Packing list for Mongolia, travel insurance for Mongolia, and taking your belongings

What to take with you to Mongolia: spotlighted

To bring with you and to check:

• Documents: passport that will last at least 6 months and copies.
• Money: enough Mongolian Tugrik (MNT), because withdrawing cash is difficult outside the big cities.
• Care: sunscreen and lip balm with SPF - the sun can be intense, especially at high altitudes. Aftersun.
• Outdoor and practical: hat/cap and good sunglasses. A buff, scarf or bandana.
• Clothing: the country is known for its extreme temperature fluctuations. It can be scorching hot during the day, freezing cold at night. Layers, layers, layers! Thermal underwear, t-shirts, fleece sweater and a warm jacket. In winter, also bring gloves, scarf, warm socks and hat.
• Protection: a backpack rain cover and a waterproof and windproof jacket are also essential.
• Shoes: sturdy hiking boots for trekking and rough terrain, sandals or slippers for at home or when it is very warm.
• Medicines and travel kit: a small first aid kit with plasters, painkillers, stomach upset remedies, ORS (dehydration is a thing) and mosquito repellent in the spring and summer months. Wet wipes and hand disinfectant.
• Technology and equipment: world plug with type C & E and a power bank.
• Extras: tissues or toilet paper.

To consider:

• Reusable water bottle with filter.
• Quick-drying travel towel.
• E-reader or other offline entertainment – ​​because Wi-Fi (or alcohol) is not always and everywhere available.
• A sleeping bag and possibly a sheet bag if you have big plans, or want more comfort in your basic accommodation (more about taking a sleeping bag or sheet bag).
• Headlamp or flashlight.
• International driving license, if you want to rent a car.

What should you keep in mind when traveling to Mongolia with your belongings?

• The season. In any case, the temperature differences are big, but when you go to Mongolia in the winter? Then you will have to be a little more prepared.
• That people dress fairly conservatively.

Are there mosquitoes in Mongolia?

• Mosquitoes are present in the spring and summer, when Mongolia warms up.
• Apart from being annoying, you don't really have to worry - the Mongolian mosquitoes generally don't transmit diseases.

Are there sand flies in Mongolia?

• Little is known about sand flies in Mongolia, and that is usually good news. Sand flies don't seem to pose a big threat like in tropical areas. In the more southern or dry areas (such as the Gobi Desert) you can encounter small stinging insects in the evening that can be annoying.
• Just use the same anti-mosquito equipment: DEET, socks, long trousers, light clothing.

Can you buy DEET, or other mosquito repellents, in Mongolia?

• Mosquito repellent can be found in the large pharmacies and supermarkets in Ulaanbaatar.
• The chance that you will find your favorite product somewhere is very small.

Can you buy a beer or wine in Mongolia, or take it to Mongolia?

• In general, you are allowed to drink alcohol in Mongolia, but there are exceptions.
• For example, the first and twentieth of the month are alcohol-free in Ulaanbaatar, to motivate people to work hard and pay their bills. You cannot buy alcohol on that day. Not in shops or in bars.
• Other districts sometimes have even stricter rules - such as one day a week without alcohol.

Can you buy a joint or weed in Mongolia, or take it with you to Mongolia?

• Leave your Bob Marley hoodie at home, because Mongolia is not a country to experiment with cannabis or other drugs. Despite the fact that cannabis grows wild and has played a role in local culture for hundreds of years, it is still completely illegal.
• Medicinal weed? Also not allowed.
• There are severe penalties for using and possessing cannabis plants. You should definitely not try to take it with you to Mongolia, because then you can end up in jail for life.