Mongolia – known for its wildlife, landscapes & interesting history.
Some may also call Mongolia the land of the blue sky, as it has over 260 days of clear blue skies in a year.
But you are probably not visiting Mongolia just to look at the sky.
Instead, you may want to visit Gorkhi Terelj National Park – the most popular park in Mongolia.
You also should head to Sukhbaatar Square.
And if you have the time and means to visit Dalanzadgad, visit the Flaming Cliffs too.
What you should not do, in many cases, is roam internationally in Mongolia – International roaming can be expensive.
That is why I always recommend local prepaid SIM cards, eSIMs & even travel eSIMs so that you can enjoy low rates for data, minutes & SMS.
Luckily, SIM cards are inexpensive in Mongolia – the same applies to mobile data rates.
So, how much do SIM cards cost in Mongolia?
You can get a Mongolian SIM card for 5000 MNT (1.45 USD) from Mobicom or 3000 MNT (0.85 USD), 10 000 MNT (2.90 USD) & 15 000 MNT (4.35 USD) from Unitel in their stores. Resellers, like gas stations, also sell SIM cards. Mongolian SIM cards are also sold at (Ulaanbaatar) Chinggis Khaan International Airport (UBN).
Those prices are not bad at all – certainly not for East Asian standards.
In this guide, I will go over everything you need to know about buying a SIM card in Mongolia. Let's do this.
Original publication: 21st of December 2019. Last updated: 2nd of March 2024.
Table of Contents
What is the Best SIM Card in Mongolia?
If you want to buy the best SIM card in Mongolia, I recommend going with Mobicom. It has the best coverage and the fastest speeds.
Mongolia has two mobile network operators offering prepaid services easily accessible to travelers:
- Mobicom Mongolia
- Unitel Mongolia
Anyone 14 or older living in or visiting Mongolia can buy a Mongolian SIM card with some restrictions, and you do have to comply with Mongolia's SIM card registration regulations.
And if you are younger than 14, you can still get a SIM card if your parents buy one for you (in their name).
The main restriction is that you can only have two active SIM cards in your name in Mongolia.
Besides those restrictions, you are free to use Mongolian SIM cards.
Regarding the registration requirements, you must show your passport at the point of sale.
- Find out which countries have SIM card registration regulations and what is required from you (lookup tool)
Where Can You Buy a Mongolian SIM Card (+Prices)?
You can expect to pay the following for Mongolian SIM cards:
- Mobicom Mongolia: 3500 MNT (data-only) & 5000 MNT (regular)
- Unitel Mongolia: 3000 MNT (blank SIM without a number (ZeroSIM)/Smart Daily), 10 000 MNT (regular & data-only) & 15 000 MNT
Be aware that SIM cards sold at airports can be more expensive than the prices mentioned earlier.
Use the Wise Currency Converter tool (free) for up-to-date MNT (Mongolian Tögrög (Tugrik) to your currency (let's say KRW – Korean Won) exchange rates.
For reference, below are some exchange rates between MNT and USD (US Dollars):
- 100 MNT = 0.30 USD
- 1000 MNT = 0.30 USD
- 10 000 MNT = 2.90 USD
- 100 000 MNT = 29 USD
For any other currency, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.
(Travel) eSIMs for Mongolia
The use of (travel) eSIMs has exploded in recent years.
Not only do more phones have eSIM capability (some US-sold iPhones are eSIM-only), but the number of providers adopting technology has proliferated as well.
This includes local mobile operators offering eSIM and platforms selling eSIMs (travel eSIMs).
If you want a local Mongolian eSIM, you can get one from Mobicom or Unitel.
But remember that you have to comply with Mongolia's SIM card registration regulations, even when you get a Mongolian eSIM.
If you do not wish to deal with registration for whatever reason, like privacy, consider getting a travel eSIM for Mongolia.
Many eSIM providers have eSIMs for Mongolia only, eSIMs for multiple Asian destinations & even global eSIMs, which I discuss in my Mongolia eSIM buying guide.
Here is a quick introduction to your Mongolia travel eSIM options:
- Airalo: Mongo Mobile & Fiber (Mongolia only)
- Alosim: Mongolia
- Holafly: Mongolia – all variants include unlimited data
- Nomad: Global (109 or 139 countries, depending on the variant)
- SimOptions: Asia (32 countries)
And I know you love discounts, so use one of these codes when getting a travel eSIM:
- Airalo: APR15 for 15% off (if you have never bought an Airalo eSIM before). Otherwise, APR10 for 10% off (for existing users) – only the first 3000 users can redeem either discount code)
- Alosim: PTW for 5% off (as many times as you wish for as many eSIMs as you want)
- Holafly: PHONETRAVELWIZ for 5% off (as many times as you wish for as many eSIMs as you want)
- Nomad: ADU123 for 3 USD off (on your first-ever Nomad order only)
If you want to know about all the prices, data options & covered countries (for the regional and global eSIMs), check out my Mongolia eSIM buying guide.
Mongolian Prepaid SIM Cards Explored
Below, I will guide you through Mobicom Mongolia & Unitel Mongolia, and go through:
- Background information
- Mobile coverage
- SIM card types, prices, and availability
- Recharge/top-up information
- Combo plans, data plans, and special packs (such as social media packs)
Let's see what Mongolia can offer us in terms of SIM cards.
Mobicom Mongolia (Мобиком Корпораци)
Mobicom Mongolia (Мобиком Корпораци), just Mobicom, is the largest mobile operator in Mongolia.
It also has the fastest speeds – it even won the Mongolia Speedtest Fastest Mobile Network Award of 2021 (Q1-Q2).
Mobicom uses the following frequencies:
- 2G: 900 MHz & 1800 MHz
- 3G: 2100 MHz
- 4G/LTE: 700 MHz (n28), 1800 MHz (Band 3) & 2300 MHz (Band 40)
- 5G NR: 3500 MHz (n78)
- VoLTE: No
- VoWiFi: No
This is what you will learn about Mobicom:
* Coverage
* How to Get a Mobicom SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check
* Plans & Packages
* APN/Internet Settings
Coverage – Mobicom Mongolia
Mobicom has the best coverage throughout Mongolia.
However, as Mongolia is sparsely populated, you should not expect nationwide coverage – only in populated areas.
Below is Mobicom's coverage map produced by Speedtest:
SIM Card Price – Mobicom Mongolia
You can get a Mobicom SIM card for 5000 MNT in Mobicom stores and from resellers, like grocery stores, gas stations & convenience stores. The data-only SIM card is sold for 3500 MNT. Mobicom SIM cards are also sold at (Ulaanbaatar) Chinggis Khaan International Airport (UBN).
Because of Mongolia's SIM card registration requirements, I recommend travelers get a SIM card in a Mobicom store for a smooth activation process or at airports.
Short-term visitors and tourists can also get the Mobicom Tourist SIM cards.
The following three Mobicom Tourist SIM cards are available:
| Price | Credit | Data | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 000 MNT | 5000 units | 600 MB (15 days) | 90 days |
| 35 000 MNT | 10 000 units | 1.1 GB (30 days) | 90 days |
| 60 000 MNT | 15 000 units | 5 GB (30 days) | 90 days |
Dial *210# to access the Mobicom menu.
- Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country, including data-only SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, offered by each mobile operator + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)
It is possible to get a Mobicom eSIM for the same price as a regular SIM card.
You may want to get a travel eSIM for Mongolia, which can be cheaper than getting a SIM card from Mobicom (in some cases).
Especially when getting an eSIM covering popular Asian destinations if you do not stay in just Mongolia or a global eSIM valid for up to a year if you want one eSIM to work practically worldwide.
My Mongolia eSIM buying guide analyzes various eSIM options of eSIM providers I have tested extensively worldwide.
Here is a quick introduction to them:
- Airalo: Mongo Mobile & Fiber (Mongolia only) – use code APR15 (15% off – first-time users only) or APR10 (10% off)
- Alosim: Mongolia – use code PTW (5% off – no limits)
- Holafly: Mongolia – these eSIMs have unlimited data – use code PHONETRAVELWIZ (5% off – no limits)
- Nomad: Mongolia, Global (up to 139 countries) – use code ADU123 (3 USD off – first-time users only)
For more information, such as the prices and data allowances, check out my Mongolia eSIM buying guide.
But let's continue with Mobicom for now.
Be aware that there is no VoLTE or VoWiFi with Mobicom.
Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – Mobicom Mongolia
Mobicom top-up vouchers are sold in Mobicom stores, grocery stores, corner shops & electronics shops throughout Mongolia.
To top up your Mobicom SIM card, dial *212*VoucherCode#.
For example, if your voucher code is 123456, you would dial *212*123456#.
You can also tell the salesperson how much credit you want, your phone number, pay, and they will top up your SIM card with the POS system.
You can also recharge online with (international) debit and credit cards.
Dial *211# or text B to 592 to check your Mobicom balance.
You can also top up and check your balance on the mobicom app (Android/iOS).
Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – Mobicom Mongolia
Mobicom has four data-featured prepaid plans:
- On Demand Data Packages
- Data Plans for Data Only SIM Card
- Morning and Night Data Packages
- Entertainment Data Packages (social data)
Mobicom plans can be activated by dialing *210#.
I will list all the prices in MNT.
To convert MNT to your currency (let's say KRW – Korean Won) with up-to-date exchange rates, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.
Click the links above to jump to the plan you are interested in.
On Demand Data Packages – Mobicom Mongolia
The On Demand Data Packages are, as the name implies, data bundles (with 5G NR access).
Dial *210# to activate On Demand Data Packages:
| Price | Data | Validity | Activation Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2500 MNT | 2.5 GB | 2 days | 2.5 GB |
| 5000 MNT | 5 GB | 5 days | 5 GB |
| 6500 MNT | 7 GB | 7 days | 7 |
| 13 000 MNT | 16 GB | 15 days | 16 GB |
| 17 500 MNT | 10 GB | 30 days | 10 |
| 22 500 MNT | 15 GB | 30 days | 15 GB |
| 32 500 MNT | 25 GB | 30 days | 25 GB |
| 42 500 MNT | 35 GB | 30 days | 35 GB |
| 60 000 MNT | 60 GB | 30 days | 60GB |
| 99 000 MNT | 99 GB | 30 days | 99GB |
Data Plans for Data Only SIM Card – Mobicom Mongolia
The Data Plans are data bundles (without 5G NR access) exclusively for the data-only SIM card.
Dial *210# to activate Data Plans:
| Price | Data | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| 2500 MNT | 2.5 GB | 2 days |
| 5000 MNT | 5 GB | 5 days |
| 6500 MNT | 7 GB | 7 days |
| 13 000 MNT | 16 GB | 15 days |
| 17 500 MNT | 10 GB | 30 days |
| 22 500 MNT | 15 GB | 30 days |
| 32 500 MNT | 25 GB | 30 days |
| 42 500 MNT | 35 GB | 30 days |
| 60 000 MNT | 60 GB | 30 days |
Morning and Night Data Packages – Mobicom Mongolia
The Morning and Night Data Packages are data bundles (with 5G NR access) to be used at night (between 0:00 and 7:59) or in the morning (between 5:00 and 8:59).
Dial *210# to activate Morning and Night Data Packages:
| Price | Data | Validity | Activation Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 MNT | 30 GB | 9 nights (0:00 – 7:59) | N30 |
| 2000 MNT | 50 GB | 9 mornings (5:00 – 8:59) | M50 |
| 4000 MNT | 100 GB | 20 nights (0:00 – 7:59) | N100 |
| 4000 MNT | 150 GB | 20 mornings (5:00 – 8:59) | M150 |
Entertainment Data Packages – Mobicom Mongolia
The Entertainment Data Packages are data bundles (with 5G NR access) for social apps.
Dial *210# to activate Entertainment Data Packages:
| Price | Plan | Data | Social Data | Validity | Activation Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3000 MNT | Entertainment | N/A | Unlimited @ 128 Kbps 1 | 3 days | N/A |
| 5000 MNT | Academy | N/A | Unlimited @ 8Mbps 2 | 7 days | A7 |
| 5000 MNT | Gaming | N/A | Unlimited 3 | 30 days | G |
| 5000 MNT | Music | N/A | Unlimited 4 | 30 days | M |
| 5000 MNT | Social | N/A | Unlimited @ 128 Kbps 5 | 30 days | N/A |
| 5900 MNT | Voo | 40 GB | N/A | 30 days | V30 |
| 8000 MNT | TikTok | N/A | Unlimited @ 128 Kbps 3 | 7 days | T7 |
| 8000 MNT | Academy Unlimited | N/A | Unlimited 1 | 30 days | N/A |
| 10 000 MNT | Social Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited 5 | 30 days | Social |
| 15 000 MNT | Video | N/A | Unlimited 7 | 30 days | Social |
1 for Gaming data, Music data & Social data
2 for Google Classroom, Google Hangouts, Google Mail, Google Meet, Skype, Teams, Telegram & Zoom
3 for Clash of Clans, Clash Royale, Fifa Mobile, Fortnite, League of Legends, Mobile Legends & PUBG Mobile
4 for Apple Music, Deezer, Spotify, Soundcloud & Xyyp
5 for Facebook, Facebook Messenger, Instagram, Twitter, Viber & WeChat
6 for TikTok @ 128Kbps (so slow!)
7 for Amazon Prime, Netflix, twitch, Voo
APN/Internet Settings – Mobicom Mongolia
- Name: Mobicom
- APN: internet
Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.
Jump back to the Table of Contents.
Unitel Mongolia (Юнител)
Unitel Mongolia (Universal/United Telecommunications), just Unitel, and not to be confused with Unitel in Angola, Cape Verde, or Laos, is the second-largest mobile operator in Mongolia.
It is also the only other reasonable option in the country (besides Mobicom Mongolia).
Unitel uses the following frequencies:
- 2G: 900 MHz
- 3G: 2100 MHz
- 4G/LTE: 700 MHz (n28), 1800 MHz (Band 3) & 2300 MHz (Band 40)
- 5G NR: 3500 MHz (n78)
- VoLTE: No
- VoWiFi: No
This is what you will learn about Unitel:
* Coverage
* How to Get a Unitel SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check
* Plans & Packages
* APN/Internet Settings
Coverage – Unitel Mongolia
Unitel has decent coverage throughout Mongolia.
However, as Mongolia is sparsely populated, you should not expect nationwide coverage – only in populated areas.
Below is Unitel's coverage map produced by Speedtest:
SIM Card Price – Unitel Mongolia
You can get a Unitel SIM card for 3000 MNT, 10 000 MNT, or 15 000 MNT in Unitel stores and from resellers, like grocery stores, gas stations & convenience stores. The data-only SIM card is sold for 10 000 MNT with 1 GB for 30 days. Unitel SIM cards are also sold at (Ulaanbaatar) Chinggis Khaan International Airport (UBN).
Be aware: the 3000 MNT SIM card is called ZeroSIM (often sold at gas stations and resellers).
This SIM card has no phone number attached.
While attaching a phone number to a ZeroSIM SIM card is possible online, you can only do so if you have a Mongolian ID, meaning travelers have to visit a Unitel store to get it sorted.
So… you are better off going to a Unitel store immediately anyway.
The following five Unitel SIM cards are available:
| Price | SIM Card | Credit | Data | On-Net Minutes | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3000 MNT | Smart Days | 1000 units | N/A | N/A | 30 days |
| 10 000 MNT | Smart Talk (10 000₮) | 5000 units | 50 MB | Unlimited | 15 days |
| 10 000 MNT | Smart Data (10 000₮) | 3000 units | 5 GB | N/A | 15 days |
| 15 000 MNT | Smart Talk (15 000₮) | 5000 units | 50 MB | Unlimited | 30 days |
| 15 000 MNT | Smart Data (15 000₮) | 5000 units | 10 GB | N/A | 30 days |
Short-term visitors and tourists can also get the Unitel TourSIM SIM cards – Unitel's tourist offering.
The following three Unitel TourSIM SIM cards are available:
| Price | SIM Card | Credit | Data | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15 000 MNT | Tour SIM 5 | 5000 units | 3 GB | 5 days |
| 25 000 MNT | Tour SIM 10 | 10 000 units | 5 GB | 10 days |
| 40 000 MNT | Tour SIM 30 | 20 000 units | 20 GB | 30 days |
Dial *1414# to access the Unitel menu.
- Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country, including data-only SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, offered by each mobile operator + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)
It is possible to get a Unitel eSIM for the same price as a regular SIM card.
You should consider getting a travel eSIM for Mongolia because they can sometimes be cheaper than getting a SIM card from Unitel.
Especially if you get an Asia-wide eSIM or a global eSIM.
I discuss various eSIM options of eSIM providers for Mongolia in my Mongolia eSIM buying guide, which are:
- Airalo: Mongo Mobile & Fiber (Mongolia only) – use code APR15 (15% off – first-time users only) or APR10 (10% off)
- Alosim: Mongolia – use code PTW (5% off – no limits)
- Holafly: Mongolia – unlimited data eSIMs – use code PHONETRAVELWIZ (5% off – no limits)
- Nomad: Mongolia, Global (up to 139 countries) – use code ADU123 (3 USD off – first-time users only)
As I said, check out my Mongolia eSIM buying guide for more information, as I have to continue with Unitel for now.
Be aware that there is no VoLTE or VoWiFi with Unitel.
Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – Unitel Mongolia
Unitel top-up vouchers are sold in Unitel stores, grocery stores, corner shops & electronics shops throughout Mongolia.
To top up your Unitel SIM card, text the VoucherCode to 1411.
For example, if your voucher code is 123456, you would text 123456 to 1411.
You can also tell the salesperson how much credit you want, your phone number, pay, and they will top up your SIM card with the POS system.
You can also recharge online with (international) debit and credit cards.
Dial *1411# to check your Unitel balance.
You can also top up and check your balance on the Unitel app (Android/iOS).
Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – Unitel Mongolia
Unitel has three data-featured prepaid plans:
- Их дататай багцууд/Big Data Packages
- Урт хугацаатай багцууд/Long Term Packages (data)
- Энтертайнмент багцууд/Entertainment Packages (social data)
Unitel plans can be activated by texting the Activation Code to 1423.
I will list all the prices in MNT.
To convert MNT to your currency (let's say KRW – Korean Won) with up-to-date exchange rates, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.
Click the links above to jump to the plan you are interested in.
Их дататай багцууд (Big Data Packages) – Mobicom Mongolia
The Их дататай багцууд (Big Data Packages) are, as the name implies, data bundles (with 5G NR access).
Text the Activation Code to 1423 to activate Их дататай багцууд:
| Price | Data 1 | Validity | Activation Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2500 MNT | 2 GB | 24 hours | 2GB |
| 3500 MNT | 3 GB | 2 days | 3GB |
| 6000 MNT | 6 GB | 5 days | 6GB |
| 12 000 MNT | 12 GB | 7 days | 12GB |
| 22 000 MNT | 20 GB | 10 days | 20GB |
1 +unlimited data @ 128 Kbps after exhausting your data allowance (super slow!)
Урт хугацаатай багцууд (Long Term Packages) – Mobicom Mongolia
The Урт хугацаатай багцууд (Long Term Packages) are data bundles (with 5G NR access).
Text the Activation Code to 1423 to activate Урт хугацаатай багцууд:
| Price | Data 1 | Validity | Activation Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3500 MNT | 2.5 GB | 3 days | 2.5GB |
| 6000 MNT | 4 GB | 10 days | 4GB |
| 12 000 MNT | 3.5 GB | 30 days | 3.5GB |
| 22 000 MNT | 8 GB | 30 days | 8GB |
| 35 000 MNT | 18 GB | 30 days | 18GB |
| 50 000 MNT | 50 GB | 30 days | 50GB |
1 +unlimited data @ 128 Kbps after exhausting your data allowance (super slow!)
Энтертайнмент багцууд (Entertainment Packages) – Mobicom Mongolia
The Энтертайнмент багцууд (Entertainment Packages) are data bundles (with 5G NR access) for social apps.
Text the Activation Code to 1423 to activate Энтертайнмент багцууд:
| Price | Plan | Social Data | Validity | Activation Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 MNT | Gaming Unlimited | Unlimited 1 | 7 days | Gaming7 |
| 2000 MNT | News Unlimited | Unlimited 2 | 30 days | News |
| 2000 MNT | EDU Unlimited | Unlimited 3 | 30 days | EDU |
| 5000 MNT | E-Meeting 10 GB | 10 GB 4 | 30 days | Music |
| 5000 MNT | Gaming Unlimited | Unlimited 1 | 30 days | Gaming30 |
| 5000 MNT | Music Unlimited | Unlimited 5 | 30 days | Music |
| 9000 MNT | LookTV Unlimited | Unlimited | 30 days | looktv |
| 10 000 MNT | E-Meeting 25 GB | 25 GB 4 | 30 days | EMeeting30 |
| 15 000 MNT | Streaming 20 GB | 20 GB 6 | 30 days | Streaming |
1 for Call of Duty, Clash of Clans, Fifa, Fortnite, Genshin Impact, League of Legends Wild Rift, Mobile Legends, PUBG Mobile, Standoff2 & World of Tanks
2 for Bloomberg News apps website, Ikon.mn, News.mn & Unread
3 for DHIS, Humanities, Pearson online learning website, SHUTIS & SUIS
4 for Clubhouse apps, Google Classroom, Google Meet, Skype, Teams, Telegram & Zoom
5 for Apple Music, Mmusic, Soundcloud, Spotify & Stitcher
6 for Jig Jug, LookTV, Netflix & Twitch
APN/Internet Settings – Unitel Mongolia
- Name: net
- APN: net
Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.
Jump back to the Table of Contents.
The Preferred Way to Stay Connected When Traveling in Mongolia
Getting a SIM card from Mobicom would do you well when considering a Mongolian SIM card.
Going to other places around the world? Then you should also check out my SIM card buying guides for other destinations around the world.