Communication in Mongolia
Telephone. The country code for Mongolia is 00976. It is relatively straightforward to make international calls from Ulaanbaatar. Most hotels have direct international phone lines. Outside the capital, making calls becomes challenging. Unless you speak some Mongolian or Russian, or travel with a guide, communication can be difficult.
Telephone. The country code for Mongolia is 00976. Making international calls from Ulaanbaatar is relatively straightforward. Most hotels offer direct international phone lines. Outside the capital, however, placing calls becomes considerably more difficult. Unless you speak some Mongolian or Russian, or have a guide accompanying you, communication can prove challenging. Additionally, telephones may not function reliably. Ulaanbaatar's area code is 11. Some international phone cards provide instructions in English. International phone cards cost between 5,000 and 20,000 Tugrik.
Mobile phone. Mongolia uses the GSM mobile network. If you bring a GSM-compatible phone, you can insert a Mongolian SIM card and make calls without difficulty. If you opt not to purchase a local Mongolian card, be aware that roaming can be unreliable. Even with an international plan from your European provider, it is not guaranteed that you will be able to use your phone through your carrier's network. To call abroad from Mongolia, dial 001 followed by your country code. For example, to call France, dial 00133 + your contact's phone number (omitting the initial 0). Three operators serve Mongolia: Mobicom, Skytel, and G-Mobile. GSM coverage is gradually improving across Mongolia. During your journey, you will regularly encounter covered areas, particularly near provincial towns and villages.
Internet. Ulaanbaatar is now well-connected to the internet, and most hotels and guesthouses offer free, high-speed Wi-Fi. Internet cafés remain available in cities, though they are becoming less common with the proliferation of Wi-Fi. The 3G network functions reliably. Outside the capital, you can access internet cafés in provincial capitals. In smaller villages, internet remains—mercifully—unavailable.
Fax. Business centers in major Ulaanbaatar hotels charge between 6,000 and 7,000 MNT (approximately €3 to €3.50) to send a one-page fax abroad, and around 1,000 MNT (approximately €0.50) to receive one. The Central Post Office is less convenient but more affordable (approximately 4,000 MNT, or €2). Outside the capital, fax services are essentially unavailable.
