 days), work visa (employer-sponsored), or business visa
Book a flight to Ulaanbaatar: direct flights from Seoul (3 hr), Beijing (2 hr), Tokyo (5 hr), Moscow (5.5 hr), Istanbul (8 hr)
No direct flights from the Americas or most of Europe — transit through Seoul, Beijing, or Istanbul
Arrange temporary accommodation for your first 2 weeks (hotel or Airbnb)
Get vaccinations: hepatitis A/B, typhoid, rabies recommended; consult a travel clinic
Purchase international health insurance with medevac coverage before departure
Download offline maps — Google Maps has limited coverage of Mongolia; maps.me is more reliable

What to Bring (and What to Leave Behind)

Packing for Mongolia means preparing for extreme temperatures — from +35°C in summer to -40°C in winter. Specialized winter clothing is available in UB but quality varies. Many expats bring their core winter wardrobe from home and supplement locally.

Winter essentials: down jacket (-30°C rated), thermal base layers, insulated boots, wool hat, fleece balaclava, thick gloves
Quality winter gear: The North Face, Patagonia, and similar brands are hard to find in UB — bring from home
Local cashmere: Mongolia is the world's cashmere capital — buy sweaters, scarves, and layers locally at factory outlets
Air purifier: essential for winter months — bring a portable HEPA filter or buy locally (available at E-Mart)
Medications: bring a 6-month supply of any prescription medications — not all are available in Mongolia
Electronics: bring converters for Type C/E plugs (220V, 50Hz); reliable electronics are expensive locally
Books and entertainment: English-language books are limited in UB — load up your Kindle

Your First Weeks in Mongolia

The first weeks in Mongolia are about setting up practical essentials — SIM card, bank account, housing — while adjusting to a very different pace of life. Be patient with bureaucracy and rely on the expat community for guidance.

Day 1: Get a local SIM card at the airport (MobiCom or Unitel) — prepaid plans from ₮10,000 ($3)
Day 1–3: Register with local police if staying at a private residence (hotels do this automatically)
Week 1: Apartment hunt — use Facebook groups, Unegui.mn, and word of mouth
Week 1–2: Open a bank account at Khan Bank or Golomt Bank (passport + visa required)
Week 2: Set up utilities and internet in your new apartment
Week 2–3: Explore the city — visit Narantuul Market, Sukhbaatar Square, Gandan Monastery
Ongoing: Join expat groups — 'Expats in Mongolia' Facebook group is the main hub

Shipping Belongings to Mongolia

Shipping to Mongolia is more complex and expensive than to most destinations due to its landlocked location. Most shipments route through China (Tianjin port) or Russia, adding time and customs complexity. Many expats choose to bring essentials in luggage and buy the rest locally.

Full container (20ft) from US/Europe: $3,000–$8,000 depending on origin and route
Transit time: 6–12 weeks by sea + overland (via China or Russia)
Air freight: faster (1–2 weeks) but expensive at $8–$15/kg
Customs clearance: can be slow and unpredictable — use a Mongolian customs broker
Import duties: vary by item category; personal effects may qualify for duty-free if you have a residency visa
Most expats bring: clothing, electronics, medications, and sentimental items in checked luggage
Buy locally: furniture, kitchenware, bedding — available cheaply at Narantuul Market and E-Mart

FAQs