Why an eSIM is Essential for Mongolia
No Free EU Roaming
Unlike European countries, Mongolia does not benefit from free EU roaming. Your home plan will be expensive: between $2 and $5 per MB depending on your carrier. For a one-week trip with moderate usage (browsing, social media), you can easily spend $50 to $100 on roaming.
Limited Coverage Outside Cities
VERY IMPORTANT: Mobile coverage in Mongolia is very variable:
- Excellent: Ulaanbaatar and major cities (4G available)
- Very limited: Steppes, Gobi Desert, rural areas (almost non-existent coverage)
- Intermittent: Main roads between cities
If you plan excursions into the steppes or Gobi Desert, download your maps and content before leaving Ulaanbaatar.
Free WiFi vs eSIM
Free WiFi is available in hotels and cafes in Ulaanbaatar, but it has limitations:
- Security: unsecured public networks
- Reliability: unstable connections
- Mobility: impossible to use while traveling (excursions, roads)
- Coverage: only in urban areas
An eSIM offers secure and reliable connectivity in cities, but be aware: coverage is very limited outside urban areas.
Network Coverage in Mongolia
Mongolia has good 4G coverage in cities but very limited in rural areas thanks to three main carriers:
| Carrier |
Coverage |
4G |
Market Share |
Used by |
| Mobicom |
70%+ (cities) |
Yes |
40% (leader) |
Airalo, GoMoWorld |
| Unitel |
65%+ (cities) |
Yes |
35% |
Holafly, Ubigi |
| G-Mobile |
60%+ (cities) |
Yes |
25% |
Saily |
Note: Coverage is excellent in major cities (Ulaanbaatar) but almost non-existent in the steppes, Gobi Desert, and rural areas.
Coverage by destination
- Ulaanbaatar: perfect 4G throughout the capital, excellent coverage even in suburbs
- Gobi Desert: very limited coverage, even non-existent in remote areas
- Lake Khövsgöl: variable coverage, good near tourist areas, limited elsewhere
- Steppes: almost non-existent coverage, plan your offline maps
- Main roads: intermittent coverage depending on areas
Important: If you plan excursions outside cities, download your GPS maps and content before leaving. Mobile coverage is very limited in rural areas.
How to Install Your Mongolia eSIM
- Purchase your plan (QR code received by email in 2 min)
- Install 24-48h before departure from your WiFi
- Activate upon arrival in Mongolia (timer starts)
- Test the connection in Ulaanbaatar before going on excursions
- Keep your home SIM for calls and texts
Compatibility: iPhone XS+, Samsung S20+, Pixel 3+, Xiaomi 12+, OnePlus 8+
Tip: Test your eSIM as soon as you arrive in Ulaanbaatar. If you plan excursions into the steppes or desert, download your maps and content before leaving the city.
Best Mongolia eSIM 2026
Why these providers?
- Airalo: global leader (8M+ users), Mobicom network (leader 40%), code ESIMP15 (-15%)
- Saily: NordVPN included for secure public WiFi, G-Mobile network, code ESIMP (-10%)
- GoMoWorld: Mobicom network (leader 40%), code ESIMP (-10%), good value for money
- Holafly: unlimited + hotspot, ideal for heavy users, Unitel network
- Ubigi: reliable Unitel network, good coverage in cities
Special Mongolia recommendation: Plan your plan according to your itinerary. If you stay mainly in Ulaanbaatar, 1-3 GB is enough. For extended excursions, plan more data as you won't be able to easily recharge outside cities.
Conclusion
For all travelers to Mongolia, an eSIM is essential as home roaming is very expensive ($2 to $5 per MB).
Best choice: Airalo 1 GB at ~$4 with code ESIMP15 offers good value on the Mobicom network (leader). For more data, Saily 3 GB at ~$5 with code ESIMP includes NordVPN.
For heavy users: Holafly unlimited eliminates any stress, even for streaming and hotspot.
Important: Coverage is excellent in cities but almost non-existent in the steppes and desert. Download your GPS maps and content before leaving Ulaanbaatar if you plan excursions.
Mongolia eSIM FAQ
