Last updated: 12 Feb 2013
Visiting
Business hours
Most Mongolian companies start at 9.00am, have one hour for lunch between 1.00-2.00pm, but often work until 7.00pm.
Public holidays
January 1 – New Years Day
February 11-13 Tsagaan Sar (White Moon – Lunar New Year)
June 1 – Women’s and Children’s Day
July 11-13 – Naadam Holiday
November 26 – Day of the Proclamation of Mongolia
Climate
Mongolia has an extreme climate. Winter temperatures can reach -50°C and in summer it can reach 40°C in the Gobi Desert. Winter lasts for eight months from September through April, and four months of summer from May to August (the best months to travel to Mongolia).
For weather details in Mongolia, please visit the World Meteorological Organization.
Currency
Oanda currency converter
The official currency of Mongolia is the tögrög (MNT).
Ulaanbaatar has many ATMs located at the main banks and in some hotels. Most hotels also offer money exchange services. Tögrög cannot be bought or sold outside of Mongolia; arrange airport collection with your hotel and use one of many available ATMs in the capital to obtain local currency the next day. It is best to convert all remaining tögrög before you depart.
Time zones and time differences
Mongolia is two hours behind Australian Eastern Standard Time. Perth, Western Australia is in the same time zone as Mongolia.
To find out the current time in Ulaanbaatar, view the World Clock.
Dialling codes
Mongolia country code is 976.
For calls to Mongolia from Australia dial: 0011 + 976 + area code + telephone number.
For calls from Mongolia to Australia dial: 002 + 61 + area code + telephone number.
For further information (eg. area codes) please visit the White Pages - international dialling codes.
Domestic and international calls are available via a Telecom Mongolia fixed line service in the major city centres, but this can be unreliable outside the capital. Check with your phone company before departing to see if your mobile phone is roam-enabled and if they have roam partners in Mongolia.
There are three mobile phone service providers in Mongolia using standard GSM 900 and CDMA, and there is good coverage throughout the country with most provincial centres being serviced.
Electricity and water
Mongolia’s power supply is 230V, 50Hz. The two-pin round plugs are used.
Links and resources
Tourism Department of Mongolia – www.mongoliatourism.gov.mn
Please note: this list of websites and resources is not definitive. Inclusion in this list does not imply endorsement by Austrade. The information provided is a guide only.
Top Business Risks
OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises
Multinational Enterprises should be aware of the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises that provide voluntary principles and standards for responsible business behaviour in a variety of areas, consistent with applicable domestic laws. These Guidelines are endorsed and promoted by the Australian Government. For more information, go to the AusNCP website.
Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative
The Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) is a voluntary mechanism which promotes and supports improved governance in resource-rich countries through the full publication and verification of company payments and government revenues from oil, gas, and mining.
The EITI is supported by governments, industry, and non-government organisations around the world. The Australian Government supports the EITI and encourages Australian companies operating internationally to comply with its recommendations.