Internet
Yes
Calls
No
SMS
No
4G
Yes
Works only on unlocked eSIM-supported devices — check your phone compatibility before purchase
Most packages do not include calls or SMS
Choose one of three methods:
Scan QR code
Install via 'Quick Install' button
Manual setup through phone settings
Use the package within 3 months from purchase
Local (one country), Regional (multiple countries), Global (many countries)
Not available for Sicily
Mongolia is one of the least densely populated countries in the world, so a trip usually combines the capital with long routes: the Gobi desert, Lake Khuvsgul, ancient Karakorum, the western Altai. You will want internet right after landing in Ulaanbaatar, and then wherever there is a signal. The eSIM is installed at home, and after arrival you only need to switch mobile data on.
You can buy an eSIM for Mongolia online right on this page from 6 500 ₸: choose a data plan, pay by card and get the QR code within minutes. An eSIM is a digital SIM card — it installs on your phone with no plastic card and no visit to a phone shop.
The eSIM connects to local mobile networks, so you have data wherever they have coverage — Ulaanbaatar and the rest of the country.
Roaming in Mongolia with a Kazakh carrier is usually far more expensive, and roaming data runs out fast. With a Funsim eSIM you pay a fixed price for a data package and keep your home SIM in the phone for calls and bank SMS — roaming on it can stay off.
If your phone does not support eSIM, you can buy a regular physical SIM card with data for Mongolia at a Funsim point of sale: at Almaty and Shymkent airports, or at our offices in Almaty — 130/1 Abay St and 1 Pozharsky St. Handy if you remember about the internet right before departure.
Mongolia is huge and settlements are few, so connection quality depends heavily on the route. The capital and regional centres are covered reliably, there is usually a signal along the main roads, but on the steppe, in the desert and in the mountains it can vanish for long stretches. In a country like this a single profile for the whole trip is easier than hunting for different SIMs at each stage. See the plan above for coverage and terms, and if your route includes neighbouring countries, look at the regional plans.
Keep your main SIM in the phone for calls and bank SMS, and use the eSIM for data. Most plans have no voice or SMS, so it is easier to message guides, drivers and ger camp hosts in messengers. You also do not spend your first hours in Ulaanbaatar looking for a shop and queueing for a SIM.
| Criterion | Funsim eSIM | Roaming | Local SIM |
|---|---|---|---|
| When to set up | At home, before the flight | Usually on arrival | After landing, in a shop |
| What you need in Mongolia | Just switch data on | Check your operator's terms | A visit to a sales point |
| Cost of data | Fixed package, see plans above | Usually much more expensive | Depends on the operator's tariff |
| Home number | Stays for calls and banking | Stays | Usually a second SIM or a swap |
| Long trips across the country | One profile, check coverage in the plan | Depends on your operator's terms | You need to check coverage with the operator |
Connection works best in Ulaanbaatar and larger towns and is patchy on remote routes. These are the places where internet is needed most often.
The capital, where almost every route crosses. You will need a map, taxis, translation of Mongolian signs and bookings for accommodation and tours. Traffic can be heavy, so before meeting a guide or driver it helps to follow the road on a map and message them in a messenger.
A mountain park not far from the capital, popular for weekends: rocks, a river and ger camps. There is usually a signal, but it can weaken in valleys. It is useful to download the map, save the camp's contacts and check the weather before you set off.
The former imperial capital and the country's oldest Buddhist monastery in central Mongolia. People come on a tour or by car across the steppe. Internet helps with the map, bookings and reaching your driver, and away from the highway the signal may drop.
The classic desert route: singing dunes, the Flaming Cliffs and a canyon with ice. Distances are big and camps are far apart, so the network appears only near villages and roadside stops. Plan on an offline map and tell family your route in advance.
A huge lake in the north, often called the pearl of the country. The main base on the southern shore is Khatgal. There is a signal in villages, but in forests and on trails around the lake it is unpredictable. Download the map and save the contacts of lodgings and guides.
Ulgii, Khovd and the mountain areas of Altai Tavan Bogd. Distances are enormous and roads are tough, so trips often include a flight. Towns usually have a signal, while mountains and lakes often do not. Bring maps, a fallback plan and agree things with your guide beforehand.
The capital stays a connection point: people pass through it by rail on the Trans-Siberian line and fly on domestic routes. Internet helps at the station and at Chinggis Khaan airport, which is a fair distance from the city, for maps and taxis.
The main national festival takes place in July: wrestling, horse racing and archery. The stadium and city centre are packed, the mobile network may be overloaded and messages can arrive late. Agree a meeting place with your companions beforehand and download tickets.
Universal services are enough for a trip. Tourists rarely use local apps, and guides usually send contacts through messengers.
Works in cities and on main roads and shows hotels and cafes. On the steppe and in the desert maps are not accurate everywhere, so download an offline map of the region and do not rely only on online routes.
A maps app that works without internet. Useful on routes with no signal: trails, ger camps and dirt roads. Download the regions you need in advance while you have Wi-Fi.
Handy for signs and menus: Mongolian uses Cyrillic, but the words differ from Russian. Download Mongolian for offline use and translate signs with the camera.
In Mongolia many guides, travel agencies and camps answer on Facebook and Messenger. If you are sent a contact through social media, install the app and sign in beforehand.
Also used to talk to tour companies and drivers. Calling through a messenger is easier because most plans have no voice minutes.
Helps you find hotels and guesthouses in Ulaanbaatar and larger towns. In remote camps booking is often direct or through a tour, so save confirmations offline.
Check that your phone supports eSIM and is not locked to a carrier. You can find this in settings or from the manufacturer.
Choose the plan for Mongolia above and pay by card on the site; no passport is needed. If you are also visiting neighbouring countries, look at the regional plans.
Install the eSIM at home by QR code, the quick install button or manually while you still have Wi-Fi. That way data works right after landing.
After landing in Ulaanbaatar, choose the eSIM as the line for mobile data and switch on data roaming for that line.
Keep your main SIM for calls and bank SMS, but turn off data on it so you do not pay roaming charges.
If the package runs out, buy extra data on the site. Hotspot can be used where the plan allows it; see the terms on the plan page.
Before leaving the city, download offline maps and save the contacts of your guide and camp. On the steppe having no signal is normal, and a plan prepared in advance saves the trip.
