Verified Facts
In Mongolia, the internet is generally reliable in urban areas, but can be slow and limited in rural regions, with an average internet speed of around 10 Mbps download.
Quick Facts
Internet Overview
The internet in Mongolia has improved significantly over the past few years, with the average internet speed increasing to around 10 Mbps download. However, there is still a significant urban vs rural divide, with internet speeds and availability being much better in cities like Ulaanbaatar than in rural areas. The reliability of the internet can also be affected by the weather, with heavy rain or snow sometimes causing outages. Despite these challenges, the internet is generally reliable in urban areas, with most users experiencing few problems with their connections.
In terms of internet infrastructure, Mongolia has been investing heavily in recent years, with the aim of improving connectivity and increasing access to the internet. This has included the rollout of fiber-optic cables and the development of new mobile networks, including 4G and 5G. However, the country's vast size and rugged terrain can make it difficult to provide internet access to all areas, and some rural regions still rely on satellite internet or other forms of connectivity.
Getting a SIM Card
Getting a SIM card in Mongolia is relatively straightforward, with several mobile carriers offering tourist-friendly plans. The main carriers are Unitel, MobiCom, and G-Mobile, and SIM cards can be purchased at their stores or at many convenience stores and supermarkets. To buy a SIM card, you will need to provide your passport and may also need to register with the carrier. Recommended carriers include Unitel and MobiCom, which offer a range of data plans and have good coverage in urban areas.
The cost of a SIM card is around 5 USD, and data plans start from around 10 USD per month for 1 GB of data. It's also possible to buy a prepaid SIM card, which can be topped up with credit as needed. It's worth noting that some carriers may offer tourist plans that include additional features, such as free international calls or texts, so it's worth shopping around to find the best deal.
| Carrier | Tourist Plan | Data | Price (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unitel | Tourist Plan | 1 GB | 10 | Includes free international calls |
| MobiCom | Travel Plan | 2 GB | 15 | Includes free texts to Mongolian numbers |
| G-Mobile | Visitor Plan | 3 GB | 20 | Includes free data roaming in China and Russia |
| Skytel | Prepaid Plan | 1 GB | 5 | No contract required |
WiFi Availability
WiFi is widely available in Mongolia, particularly in urban areas. Some key places where you can expect to find WiFi include:
- Hotels, which usually offer free WiFi to guests
- Cafes, which often have fast and reliable WiFi
- Coworking spaces, which typically offer high-speed WiFi and other amenities
- Restaurants and bars, which may offer free WiFi to customers
- Public libraries, which often have free WiFi and other resources
For Remote Workers
For remote workers, Mongolia can be a great destination, with a range of coworking spaces and cafe chains that offer reliable WiFi and other amenities. Some key options include:
- The National Library of Mongolia, which has a dedicated coworking space with fast WiFi and other resources
- The Ulaanbaatar Coworking Space, which offers high-speed WiFi and a range of other amenities
- The Coffee Bean cafe chain, which has several locations in Ulaanbaatar and offers fast and reliable WiFi
- The Gloria Jeans cafe chain, which also has several locations in Ulaanbaatar and offers free WiFi to customers
- The Mobicom internet cafe chain, which offers high-speed WiFi and other internet services
Tips & Warnings
When using the internet in Mongolia, there are several things to be aware of:
- Internet censorship is not generally a problem in Mongolia, but some websites may be blocked due to copyright or other issues
- Blocked sites may include some social media or streaming services, so it's worth checking ahead of time to see what's available
- VPN recommendations include using a reputable VPN service to access blocked sites and protect your data
- Roaming alternatives include buying a local SIM card or using a portable WiFi hotspot
- eSIM options are also available, and can be a convenient alternative to traditional SIM cards
- Data limits can be a problem, particularly if you're using a prepaid SIM card, so it's worth keeping an eye on your data usage to avoid running out of credit.