Visiting Mongolia soon? Make sure to know what to expect when it comes to purchasing a Mongolia SIM card.
Fortunately, Asia is one of the best places where you can buy a SIM card easily.
You should be able to find a cheap SIM card pretty much anywhere in Asia. In fact, most data packages are affordable, which makes the whole thing easier!
In this guide, we’ll explain where to buy a SIM card in Mongolia in person and online. We’ll also discuss prepaid SIM cards and eSIMs if your mobile supports them.
Before you read this guide, you may wonder if you actually need a SIM card in Mongolia.
If you don’t mind not having Internet, you’ll likely find free Wifi in restaurants, shopping malls, and hotels.
That said, if you need data to get around, call a cab, or translate Mongolian – you may want to get a SIM card for your travels in Mongolia.
Best SIM Cards In Mongolia
If you’re traveling in Mongolia, we recommend using a SIM card from Unitel, Mobicom, or Airalo. (I’ll get back to Airalo later on, so keep reading to learn more!)
That said, if you’re planning on visiting other countries during your trip to Asia, you might want to make sure to pick an option that offers coverage in other Asian countries.
How To Buy A SIM Card In Mongolia
You can either buy a Mongolia prepaid SIM card in person in some international airports, mobile provider stores, convenience stores, or online.
Usually, you can expect higher costs and low data offers at the airport, so we don’t recommend buying a SIM card at the airport.
That said, you won’t necessarily find SIM card shops in every airport, so it’s essential to keep this in mind. And, when you see a shop, you might also have limited options.
For this reason, I’d recommend buying a SIM card directly from the mobile provider store. Note that you may need your passport to buy one.
Although, this means you won’t get data right upon your arrival. So, if you prefer to be connected at all times, you could use an eSIM or purchase an Asian prepaid SIM card online.
Now, let’s take a look at the data plans offered by Unitel and Mobicom.
Unitel SIM Cards
Unitel offers four different types of tourist plans:
- 2 GB, valid for 1 day for MNT 2,500 ($0.70)
- 3 GB, valid for 2 days for MNT 3,500 ($0.99)
- 12 GB, valid for 7 days for MNT 12,000 ($3.40)
- 20 GB, valid for 10 days for MNT 22,000 ($6.23)
Mobicom SIM Cards
Mobicom has four different prepaid plans available:
- 2 GB, valid for 2 days for MNT 2,000 ($0.56)
- 4 GB, valid for 4 days for MNT 4,000 ($1.13)
- 7 GB, valid for 7 days for MNT 6,500 ($1.84)
- 15 GB, valid for 15 days for MNT 12,000 ($3.40)
Overall, we think Unitel is the best option if you plan to buy your SIM card in person.
That said, any would do if you can’t find their store!
How To Buy A Mongolia Prepaid SIM Card Online
If you wish to have your SIM card ready for your arrival, you could purchase it online or on websites like Amazon.
You’ll find different plans on Amazon. For example, the OneSimCard works in more than 200+ countries and gives you data for $0.01 per MB. Mongolia is included.
But there are many other options worth considering, so have a look and make sure the countries you plan on visiting are listed.
Another option is to purchase a prepaid Asian SIM card on Simify. This works if you live in the United States or Australia.
They currently offer three packages that cover Mongolia:
- 6 GB, valid for 15 days for $40
Finally, the last option is to buy an eSIM card for Mongolia or, if you’re traveling to multiple countries, an eSIM plan for Asia.
How To Buy An eSIM Card For Mongolia
eSIM is a new concept allowing you to have a virtual SIM card inside your phone.
If your mobile phone supports eSIM cards – it’s definitely one of the best options to get data in Mongolia.
Curious? Learn more about eSIMs for travelers on eSIM Roamers.
I started using eSIM as soon as my mobile phone supported it. To buy eSIMs, I usually use Airalo, a reliable eSIM provider.
Keep reading to learn more about the best eSIMs for Mongolia.
Airalo Mongolia
If you want to buy an eSIM for Mongolia, you could purchase one on Airalo.
This website offers many eSIM cards worldwide and special plans for Asia and Mongolia.
I’ve been using Airalo for several months, and it works fine. Learn more by reading our Airalo review.
Here are the options available:
- Mongo Mobile: 1 GB, valid for 7 days for $9
- Mongo Mobile: 3 GB, valid for 30 days for $24
- Mongo Mobile: 5 GB, valid for 30 days for $35
Holafly Mongolia
Alternatively, you could look at your options on Holafly.
You can read our Holafly review to learn more about this eSIM store.
Here’s an overview of the plan for Mongolia:
- 6 GB data, valid for 15 days for $44
Nomad Mongolia
Finally, Nomad is also a great eSIM provider.
Here’s an overview of the plans available for Mongolia:
- 1GB, valid for 7 days for $25
- 3GB, valid for 30 days for $40
- 5GB, valid for 30 days for $45
Nomad also has Global, an eSIM plan for 111 countries worldwide. This plan offers coverage in Mongolia.
Here’s an overview:
- 1GB, valid for 7 days for $25
- 3GB, valid for 30 days for $40
- 5GB, valid for 30 days for $45
Final Thoughts On SIM Cards In Mongolia
As you can see, getting a prepaid SIM card in Mongolia or even an eSIM for your travels in Mongolia is pretty straightforward.
You’ll even be able to stay connected wherever you go in Asia without changing your SIM card, especially if you purchase an Asia or global plan.
I believe the eSIM card is the most convenient way to get data in Mongolia if you wish to have data upon your arrival.
This way, you won’t need to go to a store to buy a SIM card.
Obviously, you need to make sure your mobile phone supports eSIM first.
Traveling to Asia soon? Read one of the following blog posts:
