For many people Mongolia is a foreign country, and it’s totally understandable to be hesitant when considering a trip. Safety always comes first—especially when going off the beaten path.
In this article I’ll share:
My personal experience traveling in Mongolia and on the ground observations
But if you want a quick answer:
Yes—based on my experience Mongolia is safe for tourists.
- A Culture of Trust When It Comes to Rides
One of the biggest things I noticed in Mongolia is how trusting people are with transportation. In many places people use taxis or ride share apps—but in Mongolia anyone can be a taxi driver.
If you need a ride just stand by the roadside and wave your hand.
Locals driving by will often stop if they have space in their car.
There’s even a standard rate of 1,500 MNT per kilometer, so both the driver and the passenger know what to expect.
It’s a simple system—but it works because people trust each other.
And for me, this small detail spoke volumes about the general safety and social norms in Mongolia.
- The Kindness of Strangers
Because the language in Mongolia is completely different from what I’m used to—and accurate travel information is hard to find—I often needed help to get through tough situations. Luckily I met some very kind and generous people along the way.
✈️ A Stranger Who Drove Me to the Right Airport
One of the most memorable moments was when someone drove me an hour out of their way so I wouldn’t miss my flight.
I was using UBCab, the local taxi app, to get to the airport—but due to a glitch in the interface, I ended up at an almost abandoned airport that was 35 km away from the actual international terminal. To make things worse, I was low on cash, and the taxis wouldn’t accept credit cards.
I stood alone in an empty parking lot, with only not much U.S. dollars and no working transport. I was panicking.
Then I spotted a car. The driver was there to meet friends, but I approached and asked—using all the Mongolian cash I had left—if they could give me a ride. Not only did they say yes, but they even used the leftover change to buy me a bottle of water.
They drove me all the way to the right airport—30 minutes each way—without expecting anything in return. I’ll never forget that.
🏨 Help Finding a Hotel in a Cold, Dark Town
Another time I was traveling from Ulaanbaatar to a small town called Balgan. The bus was supposed to arrive around 5 or 6 PM but traffic delayed us until 8:30 PM—long after dark. It was freezing cold and the streets were empty.
I had planned to look for a hotel upon arrival, but that clearly wasn’t going to work given the situation at the time. So I asked a man who had been on the same bus if he knew a place to stay. He and his family took me around town, trying multiple hotels.
The first was fully booked.
The second owner wasn’t answering calls.
I was honestly worried I might be sleeping outside.
Finally, one hotel owner picked up the phone and let me in. I was so grateful.
I later exchanged contacts with the man who helped me, and we chat on Telegram—using Mongolian.
It was one of those nights where I truly felt the power of human kindness.
- Stories from Mongolian Women
So you’re wondering if it’s safe to travel in Mongolia as a solo female traveler? Let me share a story that might give you some idea.
I stayed in Erdenet and booked a room at a local hotel. At the front desk was a young woman who spoke perfect English—a rare and lovely surprise. Over time I found out she wasn’t just working there temporarily—she often had to run the front desk at night to help her elderly grandparents run the place.
She was only 18 years old but she did everything: checked in guests and even dealt with groups of drunk men hanging out in the lobby late at night(which did happen when I was there).
I asked her if she ever felt unsafe or if anyone had ever tried to harass her.
Her answer?
No
I was surprised.
She looks beautiful to be honest so no harassment at all from drunken people?!
This wasn’t a one off either. I had similar impressions from other women I met on the road—from women I met on the street to those who helped me when I was hitchhiking. Many were tough and confident and none gave me the sense that harassment was something they worried about all the time.
Of course you should always be cautious and trust your instincts wherever you travel. But stories like this says a lot .
- The Traffic Is Wild—Seriously
Ulaanbaatar has the worst traffic I’ve ever seen. No joke.
Because of the congestion, most drivers are impatient and aggressive. As soon as they see even the smallest gap, they hit the gas. Honking is nonstop—like a background soundtrack to the entire city.
Crossing the street is a challenge of its own.
I learned quickly to just follow a group of locals whenever I needed to cross. If you try it solo, you’ll probably end up stuck in the middle of a lane with cars swerving around you like you’re invisible.
I saw someone online say that Mongolians drive like they ride horses—wild and free.
And honestly… it’s hard to argue with that.
If you’re planning a trip here, prepare yourself for chaotic traffic and unpredictable drivers. It’s not unsafe per se—but you need to stay alert, especially as a pedestrian.
Final Thoughts: Is Mongolia Safe to Visit in 2025?
After spending time traveling across Mongolia—both in cities and remote areas—I can say with confidence that Mongolia is generally a safe place to visit, even for solo travelers.
Yes, you’ll face some challenges:
Crazy traffic in Ulaanbaatar
Language barriers
And the occasional logistical headache
But in return, you’ll find:
A culture built on trust
Locals who genuinely want to help
And a sense of safety, even in situations that would feel risky elsewhere
Whether you’re catching a ride from a stranger, getting help late at night in a small town, or chatting with a young woman running a hotel desk solo—you’ll notice that respect, resilience, and kindness are part of daily life here.
So if Mongolia’s been sitting on your travel list but you’re hesitant about safety—don’t let fear stop you. Come prepared, stay aware, and you’ll likely walk away with not just good memories, but great stories.
