Mongolia
Money in Mongolia: currency, ATMs, cards and tipping
Use the Mongolian tögrög (MNT, ₮) for most purchases; in Ulaanbaatar hotels, malls and larger restaurants cards work, but carry cash for markets, taxis and rural trips. Plan ahead: ATMs are common in the capital but rare outside it, so withdraw enough before heading to the steppe.
More
GuideMongolia
Key facts
- Currency
- Mongolian tögrög (MNT, ₮)
- Cash necessity rating
- 3 (high)
- ATMs in Ulaanbaatar
- Common, withdraw before countryside travel
- ATMs outside UB
- Rare, plan cash ahead
- Card acceptance
- Hotels, malls, larger restaurants in UB; limited elsewhere
- Typical tipcheck
- 5‑10 % of bill or round up to nearest ₮10,000
Quick answer
Mongolia uses the tögrög (MNT, ₮). In Ulaanbaatar you can pay with Visa/Mastercard in most hotels, malls and upscale eateries; elsewhere cash is essential.
ATMs and card use
ATMs are plentiful in Ulaanbaatar and some provincial centres; they dispense tögrög and accept foreign cards. Outside the capital they are scarce, so withdraw enough cash before heading to the steppe.
Banks and licensed exchange counters handle currency conversion; avoid street dealers. Most hotels, larger restaurants and shops in the capital accept Visa and Mastercard, but rural guest‑houses, markets and taxis are cash‑only.
- Ulaanbaatar: ATMs every 1‑2 km in city centre.
- Provincial towns (Erdenet, Darkhan): 1‑2 ATMs, check before travel.
- Rural areas: no ATMs, plan cash for meals, guides, transport.
Tipping in Mongolia
Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated. In restaurants, round up the bill or leave 5‑10 % for good service. Guides and drivers typically receive a tip of ₮10,000‑20,000 per day, depending on the length of the tour.
For hotel staff, a tip of ₮5,000‑10,000 per bag or per night is common.
Questions people ask
What currency is used in Mongolia?
The official currency is the Mongolian tögrög (MNT, ₮).
Should I use cash or a card in Mongolia?
Use a card in Ulaanbaatar hotels, malls and larger restaurants; carry cash for markets, taxis, ger camps and any travel outside the capital.
How much should I tip in Mongolia?
Round up restaurant bills or add 5–10%; give guides ₮10,000–20,000 per day and hotel staff ₮5,000–10,000 per service.
Can I exchange foreign currency in Mongolia?
Yes, at banks and licensed exchange counters in Ulaanbaatar and provincial centres. Avoid street dealers. Hotels often exchange at a poorer rate.
Are US dollars accepted in Mongolia?
Some tours and ger camps quote in US dollars but usually charge in tögrög at the day's rate. Always agree the currency before paying a deposit.
Check live
Prices, schedules, rules and availability change. Open these to confirm today's details before you book.
Deep dive
Every source; changeable facts are marked check
Sources
- secondaryVoykit – Mongolia guide
Ask about Mongolia
Loading…
Was this useful?