Using mobile data roaming for Internet access when traveling abroad may result in very high bills after your trip. 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.
In this article
Here is some useful information about phone roaming in Mongolia:
Roaming in Mongolia simply means that you can use your phone outside of your country. You can make phone calls, send texts, and use data while traveling. Your home network operator makes agreements with Mongolian providers to give you temporary data while traveling there.
Using mobile services while roaming internationally on your regular plan can lead to shockingly high bills if you are not careful.
How roaming in Mongolia works:
Three main carriers in Mongolia offer roaming services: Mobicom, Unitel, and Skytel. Tourists have two options for roaming:
Generally, yes. The roaming fees imposed by your home carrier for using Mongolian networks are often more costly than local rates.
| Network operator | Calls (per minute) | Texts (per message) | Data (per MB) |
| Mobicom | $0.50 | $0.10 | $0.20 |
| Unitel | $0.55 | $0.12 | $0.18 |
| Skytel | $0.48 | $0.11 | $0.22 |
Notes:
➤ Our recommendation:
The rates for data roaming in Mongolia are generally high. As a tourist to Mongolia, you can consider other connectivity options like prepaid SIM cards, prepaid eSIMs, portable WiFi as alternatives to roaming. Pocket WiFi for Mongolia travel is useful if you want to share Internet for multple devices, but it is quite pricey and requires effort to bring along. On the other hand, prepaid SIM cards / eSIMs are more affordable and flexible. Therefore, if your phone is carrier-unlocked and compatible, consider using these options as alternatives to roaming.
To activate roaming services in your mobile phone for Mongolia, just take these four steps:
Step 1 – Pick your preferred service provider
You may choose your existing home carrier if they have roaming agreements in Mongolia, such as AT&T, Verizon, etc. You can also get a Mongolian SIM card from Mongolia operators like Mobicom, Skytel, or Unitel.
Step 2 – Switch on the roaming function
Contact your carrier and request to enable international roaming on your account before travel. There may be a small fee.
Step 3 – Purchase a mobile plan with roaming
Get a suitable roaming package or add roaming to your existing mobile plan. Plans often include data, call minutes, and texts for use abroad.
Step 4 – Turn on the Roaming Setting
Pro Tips:
Here are five useful tips to avoid expensive roaming charges in Mongolia:
Important Notes:
eSIM is the best alternative to data roaming in Mongolia to stay connected while exploring this wonderful country. So why should you choose an eSIM for Mongolia instead of data roaming?
If you are seeking a trusted eSIM provider, Gigago will be a top choice. Gigago offers a variety of affordable eSIM plans for more than 200 countries and territories in the world.
Gigago provides tourists to Mongolia with a diverse range of eSIM plans for Mongolia, starting with 1GB for 7 days at just $9.90 and ranging from $9.90 – $47.50 . Regardless of your data use or the length of your journey, Gigago always offers the best solution for you.
To switch off data roaming on iPhones and Android devices while exploring Mongolia, just follow these steps:
By following these simple steps, you can prevent any unexpected roaming charges on your phone bill while still enjoying affordable local internet services in Mongolia.
Pro Tips:
Yes, as long as your phone is unlocked. Check the 3G/4G band compatibility with Mongolian networks first.
Purchase a local SIM with a data package, connect to public WiFi networks, or download maps/content offline before trips.
Yes, most hotels, cafes, and restaurants offer free WiFi. Some cities also have municipal networks in public places.
To wrap up, while data roaming in Mongolia lets tourists stay connected using their regular cellular plan, fees are exceedingly high in Mongolia. A local SIM card is a much more affordable option that you should consider. An eSIM for Mongolia is considered the best solution for Internet access while traveling in this country thanks to its flexibility, affordable rates, and great value.
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.
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.
