How can I communicate by phone and internet in Mongolia?
Mobile networks work well in Ulaanbaatar and major cities with Unitel, Mobicom, and Skytel operators. Local SIM cards are affordable. However, coverage drops quickly in rural areas and remote regions.
Mobile Coverage and Operators
The Mongolian mobile network offers good coverage in Ulaanbaatar and in the country's main cities. The three main operators are Unitel, Mobicom and Skytel. Local SIM cards remain very affordable and allow you to save on roaming charges.
Coverage Limitations
As soon as the traveler moves away from urban centers, mobile coverage disappears quickly. The vast expanses of Mongolian steppe and mountainous areas remain largely out of network. This reality should be anticipated when planning itinerant circuits.
Internet in Mongolia
Internet works properly in cities, with satisfactory speeds in hotels and cafes in Ulaanbaatar. On the other hand, the connection becomes very limited or non-existent in nomadic camps and remote areas of the country.
Advice from our Local Agency
For steppe circuits, inform your loved ones of periods of disconnection. Download maps and offline translators before departing for rural areas.