The Mongolian people take pride in their customs and habits, so showing respect will go a long way. Here's what you need to know about the social etiquette of Mongolia.
Photo © iStock/LHKPhotography
Mongolia is not overly religious, conservative or liberal but the local people take pride in their customs and habits. Be aware, respectful and do your best to go with the flow in order to have the best possible time in this beautiful country.
Customs in Mongolia
Of all the major cities in Mongolia, Ulaanbaatar is most likely to provide a familiar experience. On the surface, it may seem similar; large buildings, lots of people, service-based economy, but there are several customs that you should keep in mind while spending time in and out of the capital.
Money
In most cities around Mongolia and particularly in the capital Ulaanbaatar, ATM's and credit cards are becoming more widely accepted however Mongolia is very much a cash based economy. Make sure to stock up on sufficient togrogs before leaving the capital as you are very unlikely to find an ATM out on the Steppe!
Haggling while shopping
Unlike other Asian countries, bargaining for a price is generally not a prominent part of life in Mongolia. However, there is no harm in doing some fair haggling while shopping at a local market. You don't want to be ripped off but you don't want to low ball the stall vendor either.
Mongolian scramble
Expatriates have given this name to the way that people in Mongolia deal with public commerce. Basically, personal space is optional. Queuing generally doesn't happen and people will jostle to buy things, board a bus etc. While this may feel rude, in many cultures it's just part of how things are done. Neither being polite nor getting angry will change it.
Giving money
Like in many other countries and particularly in major cities you may encounter beggars, most notably in Ulaanbaatar. Poverty is obviously a problem but if you'd like to help out, contact your tour company who can advise you of which organisations or programs to donate to e.g local non-profit organizations in a particular neighborhood or support improvement projects around the city.
Drug use
Possessing or using drugs is strictly illegal in Mongolia. If you are caught taking or carrying drugs, you may end up serving time in prison. Mongolian Police are quite strict on this, so make sure you aren't on the wrong side of the law while in the country.
Homosexuality
Though it's not illegal, Mongolians are somewhat uncomfortable discussing homosexuality or seeing same-sex relationships. It's best to avoid public displays of affection and save them for the privacy of your hotel or when you get home.
Local politics
Getting involved is not generally advised; while making a political statement in your country of birth is admirable, be sure to be discreet when traveling in other countries.
Photography
It's always polite to ask someone if they mind being photographed. Some travelers have reported locals getting offended when being photographed. Some temples and government buildings may not permit photography so make sure you find out first before adding to your holiday photos.
Religious respect
Most locals in Mongolia still practice Buddhism despite the previous communist government repressing or killing many of those who practised the religion and closing monasteries across the county.
The Kazakh nomads and some Mongols practise Islam.
If you plan to visit any temples, monasteries or places of religious significance, here are some social etiquette tips to avoid offending the locals:
- If you walk around a stupa or prayer wheels always walk in a clockwise direction.
- Dress modestly; wear long sleeved clothing.
- Remove any hats, sunglasses and shoes before entering any religious building.
- Always respect any signage in areas which asks for No Photography. If you are unsure of whether you can take photos in places, always ask as not everywhere is off limits.
- Don't touch prayer flags, altars, Mani stones or any other items of religious significance.
Etiquette and oliteness in Mongolia
Should you ever get the opportunity to be invited into a local's home, there are a few things you need to know to try and avoid offense with your hosts:
- Always take a gift with you
- Always say hello (sain bainuul) when you arrive
- When entering a ger, men head to the left and women to the right. If you are wearing a hat, leave it on to enter the ger
- Always receive objects with your right hand. Keep your palm facing up when holding cups and accepting things
- Always accept gifts and food. Take a bite or a nibble of offered food, even if you're not hungry
- Always keep your sleeves rolled down. It's considered impolite to show your wrists to someone
- Always sleep with your feet pointing toward the door to the room
- If your host asks where you are from, where you are going and other questions, always offer an answer. Not replying is considered rude
- Never point at anyone with your index finger. Use your whole palm instead
- Never lean on a support column or ger wall
- Never put water on, step on or put rubbish in a fire. Fire is sacred in Mongolian culture
- Never walk in front of an elderly person
- Never turn your back to an altar unless you're leaving the room
- Never take food from a communal plate with your left hand
- Never touch other people's hats
- Never leave your coat and other warm items like gloves on while eating. To Mongolians, this signifies that you think they aren't providing adequate warmth in their home
- Never have long conversations with others in your own language in front of locals who don't speak the language
To make things easier and avoid potential offense with your hosts, it's a good idea to take a translator along with you who can help you get the hang of the local customs.
Obviously, Mongolia has different rules than most Western countries, and some of those may see different to what you know. The locals will generally be forgiving if you mess up any of the etiquette rules, as long as you respectfully give it a try and embrace what the country has to offer.
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