Traveling around Mongolia can feel a bit daunting. The roads aren’t always well-marked, and many places don’t have reliable internet. But don’t worry—there are plenty of useful apps and tools that can make your adventure go smoothly.
Here’s a list of must-have apps and tools to help you navigate, communicate, and book everything with ease while visiting Mongolia.
Navigation Apps
Maps.me
Maps.me is perfect for exploring Mongolia’s remote areas. Its main highlight? Offline maps. You can download maps of entire regions and access them without internet, making this super helpful when you’re in the middle of nowhere.
It’s free and has detailed routes, including hiking trails and smaller roads that Google Maps might not show. Whether you’re heading to the Gobi Desert or a hidden monastery, Maps.me has you covered.
Google Maps
Google Maps is probably already on your phone, but don’t overlook it! Even though its offline capability isn’t as smooth as Maps.me’s, it still works really well in Mongolia’s bigger cities like Ulaanbaatar.
Just make sure to download the maps offline before heading out to areas where you won’t have service. It’s essential for city navigation, finding restaurants, and checking public transport routes.
Guru Maps
Like Maps.me, Guru Maps also works offline and provides detailed maps. It’s paid, but has more features than Google Maps. You can track your GPS path, which can be great when traveling in rural or less-touristy areas.
Another plus? It has elevation data, making it useful for adventure travelers planning to trek Mongolia’s mountains.
Translation Apps
Google Translate
Seriously—it’s hard to beat Google Translate. It supports Mongolian and makes navigating language barriers easier. With its camera translation feature, you can even scan street signs or menus to instantly understand what it says.
Many locals don’t speak English, and while Mongolians are incredibly kind, a translation app will really help in day-to-day interactions. Download the Mongolian language pack offline to use it without a connection.
iTranslate
If you’re looking for a straightforward translation app, iTranslate is another good choice. It supports text, voice, and camera translations. Although not as comprehensive as Google Translate, its user-friendly interface is popular.
Like Google, it also allows you to download languages offline. Some features may require a paid upgrade, including offline translations, but it’s an easy-to-use app that could prove helpful.
Booking & Accommodation Apps
Agoda
Agoda is a top choice for finding accommodation in Mongolia. The app often has better deals than other booking sites. Whether you’re staying in a guesthouse in Ulaanbaatar or booking a more rural ger camp, Agoda can help with reliable options.
The app lets users leave reviews, so you’ll have a clearer idea of what each place will be like—super helpful in a country where accommodations can vary widely in terms of amenities.
Airbnb
Another good option for finding unique stays is Airbnb. In Mongolia, especially in the capital, you’ll find not only apartments but traditional gers available for rent. It’s ideal if you want a more local experience outside of hotels.
Use the app to directly communicate with hosts, which can help because not all accommodations will have English-speaking staff. Make sure to book well in advance, especially during the Naadam Festival season.
Booking.com
If Agoda isn’t your thing, Booking.com is equally good for reserving hotels and guesthouses in Mongolia. It’s reliable, and you can often find free cancellation deals, which gives you a bit of extra flexibility.
One cool feature with Booking.com in Mongolia is their map view that helps you see what’s near popular tourist areas like Terelj National Park or Gorkhi-Terelj. The app is simple to use and highly rated for last-minute bookings too.
Transportation Apps
Yandex.Taxi
Yandex.Taxi is the go-to app for hailing rides in Mongolia, especially in Ulaanbaatar. It’s like Uber but for countries in Central Asia and Eastern Europe. It’s usually more affordable than regular taxis, and you can avoid haggling.
The interface is straightforward, and best of all, you can pay by card through the app. The drivers are also rated, so you’ll get a trustworthy ride around the city without overpaying.
UB Bus
Most people don’t use taxis around Ulaanbaatar every day—buses are a much cheaper option. UB Bus is a useful local transport app that shows bus schedules and routes. Ulaanbaatar’s bus system can be a bit tricky, so this app really helps.
It might seem a little basic, but it still provides updated schedules and ensures you get to your destination without needing to ask too many questions in Mongolian!
Money Management Apps
XE Currency Converter
Even though you’re dealing with Mongolian tögrögs, it’s good to know how much you’re spending. XE Currency Converter is essential for converting prices into your home currency. It’s a small app that’s light on data and works offline once you update it.
If you’re new to the currency or just want to keep track of your costs, this app makes it easy to budget for your trip. Super simple and super useful.
Revolut
Revolut is a handy e-wallet and banking app for travelers. With it, you can exchange money at the real exchange rate, withdraw cash from ATMs, and spend with your card at very low fees.
While Mongolia’s card acceptance rate is pretty high in Ulaanbaatar, cash is king in rural areas. You can easily transfer funds in real time and keep track of your spending on-the-go.
Other Useful Tools
VPN
It’s always smart to have a VPN when traveling. Depending on the provider, websites might be slow or blocked outside of your home country. ExpressVPN or NordVPN are solid choices to access sites freely.
This is crucial when using free WiFi in cafes or your accommodation. Public internet doesn’t always have the best security, and a VPN will keep your personal data safe.
TripIt
If you need to keep your itinerary organized, TripIt is a life-saver. It gathers your travel information (like flight tickets, hotel codes, and bookings) in one place, so you’re never scrambling for details at the last minute.
The app syncs with your email, importing your confirmation emails. All your plans will be in one simple list—neat and easy to follow, especially during busy trips through Mongolia.
Skyscanner
One of the most popular flight search apps is Skyscanner. With Mongolia being somewhat remote, booking flights is something you’ll want done as efficiently as possible. Skyscanner compares various airlines and routes to find the cheapest or fastest option.
The best part? Its “everywhere” feature lets you find great flight deals if you’re flying out of Mongolia to nearby destinations, such as China or South Korea.
Final Thoughts
These apps aren’t just conveniences—they’re game-changers for exploring Mongolia. From finding your way around remote areas to easily communicating with locals, you can rely on these tools to help make your trip as smooth as possible.
Get your phone ready, download what you’ll need before you get there, and get set for an unforgettable adventure in Mongolia!
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