If you are planning a trip to Mongolia from Singapore, be prepared for a very different pace and way of doing things. This guide shares the key insights from our journey to help you avoid surprises and enjoy the experience to the fullest.

In this guide:

• Cash and payments
• Getting around Ulaanbataar
• The Mongolian sense of time
• Shopping and the Black Market
• English and translation apps
• Buying cashmere in Mongolia

1. Mongolia is Still a Cash-First Destination

If you are used to life in Singapore, where paying by phone is almost second nature, Mongolia can be an adjustment. Locals often use QR payments and banking apps, but as a traveller, those systems are not always accessible. In our experience, cash was still the easiest and most reliable way to pay for everyday things.

The local currency is the Mongolian Tugrik (MNT), but you’re unlikely to find it at money changers back in Singapore. We found it much easier to withdraw cash upon arrival. At the airport, we used a Golomt Bank ATM with an English interface and withdrew 3,000,000 Tugriks (~S$1,070) in a single transaction using a Revolut card. Since the ATM charges a small flat fee, it’s more cost-effective to take out a larger sum in one go.

Prepare yourself for the sheer physical volume of the currency. Since the 20,000 Tugrik note (~S$7) is the highest common denomination, even a standard withdrawal leaves you with a massive stack of bills. There is a strange, almost theatrical moment when you stand at the ATM waiting for it to finish dispensing such a large number of notes. By the time you’re done, you’re holding a wad of cash so thick it may not even fit in a standard wallet.

2. Navigating Transport and Traffic in Ulanbaataar 

For getting around the city, UB Cab was the most useful apps. If you are wondering what the local equivalent of Grab might be, this is the closest comparison. While the app itself is easy to navigate thanks to its English interface, the payment process was less straightforward. We tried linking Wise, Revolut, YouTrip, and standard credit cards, but none of them worked. Because our cards wouldn't link, cash became our only reliable option.

Before the ride begins, the driver will ask for the 4-digit code shown in your app; simply show them your screen to start the trip. It also helps to carry smaller notes. Most drivers carry limited change, and small amounts like 1,000 Tugriks (~S$0.35) are often not returned. In practice, fares are usually rounded, and drivers truly appreciate it if you choose to round up the fare yourself.

Traffic in Ulaanbaatar can be severe, especially during peak hours. Expect long wait times, and don’t be surprised if your driver stops and asks you to walk a distance to meet them. It is often impractical for them to make U-turns when traffic jam is severe. If you are heading to the airport or a timed booking, build in a much larger buffer than you think you need.

3. Time is More Flexible Than in Singapore

In Singapore, 3PM means 3PM. In Mongolia, that precision rarely applies. Almost every pre-arranged pick-up we scheduled, from airport transfers to hotel moves, faced delays ranging from 45 minutes to nearly two hours. At first, it was frustrating, but it became easier once we stopped measuring everything against Singaporean standards.

We also found that opening hours can be more like "suggestions." Shops often opened later or closed earlier than stated. However, this isn't a hard rule. One horse-herder family we visited was remarkably punctual. The best mindset to bring is one of relaxation; the more room you leave in your schedule, the more you will enjoy the journey.

4. A Surprising Shopping Scene

Before we arrived, we expected a few local markets and perhaps the occasional mall. Instead, we found a shopping scene in Ulaanbaatar that was far more extensive than we had imagined. The sheer number of modern malls in the city genuinely surprised us.

For a more local experience, Narantuul Market (the Black Market) is well worth a visit. It is busy, practical, and unpolished. Prices are rarely displayed and bargaining is common, so bring cash and a bit of patience. Negotiation here feels less like a performance and more like a normal part of the city's everyday rhythm.

If you prefer something more structured, the Ulaanbaatar Department Store and State Department Store offer a more familiar, organised experience. They are a welcome contrast to the noise of the market, though you should expect to pay a premium for that convenience.

5. English is Common, but Apps are Essential

One pleasant surprise was that English was more widely spoken than we had expected, especially among younger Mongolians. However, there is a big difference between "getting by" and "communicating clearly." Translation apps remain incredibly useful for explaining specific needs or avoiding misunderstandings.

A word of caution: Google Translate did not offer offline Mongolian support at the time of our trip. This means if you lose your network connection, the app may not work. We strongly recommend preparing your translation tools in advance and ensuring you have a reliable data SIM.

6. Exploring the World of Mongolian Cashmere

Mongolian cashmere is prized globally for its exceptionally high quality and soft, natural fibres. This expertise was recently showcased in the stunning outfits created for the 2026 Winter Olympics. If you are shopping for cashmere, the factory stores of Gobi and Goyol offer the best selection.

• Gobi Cashmere: A state-owned enterprise with a massive range and a tourist tax refund program. Remember to bring your passport to the store so your purchase can be registered for a refund at the airport.

• Goyol Cashmere: Well worth a visit for style comparisons, though they do not participate in the tax-free program.

For those who have never tried pure cashmere and would love to, renting with A Lil Thyme is an excellent way to experience statement pieces—like the Olympic collection—without the long-term commitment.

Final Thoughts: Is Mongolia Worth It?

For Singaporeans, Mongolia offers a contrast that is hard to find elsewhere. It is less choreographed, less predictable, and more spacious—both physically and mentally.

The difference lives in the small, memorable moments: counting through a thick stack of Tugriks, watching traffic barely inch forward, or sharing a laugh when a translation app finally saves a conversation. If you go expecting everything to run exactly as it does at home, you may find it frustrating. But if you embrace a different rhythm, it is deeply rewarding. And that, perhaps, is the most important thing to know before you go.