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Mongolia Payment Methods & Currency Exchange Guide

Mongolia Payment Methods & Currency Exchange Guide

Mongolia’s official currency is the Mongolian tögrög (MNT). Cash remains the most widely used payment method, especially outside major cities. Credit cards are accepted in Ulaanbaatar and at international hotels, but less so in rural areas.

  • Official currency: Mongolian tögrög (MNT)
  • Payment methods: Cash (MNT), credit/debit cards (Visa, MasterCard), limited acceptance of mobile payments
  • Contactless/mobile payments: Apple Pay and Google Pay are not widely supported; local mobile wallets (e.g., QPay) are used in urban areas
  • ATM availability: ATMs are common in Ulaanbaatar and major towns; most accept international cards, but rural access is limited
  • Currency exchange: Available at banks, airports, and licensed exchange offices; exchange rates may vary
  • Foreign currency restrictions: Large cash transactions in foreign currency are restricted; payments must be made in MNT
  • Cash import/export limits: Up to MNT 15 million (approx. USD 4,300) or foreign currency equivalent can be brought in or taken out without declaration; amounts above must be declared to customs
  • Transaction fees: Foreign card ATM withdrawals may incur fees (typically 2–4%); some merchants add surcharges for card payments
  • Common issues: Card acceptance is limited outside cities; always carry sufficient cash for rural travel
  • Major banks: Khan Bank, Golomt Bank, Trade and Development Bank of Mongolia
  • Regulations: Travelers should check the Bank of Mongolia and customs advisories for updates on currency rules

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