Mongolia: Buy the Best eSIMs | 2024 Guide

Mongolia is probably not the most popular travel destination in Asia, but it still has a lot to offer.

Especially when it is a relatively affordable country for travel.

What you should not do, in many cases, is roam internationally in Mongolia.

International roaming can be expensive, which is why using local and travel eSIMs is recommended to save money.

And if you get a travel eSIM, you do not have to deal with the SIM card registration bureaucracy and skip the queues in Mongolia.

How much will a (travel) eSIM for Mongolia cost you?

You can get an eSIM for Mongolia for as low as 9 USD and up to 79 USD from Airalo, Alosim & Holafly offering between 1 GB and unlimited data to be used locally, in Asia, or globally.

Those are some generous data allowances, right?

In this guide, I will go over the eSIM options offered by the Mongolian mobile operators (if available), Airalo, Alosim, Holafly, Nomad & SimOptions . Let's do this.

Original publication: 16th of September 2022. Last updated: 17th of October 2023.

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Table of Contents

In a Hurry? A Quick Introduction

I will write about six eSIM options in Mongolia (and explain why they are included).

But if you want to quickly check out what the best eSIMs are for Mongolia without my analysis and explanations, here is an overview of the eSIMs covered in this guide:

• Airalo Mongo Mobile & Fiber eSIM with three choices between 1 GB and 5 GB (best value for money)
• Alosim Mongolia eSIM with three choices between 1 GB and 5 GB (priced roughly the same as Airalo with a bit more options)
• Holafly Mongolia eSIM with unlimited data for 5 to 30 days (unlimited data eSIMs) – use code PHONETRAVELWIZ for 5% off)
• AIS eSIM2FLY Asia eSIM through SimOptions with one 6 GB option (eSIM with the most 5G NR supported Asian countries (12/32) at a reasonable price but with a short validity – SimOptions does sell other Asian eSIMs, but they are not as good as AIS)
• AIS eSIM2FLY Global eSIM through SimOptions with one 6 GB option (eSIM with the most 5G NR supported countries (53/143) at a reasonable price but with a short validity)
• Nomad Global eSIM with six choices between 1 GB and 5 GB (extensive global coverage (109 or 139 countries) at high(er) prices – use code ADU123 for 3 USD off)

Note: the promo codes mentioned above can also be used for regional and global eSIMs (they are not restricted to country-specific eSIMs only). In other news, the eSIM providers are in alphabetical order per grouping (Mongolia-only, regional & global) – not in order of preference (you would have to read the complete guide to find out which eSIMs I love the most for Mongolia 😜).

Let's truly get started, shall we?

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eSIMs offered by Mongolian Mobile Operators

To get the best service available, in terms of reception and speeds, you want to go with the local mobile operators directly instead of with a travel eSIM.

That is because you will have a higher priority on the network in case of network congestion.

However, that does not mean travel eSIMs will always be slow.

In fact, some mobile operators throttle (prepaid) on select plans or all plans for “optimization” reasons (read: we cannot be bothered to invest in our network).

Anyway, which Mongolian mobile operators offer eSIMs to prepaid customers?

Currently, none of the mobile operators offer eSIMs to prepaid customers.

But you have to deal with Mongolia's SIM card registration scheme, which is mandatory for anyone using Mongolian SIM cards and eSIMs – it can be a time-consuming affair.

(Why does this matter? Because hackers can steal your (critical) personal data if the mobile operator does not secure your data properly, like what happened in Australia (10 million Optus customers were affected, where info, like passport numbers, were stolen (including mine – luckily not my passport number but my boyfriend was not as lucky) or Indonesia (1.3 billion SIM card-related data was hacked)).

While mobile data is already affordable in Mongolia, getting any of the travel eSIMs mentioned in this guide will not break the bank – not at all.

Travel eSIM providers Airalo, Alosim, Holafly, Nomad & SimOptions offer attractive eSIMs for Mongolia – some allow their eSIMs to be set up before arriving in Mongolia and activating them as soon as you land.

Very convenient, right? And I have used eSIMs from Airalo, Alosim, Holafly, Nomad & SimOptions before, and I can assure you they work well!

So let's see what these travel eSIM providers have to offer in Mongolia, right?

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Airalo eSIMs for Mongolia (Mongo Mobile & Fiber)

If I could only get one travel eSIM during my trip because I do not have the time or opportunity to buy a local SIM card or eSIM, I would always get an eSIM from Airalo, like its Mongo Mobile & Fiber eSIM for Mongolia.

Not only does Airalo have eSIMs for more than 200 countries and territories, which is an insane number on its own, I almost always have the best network performance with its eSIMs.

Additionally, its eSIMs are frequently one of the cheapest compared to its competition, including the ones mentioned in this guide, which is remarkable on its own.

If you have no idea who or what Airalo is and are confused right now, worry not – I have an in-depth review explaining how Airalo works and all its options based on four years of using Airalo eSIMs – you can read it now or later (I will briefly introduce Airalo anyway in this guide).

Basically, what Airalo does is partner up with local mobile operators to sell plans through its eSIMs in a convenient way on its platform.

In many Asian countries, Airalo works with Singtel from Singapore, the country's best mobile operator, which can then be used in various Asian countries.

That way, you do not have to fly to Singapore, get its SIM card, buy a roaming plan, and then go to Mongolia with your new package.

Not only would this be expensive, but it would also be a waste of time (unless you already planned on visiting Singapore anyway, like a transit).

So, I already told you that Airalo's Mongolia eSIM is called Mongo Mobile & Fiber.

The Mongo Mobile & Fiber eSIM uses the Unitel Mongolia network on 4G/LTE (no 5G NR access yet, but some Airalo eSIMs already do, so it is only a matter of time).

That way, you can use the Unitel Mongolia network 4G/LTE network without going through Mongolia's SIM card registration requirements (legally, of course)!

Anyway, you have three Airalo Mongo Mobile & Fiber eSIM options:

1. Mongolia/Mongo Mobile & Fiber 1 GB eSIM for 7 days, costing 9 USD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
2. Mongolia/Mongo Mobile & Fiber 3 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 24 USD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
3. Mongolia/Mongo Mobile & Fiber 5 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 35 USD – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers

Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in October based on data up to the 11^th of October (2023 data only).

Honestly, the Airalo Mongo Mobile & Fiber eSIM is fantastic and loved by many Phone Travel Wiz readers, especially considering its options and prices.

Let me highlight some strengths and weaknesses of the Airalo Mongo Mobile & Fiber eSIM before you make your purchase decision (but we still have plenty of Mongolian travel eSIMs to cover, so do not be too quick!).

Airalo Mongo Mobile & Fiber eSIM Pros

What are the main perks of Airalo's Mongo Mobile & Fiber eSIMs?

• You can avoid expensive international roaming fees
• You can purchase and set up your Mongo Mobile & Fiber eSIM before arriving in Mongolia (and activate it upon landing)
  • The eSIM will start once you have it enabled and are in Mongolia – not earlier (so you can pre-purchase your eSIM months in advance in peace – I do this often)
• You can skip Mongolia's SIM card registration requirements and any queues at the airport or in town
• You get full (up to 4G/LTE) access to the Unitel Mongolia network
• The eSIMs are affordable and have generous data allowances
• You can manage your eSIM easily on the Airalo website or its apps (Android and iOS)
  • If you need more data, top-ups are available (at the same prices as listed earlier – not at a markup)

Airalo Mongo Mobile & Fiber eSIM Cons

What are the main cons of Airalo's Mongo Mobile & Fiber eSIMs?

• You cannot call or text with the Mongo Mobile & Fiber eSIM – it is a data-only eSIM (so you do not get a (Mongolian) phone number either)
• While you get access to Unitel Mongolia's network, your speeds will not be as fast as going with Unitel Mongolia itself because you will be roaming on their networks (and not be a native customer)
• The Mongolian mobile operators have much more generous data allowances (while Mongo Mobile & Fiber's is capped at 5 GB, but top-ups are available)
• There are no unlimited data plans
• There is no 5G NR access with the Mongo Mobile & Fiber eSIM

Airalo Mongo Mobile & Fiber eSIM Overall Thoughts

I have been a big fan of Airalo and its eSIMs in years, as mentioned in my Airalo review, including the Mongo Mobile & Fiber eSIM.

It offers reasonable data plans for low prices, especially compared to international roaming.

You get fast (up to 4G/LTE) speeds and access in Mongolian without standing in queues or dealing with SIM card registration bureaucracy.

Unfortunately, you cannot call or text with the Mongo Mobile & Fiber eSIM, as it is a data-only eSIM.

But if you wish to make actual calls, not through VoIP apps like WhatsApp, consider buying a Mongolian SIM card instead (an in-depth guide).

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Alosim eSIMs for Mongolia

Alosim is an eSIM provider covering 130+ 150+ countries.

Although I only started using its eSIMs in 2023, I like them a lot.

Mostly because Alosim eSIMs have 5G NR access in popular destinations in Asia.

Unfortunately, that is not the case for Mongolia yet… but that could change soon 😏.

Something even Airalo, the King of eSIMs, does not offer (yet).

And you know I am all about that speed 🐆.

In Mongolia, Alosim uses the Unitel Mongolia network.

Just like Airalo, Alosim often partners with the best local network(s) in a country, which I love.

And the eSIMs are affordable too!

You have the following three Alosim Mongolia eSIM options:

1. Mongolia 1 GB eSIM for 7 days, costing 9 USD
2. Mongolia 3 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 24 USD
3. Mongolia 5 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 35 USD

Just note that when you have installed your Alosim eSIM, you always have to manually change the Access Point Name (APN) to alosim instead of the default one, as in the screenshot below.

Of course, Alosim mentions this on the installation page, but it is not something you have to do with man eSIM providers.

So I thought I would mention it here as a heads-up 😜.

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Holafly eSIMs for Mongolia

Another eSIM provider I recommend is Holafly.

In June 2022, Holafly introduced something that no other travel eSIM provider had done by that time.

You can now get unlimited data plans for Mongolia, several other Asian countries, all European Union member states & a handful of other countries.

Wait… there is an eSIM provider offering unlimited data plans, and I (you reading this) have never heard of it? Who is Holafly? 🤔

I have an in-depth review explaining how Airalo works and all its options, based on two years of using Holafly eSIMs – you can read it now or later (I will briefly introduce Holafly anyway in this guide).

Okay, back to unlimited data eSIMs – is it truly unlimited?

Yes… at least that was what I was told initially.

A few weeks later, though, this paragraph was added to its “Can my connection speed be reduced?” FAQ:

[…] if the mobile operator estimates the usage of more than 90 GB of data in a month, it may temporarily reduce the speed to 256 Kbps – 1 Mbps to avoid affecting other users. This limitation is intended to prevent network saturation and will be removed within 24 hours.

One of Holafly's competitors (an eSIM reseller) tried to hit a daily fair-use limit.

It realized that speeds get throttled after using more than 2.5 GB to 3 GB daily.

Interesting, is it not? 🤔.

Anyway, Holafly's unlimited data plans for Mongolia are the most expensive ones mentioned in this guide.

But they are not prohibitively expensive (luckily) – that is the price you pay for unlimited data for up to 30 days.

The Holafly Mongolia eSIM uses the Unitel Mongolia network.

You have the following six Holafly Mongolia eSIM options:

1. Mongolia unlimited data eSIM for 5 days, costing 29 USD/29 EUR/24 GBP/44 AUD/37 CAD
2. Mongolia unlimited data eSIM for 7 days, costing 37 USD/37 EUR/34 GBP/54 AUD/47 CAD
3. Mongolia unlimited data eSIM for 10 days, costing 44 USD/44 EUR/37 GBP/64 AUD/57 CAD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
4. Mongolia unlimited data eSIM for 15 days, costing 47 USD/47 EUR/39 GBP/67 AUD/64 CAD – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
5. Mongolia unlimited data eSIM for 20 days, costing 59 USD/59 EUR/49 GBP/84 AUD/77 CAD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
6. Mongolia unlimited data eSIM for 30 days, costing 79 USD/79 EUR/67 GBP/114 AUD/104 CAD

Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in October based on data up to the 11^th of October (2023 data only).

Holafly Mongolia eSIM Pros

What are the main perks of Holafly's Mongolia eSIMs?

• You can avoid expensive international roaming fees
• You can skip Mongolia's SIM card registration requirements
• You get full (up to 4G/LTE) access to Unitel Mongolia network
• If you, somehow, experience any problems, Holafly's support team responds surprisingly quickly (even on weekends)

Holafly Mongolia eSIM Cons

What are the main cons of Holafly's Mongolia eSIMs?

• You cannot call or text with the Holafly Mongolia eSIM – it is a data-only eSIM (so you do not get a (Mongolian) phone number either)
• While you get access to Unitel Mongolia network, your speeds will not be as fast as going with them themselves because you will be roaming on their network (and not be a native customer)
• The eSIM's validity, supposedly, starts as soon as you scan the QR code, not upon using it in Mongolia
  • I say supposedly because I have installed eSIMs literally months in advance and had no issues using them later, but I do not want you to experience this issue with your hard-earned money
• There is no 5G NR access with the Holafly eSIM
• You cannot top-up your eSIM – you have to buy a new one (in case you stay in Mongolia for a bit longer than initially planned)
• Holafly is the most expensive eSIM provider in this guide for Mongolia-only eSIMs

Holafly Mongolia eSIM Overall Thoughts

I love that Holafly decided to innovate and offer unlimited data plans (although unlimited should be written as “unlimited” instead).

I was not a fan of Holafly when it had travel SIM cards (discontinued) because they were crazy expensive (I am talking about 20 USD for 1 GB of data in some Caribbean nation expensive).

Luckily that is not the case with its eSIMs, so I have used Holafly eSIMs in many countries and counting.

Be sure to use code PHONETRAVELWIZ for 5% off each Holafly purchase (yes, you can use it multiple times)!

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Best eSIMs for Asia & the World (including Mongolia)

So what if you plan to visit a neighboring Asian country?

Unfortunately, you cannot use your Airalo, Alosim, Holafly, or Nomad eSIMs in any country than Mongolia.

Luckily, some of the eSIM providers mentioned so far do have eSIMs that can be used throughout most or all of Asia.

And there are also some global eSIMs with attractive prices that can be useful if you visit Asia and another continent or region.

I highly recommend these Asia or global eSIMs if you plan to visit multiple Asian countries to save money!

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AIS eSIM2FLY Asia eSIM

There is a new kid on the block with 5G NR access in several Asian countries with its Asia eSIM: AIS eSIM2FLY Asia.

Okay, AIS (Thailand) is not new at all – it is the largest mobile operator in the country.

What is relatively new, however, is its updated AIS eSIM2FLY Asia eSIM.

You still get 6 GB of data for 15 days in 32 Asian countries.

But you also get FREE 5G NR access in about a dozen supported countries – and more will be added shortly.

And I can tell you that not many eSIM providers have this benefit for Asia (including the ones in this guide)… so this is a unique selling point for the AIS eSIM2FLY Asia eSIM.

Now, many resellers are selling this eSIM – but I recommend getting it from SimOptions.

Mainly because SimOptions was probably the first travel SIM card company I started working with in 2019.

But also because its price is competitive (19.90 USD) – even while offering STELLAR after-sales support (which not all AIS eSIM2FLY Asia eSIM resellers do… they just tell you to contact AIS directly, smh).

Alright, the AIS eSIM2FLY Asia eSIM can be used in the following 32 countries:

¹ with 5G NR access

It is nice to see when an eSIM provider does not consider only some East- and Southeast Asian countries as Asia 🗿.

What is more: you get a Thai phone number (+66) that can be used for incoming calls and SMS.

If you go to the SimOptions website and look at its Asia eSIMs, you will see the following six eSIMs:

I will talk about the AIS eSIM2FLY Global eSIM in the global section (it also allows for 5G NR access in quite a number of countries).

But why do I only mention and recommend the AIS eSIM2FLY Asia eSIM from SimOptions?

Mostly because the eSIM is vastly superior to any other Asia eSIM SimOptions sells.

The AIS eSIM2FLY Asia eSIM covers an equal number of countries as the Smart Traveler eSIM and more than the China Unicom Hong Kong Smart Data eSIM and the 3 Hong Kong 30-Day APAC Pass eSIMs.

Moreover, the performance with the AIS eSIM2FLY Asia eSIM will be (significantly) better because it often works on the network of the best local mobile operator.

Furthermore, it costs roughly the same as the other eSIMs.

The only main drawback with the AIS eSIM2FLY Asia eSIM is that it has the shortest validity – eight days.

Unless you plan in staying all 32 supported countries for maybe an hour before flying again, it will be impossible to use the eSIM in all of them.

Let alone two or three countries within eight days.

So yes, it is a regional eSIM, but you will most likely use it in one or two only.

But unlike the other eSIMs, you will get 5G NR access with the AIS eSIM2FLY Asia eSIM.

But if you want to explore your options, check out the SimOptions site.

Although I believe you will have a better experience with the AIS eSIM2FLY Asia eSIM or the other Asia eSIMs mentioned in this guide.

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AIS eSIM2FLY Global eSIM

SimOptions also sells a global eSIM: AIS eSIM2FLY Global.

And it can be used in 140+ countries for 15 days – 53 of them with 5G NR access.

The AIS eSIM2FLY Global eSIM can be used in the following countries:

¹ with 5G NR access

If you get this eSIM from SimOptions, which I recommend, you will pay 39.90 USD.

The main issue I have with the AIS eSIM2FLY Global eSIM is its short validity.

Making it hard to call it an actual global eSIM… unless you can somehow visit 140+ countries within 15 days – something not even I can do🧐.

Still, it is a relatively affordable global eSIM covering 140+ countries… with 5G NR access!

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Nomad Global eSIM

Besides Nomad's eSIM for Mongolia, it also has a global eSIM that can be used in Mongolia and a total of 109/139 countries (including most European ones).

While Nomad's Global eSIM covers a few more countries than Airalo's Discover(+) eSIMs (109/139 vs. 130 (previously 85+)), it is significantly more expensive than Airalo (but not the most costly global eSIM in this guide).

Even so, Phone Travel Wiz readers have shown interest in this eSIM and have had positive experiences with it, especially after Nomad improved it (with its 139 Country Plan powered by eSIM Go (has 5G NR access in 50+ countries) instead of the 109 Country Plan by Truphone (4G/LTE only).

Anyway, you have these six Nomad Global eSIMs:

1. Global (109 Countries Plan) 1 GB eSIM for 7 days, costing 25 USD/24 EUR/21 GBP/34.50 CAD/23 CHF – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
2. Global (139 Countries Plan) 1 GB eSIM for 7 days, costing 19 USD/18.50 EUR/16 GBP/26 CAD/17.50 CHF
3. Global (109 Countries Plan) 3 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 40 USD/38.50 EUR/33.50 GBP/55 CAD/37 CHF – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
4. Global (139 Countries Plan) 3 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 40 USD/38.50 EUR/33.50 GBP/55 CAD/37 CHF
5. Global (109 Countries Plan) 5 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 45 USD/43 EUR/37.50 GBP/61.50 CAD/41.50 CHF – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
6. Global (139 Countries Plan) 5 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 57 USD/54.50 EUR/47.50 GBP/78 CAD/52.50 CHF

Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in October based on data up to the 11^th of October (2023 data only).

The Nomad Global eSIM can be used in the following 109 (Truphone)/139 (eSIM Go) countries:

¹ 109 Countries Plan (Truphone) only
² 139 Countries Plan (eSIM Go) only
³ 5G NR access (if you have the 139 Countries Plan (eSIM GO) – does not apply to the 109 Countries Plan (Truphone)

Remember to use code ADU123 for 3 USD/2.75 EUR/2.35 GBP/4 CAD off your first Nomad purchase!

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Overview of the Best eSIMs for Mongolia

So, we reviewed some eSIMs that can be used in Mongolia.

I will give you a quick recap of each and link to their product pages in case you need more info or want to purchase an eSIM already (just remember the activation policies of Holafly, Nomad & SimOptions – do not buy their eSIMs too early):

• Airalo Mongo Mobile & Fiber eSIM (best value for money)
• Alosim Mongolia eSIM (priced roughly the same as Airalo with a bit more options)
• Holafly Mongolia eSIM (unlimited data eSIMs)
• AIS eSIM2FLY Asia eSIM through SimOptions (eSIM with the most 5G NR supported Asian countries (12/32) at a reasonable price but with a short validity – SimOptions does sell other Asian eSIMs, but they are not as good as AIS)
• AIS eSIM2FLY Global eSIM through SimOptions (eSIM with the most 5G NR supported countries (53/143) at a reasonable price but with a short validity)
• Nomad Global eSIM (extensive global coverage (109/139 countries) at high(er) prices)

Remember to use code the relevant discount codes for (ADU123 (Nomad), PTW (Alosim), or PHONETRAVELWIZ (others)).

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Buying a SIM Card in Mongolia

Want to just use a SIM card but not your current one because roaming will be criminally expensive?

Consider getting a Mongolian SIM card instead – local SIM cards are the cheapest way to stay connected abroad.