Are you heading to Mongolia and wondering if you can use cell phone in Mongolia? The short answer is yes and you will be able to use cellular services to navigate maps, order a cab, and connect to your family and friends. Read on this guide to explore how to use your phone in Mongolia and the best options that keep you online during your stay.
In this article
Here is a summary of phone compatibility, networks, and frequencies in Mongolia:
Phone compatibility: Most modern smartphones work in Mongolia, however, it is essential to check if your cell phone is unlocked. Unlocked phones allow you to use Mongolian SIM cards.
Frequencies:
Networks:
SIM cards:
Pro Tips:
Yes. Definitely! You will be able to use cell phone in Mongolia and access the Internet while visiting stunning destinations in this country.
However, before your trip, you need to confirm several things as below:
The table below shows the core frequency ranges used by Mongolian network operators:
| Carrier | 2G Bands | 3G Bands | 4G/LTE Bands |
| Mobicom | B3 (1800MHz), B8 (900MHz) | B1 (2100MHz) | B3 (1800MHz), B28 (700MHz), B40 (TDD 2300) |
| Unitel | B3 (1800MHz), B8 (900MHz) | B1 (2100MHz) | B3 (1800MHz), B28 (700MHz), B40 (2300MHz) |
| Skytel | B3 (1800MHz), B8 (900MHz) | B1 (2100MHz) | B3 (1800MHz) |
| G-Mobile | B3 (1800MHz), B8 (900MHz) | B1 (2100MHz) | B3 (1800MHz) |
Note: The information above is subject to change, so confirm with your chosen provider about their current operational status.
Certainly! Having an international plan in Mongolia is a convenient way to get online while traveling in this country. However, this is considered an expensive alternative. If you utilize abroad roaming services from your home operator, you will have to incur high prices.
Don’t worry! There are still multiple options to stay connected at affordable rates, including prepaid eSIM, prepaid physical SIM card, pocket Wifi, and so on. Besides, tourists to Mongolia can also access the Internet with free Wifi. This sounds convenient, nevertheless, it is pretty insecure and you can not always hunt for hotspots like public spaces, hotels, restaurants, or cafe shops to connect to free Wifi.
Many mobile internet services for Mongolia offer plans to utilize mobile data, make calls, or send SMS while traveling in Mongolia such as prepaid physical SIM card, prepaid eSIM, and pocket Wifi. It’s time to explore the features, where to buy, and the pros and cons of each alternative.
eSIM is an electronic SIM that can be downloaded before your trip. The only requirement to use eSIM is to possess an eSIM-supported phone. With an eSIM for Mongolia, you will have unlimited cellular data with customizable periods to visit Mongolia.
Suitable for: eSIM-compatible smartphones
Where to get eSIM for Mongolia: download from trusted providers’ websites before your trip
Pros: no physical SIM required
Cons: Limited provider options
Important Note: An eSIM works if your cell phone supports it. Check out our latest list of eSIM-compatible mobile devices.
A prepaid physical SIM card offers the most affordable calling and data rates while visiting Mongolia. It is a small chip you insert into your cell phone. It works similarly to the one your use in your country.
Suitable for: any unlocked cell phone
Where to get eSIM for Mongolia: carriers’ stores in the cities, kiosks at airports upon arrival, online from reliable providers before your trip
Pros: cheapest local call and data rates, diverse plans
Cons: SIM card slot needed, risk of loss
Pocket Wifi is a popular option to get Internet while traveling in Mongolia. It is a portable wireless hotspot that transmits Internet signals to various devices. When you use this device, you will have to pay for the package you get, delivery, device rental, and accessories.
Suitable for: tourists who travel in a group
Where to get pocket Wifi for Mongolia: airport shops or online before visiting Mongolia
Pros: whole family can access Internet via Wifi from this device
Cons: high rental costs, need to charge regularly, lots of things to carry
Most likely possible.
Chances are good that your network from home will work okay in Mongolia. However, the catch is that roaming fees can add up if you use your provider’s network while traveling abroad. This is the priciest mobile option by far.
Though you can use cell phone in Mongolia, your home provider will charge high rates for roaming. These fees can unexpectedly drive up your bill at the end of your trip if you don’t control your usage closely.
Pro Tips:
We already know that eSIM is a great alternative to get the Internet when visiting Mongolia. It offers diverse data plans at affordable costs. You just need to pay for the data you consume. All you need is a cell phone that supports eSIM technology and then eSIM can be ordered and activated online with the support of the provider.
If you are seeking a reliable eSIM provider for your Mongolia trip, Gigago is a top recommendation. So why should you choose eSIM from Gigago?
For Mongolia, Gigago offers multiple data plan options, starting from 1GB for 7 days with $9.90 . What is great about Gigago’s Mongolia eSIM is that its plans cost vary between $9.90 – $47.50 , so it does not matter how Internet users you are and how long your trip is in Mongolia, there is always option for you with Gigago.
See more details about Gigago eSIM plans for Mongolia.
Grasping the following tips will help you use cell phone in Mongolia securely and reasonably:
The two major cell phone providers in Mongolia are Mobicom, Unitel. Both offer nationwide 3G and 4G LTE networks.
Mongolian networks offer international roaming services but they can be expensive. Check with your home provider for roaming rates in Mongolia. Using a prepaid SIM card is more cost-effective.
Yes, most unlocked smartphones will work on Mongolia’s networks. Check your phone supports the frequencies used (900/1800MHz). US phones may need to be unlocked to use a different SIM.
In conclusion, you will definitely be able to use your phone when traveling in Mongolia. The best way is to get a prepaid SIM card from a reliable provider so you can use cell phone in Mongolia without incurring huge roaming fees on your plan. An eSIM from Gigago is also a smart choice. Be sure to select an alternative that matches how you expect to use your phone.
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.
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.