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Money & duty free for Mongolia

Currency information: 

Tugrik (MNT; symbol ₮). Notes are in denominations of ₮20,000, 10,000, 5,000, 1,000, 500, 100, 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1. Coins are in denominations of ₮500, 200, 100, 50 and 20, but are not widely used.

Credit cards: 

Accepted by main commercial banks, large hotels and a few shops and restaurants in Ulaanbaatar. ATMs are available in Ulaanbaatar and most Mongolian province (aimag) capitals. Both Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted.

ATM: 

ATMs are available in Ulaanbaatar and most Mongolian province (aimag) capitals.

Travellers cheques: 

Traveller's cheques are accepted although credit and debit cards remain faster and more convenient. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take traveller's cheques in US Dollars. Traveller's cheques can be difficult to exchange outside the capital.

Banking hours: 

Mon-Fri 0900-1300 and 1400-1800.

Currency restriction: 

There are no restrictions on the import of local and foreign currencies, provided they are declared on arrival. Local and foreign currencies can be exported up to the amount imported and declared.

Currency exchange: 

Official organisations authorised to exchange foreign currency include commercial banks in Ulaanbaatar and bureaux de change found along the streets and in hotels. Rates vary slightly and are likely to be lower in hotels. The easiest currency to exchange is the US Dollar, followed by the Euro and the Russian Rouble.

Mongolia duty free

The following goods may be imported into Mongolia without incurring customs duty:

• 200 cigarettes and 50 cigars and 250g of tobacco.
• 1L of vodka and 2L of wine and 3L of beer.
• Personal effects.
• Goods up to a value of US$1,000.

Note: (a) Every tourist must fill in a customs declaration, which should be retained until departure. This allows for the free import and re-export of articles intended for personal use for the duration of stay. (b) Visitors intending to export antiques and fossils must have official permission. Some shops will supply the necessary documents upon purchase; otherwise, permission should be obtained from the Centre of Cultural Heritage (Tel: 7011 0877) in the Cultural Palace.

Banned imports: 

Any publications, records, films and drawings critical of Mongolia; palaeontological and archaeological findings without special permission; collections of various plants and their seeds; birds and wild or domestic animals; wool, raw skins, hides and furs without permission from the appropriate authorities.

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