Heading to Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia soon? 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 this city. In this blog post, we will go over how to buy SIM card in Ulaanbaatar, the best plans, and useful tips shared by locals.
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Purchasing a SIM card in Ulaanbaatar ensures a secure and cost-effective trip in this city. Here is why:
Important Note: Only unlocked phones can accept networks of other mobile providers in Ulaanbaatar. It is advised to check with your carrier if your phone is unlocked.
There are three (03) main mobile network operators in Ulaanbaatar: Unitel, Mobicom, and Skytel. For tourists looking to get a SIM card, all three providers offer prepaid options that allow you to buy data bundles to use while traveling.
Unitel (#1):
Mobicom (#2)
Skytel (#3)
► Recommendation: Unitel is recommended for travelers visiting Ulaanbaatar thanks to its widest network footprint, reliably great speeds, and very affordable tourist SIM card plans. Mobicom is also a good option.
Here are some of the best Ulaanbaatar SIM card options and costs accordingly. The table below includes 03 main network carriers operating in Ulaanbaatar: Unitel, Mobicom, and Skytel.
Good to know: MNT 1,000 = USD 0.289; USD 1 = MNT 3.450 (as of February 2024)
| Operator | Plan | Data | Cost | Validity |
| Unitel | Tour SIM 5 | 5,000 units of credit & 3GB data & local calls within Unitel network | MNT 15,000 | 5 days |
| Unitel | Tour SIM 10 | 10000 units of credit & 5GB data & local calls within Unitel network | MNT 25,000 | 10 days |
| Unitel | Tour SIM 30 | 20,000 units of credit & 20GB data & local calls within Unitel network | MNT 40,000 | 30 days |
| Mobicom | 20,000 MNT plan | 5,000 units of credit & 600MB data for 15 days | MNT 20,000 | 90 days |
| Mobicom | 35,000 MNT plan | 10,000 units of credit & 1.1GB data for 30 days | MNT 35,000 | 90 days |
| Mobicom | 60,000 MNT plan | 15,000 units of credit & 5GB data for 30 days | MNT 60,000 | 90 days |
| Skytel | Basic Plan | 10,000 units of calls & 5GB data & unlimited calls in Skytel network | MNT 30,000 | 10 days |
| Skytel | Premium Plan | 30,000 units of calls & 20GB data & unlimited calls in Skytel network | MNT 75,000 | 30 days |
Note: The information about Ulaanbaatar SIM card plans and prices above is for reference only and may vary over time. It is best to contact the carrier for the latest details and rates.
There are two ways to buy SIM card in Ulaanbaatar: at Ulaanbaatar airport and in Ulaanbaatar center.
Ulaanbaatar Chinggis Khaan International Airport (ULN) is the best place to purchase SIM cards for Mongolia. Getting a SIM at Ulaanbaatar Airport upon arrival helps you connect to the Internet securely.
After traveling through immigration and getting your luggage, look for one of the following stores to buy SIM card in Ulaanbaatar:
Pro Tip: Check with your chosen carrier for their exact opening hours and location at Ulaanbaatar airport.
It is a great idea to go around Ulaanbaatar city to get the best SIM card plans. This way, you may compare the various packages and then select the best one that suits your priorities and budget but you need to travel a little more. So where to buy?
► Our Recommendations:
Mongolia eSIM is the best option for tourists with an eSIM-supported mobile device. eSIM for Ulaanbaatar delivers many outstanding perks such as no physical store visit, easy online purchase, reliable and budget-friendly Internet access, a simple activation process, and easy switch between data plans and operators without SIM swaps, etc.
You may choose to get an eSIM for Ulaanbaatar on major carrier websites like Unitel. However, you will need to show your passport for ID proof.
Besides, you can buy a Mongolian eSIM from reliable eSIM providers. If you are seeking a prestigious Mongolia eSIM provider, GIGAGO would be a top choice.
Before purchasing a SIM card in Ulaanbaatar, you need to prepare the following things:
Here are some extra tips shared by locals that may help you get the most suitable SIM card in Ulaanbaatar:
Yes, you will need to show your passport and provide some personal details to buy SIM card in Ulaanbaatar and register it. This is required by telecom regulations.
No, most stores will only accept the local Mongolian Tugrik as payment for SIM cards and adding credit. Do exchange your currency first before buying a SIM.
Typically, Unitel and Mobicom are recommended as they have reliable 4G coverage across most parts of the capital. Unitel may have a slight edge in coverage footprint. You may buy SIM card in Ulaanbaatar from these carriers.
To sum up, it is easy to buy SIM card in Ulaanabaatar while traveling there. Tourists may buy SIMs at Chinggis Khaan Airport or from reliable stores across the city. The major carriers like Unitel and Mobicom offer extensive coverage within Ulaanbaatar and budget-friendly tourist plans. Choosing an eSIM for Mongolia is the most convenient and affordable way to get a secure Internet connection while traveling in Ulaanbaatar.
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.
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.
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.
