Staying online while traveling in Mongolia’s vast open spaces can be challenging. 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.
In this guide, we will help you understand your options for pocket Wifi rental and other alternatives. We will also compare features like speeds, device limits, and pricing to help you pick the best option for your Mongolian trip.
In this article
A pocket Wifi, also known as a mobile WiFi hotspot or portable WiFi, is a pocket-sized wireless router that creates a wireless internet connection through a mobile network. For tourists to Mongolia, a pocket WiFi provides them with portable Internet access.
How pocket Wifi for Mongolia works
Pocket Wifi for Mongolia connects devices like tablets, smartphones, and laptops to the Internet within a 10-15 meter range using Wifi signals.
When to use pocket Wifi for Mongolia
It is useful for traveling in Mongolia to access the Internet without relying on high data roaming charges.
Suitable for
Renting a pocket Wifi while traveling in Mongolia is one of the most suitable choices for tourists seeking the Internet in Mongolia because it offers many benefits for tourist:
Let us explore the differences between Mongolia pocket Wifi and other alternatives such as Mongolia SIM card/ eSIM, free Wifi, and roaming for Mongolia.
| Criteria | Mongolia Pocket Wifi | Mongolia SIM card/ eSIM | Easy, just power on and enter the password | Mongolia roaming |
| Number of devices | Up to 10-15 | Single | Single | Single |
| Number of users | Entire group | Single | Single | Single |
| Data | Unlimited or large options | Depending on plan option | Limited spots | Home plan option |
| Setup ease | Easy, just power on and enter password | Buy and insert physical SIM/ online purchase and activation | Hunt for hotspots, enter password | Use existing number |
| Connection reliability | Reliable | Reliable | May be insecure sometimes | Works like at home |
| Costs | Affordable for group, costs more for individual | Affordable | Free | Expensive |
► Our recommendations:
An eSIM allows secure Internet access on your phone and you could save money if you do not need to share a connection with multiple devices. Mongolian eSIMs are the best alternative and have become the most preferred option among travelers for various reasons:
Purchasing a Mongolia eSIM package from a reputable like Gigago is straightforward. Tourists do not need to show their passports or driver’s licenses for ID checks. All they need is a device like a smartphone/ iPad/ smartwatch/ tablet that supports eSIM technology.
Mongolia eSIM plans by Gigago are very diverse. The start pack only costs $9.90 and provides 1GB of data for 7 days. The other eSIM options cost around $9.90 – $47.50 , much more budget-friendly than roaming.
Pro Tips:
Visitors to Mongolia can get a pocket Wifi by two ways:
Many rental companies let you book your device online before your flight to Mongolia. When you land, you can stop by their service area to pick it up. After your trip, just drop the pocket Wifi back off at the arranged location before leaving.
Pros:
Cons:
Mongolian airports like Ulaanbaatar Chinggis Khaan International Airport make it quite easy to rent a pocket Wifi in Mongolia. When you land, pop by a rental counter at the airport such as: Chinggis Khaan International Airport (ULN) to rent a portable Wifi device and pick a plan that works best for your trip.
Friendly staff can get you set up with the pocket Wifi hotspot and demonstrate how to connect your devices. Before flying back, return it to the same spot.
Pros:
Cons:
► Our recommendation:
Pre-ordering a Mongolia pocket Wifi seems to be much more convenient and cost-effective for tourists. It also saves them time at the airport trying to select and pay for a rental plan once they land.
The quantity of mobile devices you can connect to a single pocket Wifi in Mongolia varies according to the provider and the model of the pocket Wifi.
Pro Tip: It is best to check with your provider on exactly how many gadgets each of their pocket WiFi options can support at one time during your travels.
This table shows the different Mongolia Wifi pocket choices and the rental prices accordingly.
| Pocket Wifi in Mongolia Options | Speed | Rate | Max devices | Delivery | Battery life |
| XOXO Wifi | Fast 4G speeds | About USD $10 per day | Up to 15 | Airport pickup available | 10-12 hours |
| MioWifi | Moderate 4G | About USD $8-9 per day | 8 | Airport pickup available | 10-12 hours |
| Travel Wifi | Moderate 4G | USD $7.5 per day | 5 | Airport pickup available, Delivered to your home/ hotel | 8-10 hours |
Pro Tips:
Most pocket WiFi in Mongolia must be returned to the same location you picked it up from. Be sure to check rental policies.
Pocket WiFi in Mongolia only provide coverage within Mongolia. You cannot use the WiFi abroad but can return it before leaving the country.
Most pocket WiFi rentals in Mongolia allow you to share with a small group but do have limits on maximum connected devices. Check rental terms.
To sum up, pocket Wifi in Mongolia delivers reliable and cost-effective Internet access that allows you to easily communicate, navigate, and share your experience during your adventures. It is an ideal connectivity option if you are traveling in Mongolia with family or friends. For those who want a personal connection on their phone, an eSIM for Mongolia is the best option.
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.
Unitel SIM cards or eSIM offer reliable connectivity for calls, texts, and Internet access nearly anywhere in the country.
Getting MobiCom SIM cards or eSIMs is an easy way to stay connected while exploring the vast grasslands and cultural gems of this beautiful 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.