Is it possible to enjoy Mongolia solo? Absolutely. Mongolia is one country where not only will the locals welcome you with open arms, but they will be eager to share with you their country's history and the beauty of the landscape around them. Follow these tips below to ensure your solo trip to Mongolia is enjoyable and safe.

Keep an Eye on Your Belongings at All Times

Mongolian people are generally warm, friendly, and polite, but like anywhere else, petty crimes, such as stealing another person's things, can still occur. Keep your belongings close to you at all times and, if possible, leave your wallet and passport behind in a safe in your hotel room so that you don't lose everything if the worst of the worst happens. Ensure that at busy places such as airports and markets, you don't lose sight of any of the things you've brought with you. Another helpful tip is that if you're going on a tour, choose a highly reputable tour guide for your travels. If you don't, you're at risk of being deceived or led into more trouble than you bargained for.

Be Careful of These Places

It's essential to be cautious of crime when traveling anywhere outside of your home, but due to past criminal activity, these are a list of places to be especially wary of:

• Gandan Monastery
• Chinggis Khaan International Airport in Ulaanbaatar
• The Central Post Office
• Naran Tuul Covered Market
• Emart Supermarkets
• Tedy Center IT Market
• The State Department Store and surrounding areas code block Organized criminal groups commonly operate in these following areas, so it's advised that you either stay entirely away from these places or keep your valuables somewhere safe if you are planning to wander through them. Another place to be wary of is the Trans-Mongolian Railway or any other means of public transport. Ensure you keep your passport, phone, and money in a money belt strapped under your shirt for safekeeping.

Be Aware of Common Scams

Scams are found anywhere and everywhere, and Mongolia is no exception. Knowing these common scams will help you keep safe when visiting Mongolia.

Unofficial Taxis

Make sure you are taking an official taxi because, believe it or not, unofficial taxis are posing as the real deal, showing up outside popular areas, and tricking people into paying more than what the fare is worth. The best way to avoid this is to settle on the taxi fare before you hop in the taxi of your choosing and keep any extra money out of the driver's sight.

Money-Hungry Kids

It's a common tactic for some Mongolian people to sendkidsout to the streets begging for money with the knowledge that many tourists and visitors will feel sorry for them and give in. The solution? Hide your Gucci belt, keep your money out of sight, and don't flash your jewelry out in public for the world to see. If you do come across these kids, ignore them and move on.

Border Scams

The border scam involves thieves disguised as Border Protection Officers claiming that you can't go any further without having travel insurance. Please don't fall for it. This is fake as fake can be and just a ploy for these scammers to steal your money. Don't let these scams scare you off from visiting the beautiful country of Mongolia. If you have any questions, we are here to help.