Respecting the Mongolian Greetings customs and practices of the Mongolian people will go a far toward. What you should know about Mongolian social customs and etiquettes are provided here before starting your Mongolia tours. Although Mongolia is neither particularly religious, conservative, or liberal, the locals take pleasure in their traditions and ways of life. To make the most of your time in this stunning nation, practice awareness, respect, and flexibility.
Customs in Mongolia
Ulaanbaatar is the Mongolian city where visitors are most likely to feel at home. Huge structures, a large population, and a service-based economy may at first glance appear to be comparable, but there are a few traditions you should be aware of while visiting and traveling around the city during Mongolia tours.
Money
Although ATMs and credit cards are increasingly accepted in most of the country's cities, notably in the capital Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia still has a heavily cash-based economy. Before leaving the city, be careful to load up on enough togrogs because it is quite unlikely that you will come across an ATM out on the Steppe.
Haggling While Shopping
In contrast to other Asian nations, Mongolia does not often place a high value on haggling over prices. Nevertheless, there is no risk in bargaining fairly while making purchases at a small store. You would not like to be taken advantage of, but you also don't want to underpay the stall seller.
Mongolian Scramble
This is the term used by ex-pats to describe how Mongolians conduct public trade. Personal space is essentially negotiable. In general, there are no lines and people rush to board buses, buy goods, etc. Even though it may seem impolite, this is just the way things are performed in many communities. Being kind or furious won't make a difference.
Giving Money
You may come across beggars in Ulaanbaatar, like in many other nations and particularly in big cities. Although poverty is undoubtedly an issue if you'd want to assist, get in touch with your tour operator. They may recommend which charities or initiatives to fund, such as neighborhood non-profits or city-improvement initiatives.
Drug Use
Drug use and possession are strongly prohibited in Mongolia trips. If you are found using or transporting drugs, you risk getting locked up. Make sure you are not breaking the law when visiting Mongolia because the police there are pretty strict about it.
Homosexuality
Although it isn't against the law, Mongolians find it awkward to talk about or observe same-sex relationships. It's preferable to reserve public demonstrations of affection for your hotel room or when you return home.
Local Politics
Participating in politics is typically not suggested; nevertheless, while it may be admirable to make a political statement in your place of origin, it is advisable to use discretion when visiting other nations.
Photography
Asking someone whether they mind being captured is usually considered courteous. Some visitors claim that when tourists take pictures of the locals, they are insulted. Make cautious to check before uploading your vacation images because certain temples and governmental structures may not allow photographs.
Religious Respect
Despite the former communist government's suppression of or murder of numerous Buddhists and the closure of monasteries all around the nation, the majority of natives in Mongolia still observe the faith.
Some Mongols and Kazakh nomads adhere to Islam.
Following are some social manners guidelines to follow if you want to visit any temples, monasteries, or other locations of religious significance to prevent insulting the locals:
- Always go around a stupa or a set of prayer wheels counterclockwise.
- Put on long sleeves and modest attire.
- Before approaching a place of worship, take off your shoes, hat, and sunglasses.
- Always abide by any signage that prohibits photography. Always inquire if you are unclear whether you may snap photographs anywhere because not everywhere is off-limits.
- Do not touch any altars, Mani stones, prayer flags, or other religiously significant objects.
Etiquette and Politeness in Mongolia
If you ever have the chance to visit a local's house, there are a few things you should be aware of to attempt to prevent upsetting your hosts while you’re on a Mongolia vacation:
- Always bring a present.
- When you come, always say hello (sain bainuul).
- Men enter gers from the left, and women from the right. Leave your hat on if you're going into the ger.
- Use your right hand only while receiving things. When receiving items and handling cups, keep your palm up.
- Receive food and presents at all times. Even if you aren't hungry, take a bite or a taste of the food being served.
- Keep your sleeves rolled up at all times. Showing your wrists to someone is considered disrespectful.
- Never use your index finger to point at someone. Instead, use your entire palm.
- Never lean on a ger wall or support column.
- Never stomp on, water on, or throw trashes into a fire. In the culture of Mongolia, fire is revered.
- Never pass an old person in the aisle.
- Except when you are exiting the room, never turn your back on an altar.
- Never use your left hand to steal food from a shared plate.
- Never mess with anyone else's headgear.
- Never eat while wearing a coat, other warm clothing, or gloves. This conveys to Mongolians your opinion that their dwelling isn't sufficiently heated.
- Never engage in lengthy talks in your native tongue with others in front of native speakers.
It's a smart option to have a translator who would help you get a handle on the local traditions with you in order to make the process simpler and prevent any offense to your hosts.
Naturally, Mongolian travel has separate rules from the majority of Western nations, and some of them may differ from what you are accustomed to. As long as you politely give it a go and appreciate everything the nation has to provide, the natives will usually be understanding if you break any of the etiquette standards.
