If you are traveling to Mongolia, picking up a local SIM card is the most reliable way to stay connected. Among the main local networks, Mobicom, Unitel, Skytel, and G-Mobile, Mobicom stands out for delivering the fastest data speeds in the country. Here is what you need to know about Mobicom’s network performance, tourist plan pricing, store locations, and digital eSIM options before you land.
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Mobicom, found in 1996, is one of Mongolia’s major mobile networks alongside Unitel, Skytel, and G-Mobile. It was slower than Unitel to roll out 3G, 4G, and 5G over the years, but recent speed testing puts it ahead of the pack today, more on that below.
Choosing the right network depends on whether you value high-speed data in urban areas or signal reach during countryside expeditions
| Feature | Mobicom | Unitel |
| Average Download Speed | 99.3 Mbps (Fastest) | 19.1 Mbps |
| Average Upload Speed | 29.7 Mbps | 10.9 Mbps |
| Rural & Desert Coverage | Strong along paved highways | Best overall reach in remote areas |
| Best For | City travel, video calls & fast downloads | Overland tours & deep countryside trips |
Statistics from nperf and speedgeo.net
Mobicom’s download speed is more than five times faster than Unitel’s, making it the clear winner for fast browsing in Ulaanbaatar and major towns. However, Unitel holds a better-documented track record for rural coverage, reaching roughly 88% of countryside populations. If your trip involves venturing deep into the Gobi Desert or remote western provinces, expect signal drops on all networks once you leave main paved highways.
You can pick up a physical Mobicom SIM as soon as you clear customs at Chinggis Khaan International Airport (UBN), where Mobicom operates a dedicated arrivals counter next to Unitel.
If you miss the airport desk, Mobicom sells SIM cards at its official retail branches across Ulaanbaatar, as well as at major convenience store chains like CU and GS25. Mobicom occasionally runs airport promotions offering arriving travelers a free starter SIM with 1GB of data, so it is worth asking the counter staff when you arrive.
Mobicom offers dedicated data-only tourist packages. These plans do not include local voice calls or SMS, except for calls to Mobicom customer service.
| Plan Name | Included Data | Price (MNT / USD) | Validity |
| Data 1 | 15 GB | 20,000₮ (~$5.80 USD) | 7 Days |
| Data 2 | 25 GB | 30,000₮ (~$8.70 USD) | 15 Days |
| Data 3 | 50 GB | 60,000₮ (~$17.40 USD) | 30 Days |
If you need a line with traditional voice calling, you will need to register a standard prepaid line instead of a tourist package.
Yes. Purchasing a standard physical prepaid SIM card in person requires showing your original passport for identity verification.
While tourist packages bought online through the official Mobicom site or Mobi app have a simpler setup, bringing your physical passport with you to any retail store or airport counter is still recommended to complete mandatory registration.
Setting up an eSIM online before departure is the easiest way to avoid airport queues, physical SIM swaps, and local passport paperwork.
With Gigago’s Mongolia eSIM, everything is delivered digitally. You purchase your plan online, receive a QR code by email, and install it on your smartphone before flying. The moment your plane touches down in Mongolia, your phone connects directly to local data without needing a physical SIM card or counter visit.
Plans are flexible to match your trip duration, starting from $9.90 USD for 1GB (7 days) up to $47.50 USD for 10GB (30 days).
Yes. Registration for standard physical SIM cards requires showing a valid physical passport at the store counter.
Yes. Recent network test data shows Mobicom delivers average download speeds nearly five times faster than Unitel in city areas, though Unitel offers broader signal reach in remote countryside regions.
Yes. You can order a digital eSIM online from Gigago before your trip, install the QR code on your phone, and connect automatically upon arrival in Mongolia.
Tourists planning a trip to Mongolia should not ignore this blog, as it will explore data roaming in Mongolia and compare the costs and features of roaming versus the best alternatives to get Internet for tourists. By learning about available alternatives and how to enable or disable roaming, travelers can choose the most cost-effective solution to stay connected while exploring Mongolia.
With limited cell service and few Internet cafes, a pocket Wifi in Mongolia can be a lifesaver for tourists who need to navigate tourist spots as well as unfamiliar terrain.
Unitel SIM cards or eSIM offer reliable connectivity for calls, texts, and Internet access nearly anywhere in the country.
There are several cellular internet providers and Skytel is one of the major ones. Tourists may buy affordable Skytel SIM cards and eSIMs for easy Internet access during their trips to Mongolia.
Getting a SIM card is a great way to stay connected with your family and friends back home and use navigation, transport, delivery, and social media apps for a wonderful trip in Ulaanbaatar.
There is a wide range of options to stay connected and you may choose the most suitable one for a smooth and intriguing trip in Mongolia.
