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Some scams

Eastern Asia

Tourist scams in Mongolia

Mongolia is generally safe to visit, but theft is a concern, especially in Ulaanbaatar. Pickpocketing is the main problem for visitors; taxi overcharging, bag slashing and occasional robberies also occur. Some higher prices are regular pricing practices rather than scams.
  1. 1 TheftCommonPickpocketing in markets and on public transportThieves take money, phones or other valuables while people are crowded together or distracted. Pickpocketing also occurs elsewhere in Mongolia.Ulaanbaatar 3Read
  2. 2 TaxisCommonTaxi fare overchargingA driver charges a foreign visitor more than the local fare. Language barriers and starting a ride without agreeing on the price make disputes harder to resolve.Ulaanbaatar 3Read
  3. 3 TheftOccasionalBag slashingA thief cuts a bag to reach its contents. Keeping the zip closed alone does not prevent this type of theft.Crowded places and places where travellers are distracted. 2Read
  4. 4 TaxisOccasionalRobbery during an unmarked taxi rideA driver takes a passenger into a dark alley and demands their phone or cash. Unmarked taxis are common, but this robbery method has been reported.Ulaanbaatar 1Read
  5. 5 TheftOccasionalStreet muggingA robber uses threats or force to take a visitor's belongings. Muggings occasionally occur in the city.Ulaanbaatar 2Read
  6. 6 ShoppingCommonPrices raised after salary daySome shops raise prices after public salary day. This is a reported pricing practice, with no claim that it targets tourists or involves deception.Erdenet 1Read
  7. 7 Buses and trainsCommonHigher domestic air fares for foreignersAeroMongolia uses separate prices for foreigners and locals. This is a stated fare policy rather than a hidden scam. Hunnu Air is described as using one price structure.AeroMongolia domestic flight bookings. 2Read

Where to stay alert

  • Narantuul Market, also called Naran Tuul or the Black Market, UlaanbaatarPickpockets are common. Attacks are also mentioned. Carry little cash and leave unnecessary valuables behind.
  • Ulaanbaatar railway stationThe railway station is identified as a notorious place for theft.
  • Bus stops near the State Department Store, UlaanbaatarThese stops are specifically identified as pickpocketing hotspots.

Habits that keep you safe

Taxis

  • Agree on the price or charging method before the ride starts.
  • Keep the agreed amount in writing.
  • Ask a local person to help explain your destination and the fare system.
  • Watch the route, especially at night or after drinking.

Your belongings

  • Use a money belt or secure inner pocket for cash and important documents.
  • Keep bags closed and in front of you on crowded buses and in markets.
  • Take minimal cash and valuables to Narantuul Market.
  • Keep a separate copy of your passport and important booking details.

Money

  • Confirm prices before paying and compare shops for larger purchases.
  • Avoid exchanging more tögrög than you need; it is very difficult to exchange outside Mongolia.
  • Use banks or established exchange offices and bring identification.
  • Do not assume an old online price still applies; inflation can make listed prices outdated.

Cards and ATMs

  • Carry some cash as well as a payment card.
  • Check that an ATM supports your card; a displayed card logo does not always mean a foreign card will work.
  • Shield your PIN and check the amount before approving a transaction.
  • Keep your card issuer's contact details separate from your wallet.

Nights out

  • Avoid approaching people who are drunk or behaving aggressively.
  • Arrange your journey home before drinking.
  • Travel with others at night and stay on busy, well-lit routes.
  • Leave a bar or club if the atmosphere becomes hostile.

What travellers say about Mongolia

Discussions on other sites, summarised in our words. Open a link to read the full thread.

Questions

How worried should I be about scams in Mongolia?

Mongolia is generally safe to visit. The main concern for foreigners is pickpocketing, especially in Ulaanbaatar. Taxi overcharging and occasional robberies also occur.

Where should I watch my pockets most closely?

At Narantuul Market, the railway station, bus stops near the State Department Store and on crowded buses. Keep valuables in a money belt or secure inner pocket.

How can I avoid paying too much for a taxi?

Agree on the price or charging method before getting in and write it down. Fare figures vary: the country guidance gives about 2,000 ₮ per kilometre for 2026, while the city guidance lists about 1,000 ₮. Confirm the actual fare before each ride.

Are unmarked taxis safe?

They are common and generally used without trouble, but occasional robberies are reported. Some drivers take passengers, especially drunk tourists, into dark alleys and demand cash or a phone. Watch the route and arrange transport before drinking.

Is a closed bag enough to stop theft?

A closed bag helps against easy access, but bag slashing has also occurred. Keep your bag in front of you and carry essential valuables in a money belt or secure inner pocket.

Why might shopping prices rise in Erdenet?

Some grocery and merchandise shops raise prices by 10–30% after public salary day, around the 14th–16th and 29th–31st of each month. Compare prices or shop outside those dates.

Is a higher flight price for foreigners a scam?

AeroMongolia is described as having a separate foreigner fare, at double the local rate. That is a stated pricing policy. Confirm the fare that applies to you and compare it with Hunnu Air.

Can I rely entirely on cards and ATMs?

Carry some cash as well as a card. Acceptance varies, and some ATMs may reject foreign cards even when they show the card's logo. Check the amount and any fees before confirming.

What should I do after a theft or attack?

Get somewhere safe, seek medical help if needed and block stolen cards. Make a formal statement at the district police station and tell your embassy. Keep records for your insurer.

What precautions help on a night out?

Go with others, avoid aggressive or heavily drunk people and arrange your ride home before drinking. Stay away from dark, deserted streets and leave if a venue becomes hostile.

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