How to enter living places without turning them into a stage

Before the Encounter

Good travel in Mongolia starts before the camera comes out. Customs, dress, hospitality, sacred places, and family spaces can change by region and situation. Use this guidance to prepare, then let guides and hosts help interpret each moment on the ground.

Mongolia has many traditions, customs, and values that may be unfamiliar to visitors from other countries. Mongolians do not generally impose rules of behaviour on guests, but learning local etiquette can help show respect for hosts and communities.

Basic Do's and Don'ts

• Handle money respectfully. Before handing over banknotes, straighten them and ensure the portrait faces outward toward the recipient. Money is typically offered with the right hand or, as a sign of greater respect, with both hands and open palms.
• Accept offered food and tea. Hosts may invite guests directly to the table rather than asking whether refreshments are wanted. Refusing a meal or leaving untouched food may be considered discourteous.
• Keep hats on indoors when appropriate. Men may enter homes wearing hats as a sign of respect. Some hosts may tip a hat when welcoming guests.
• Wear traditional clothing correctly. A traditional robe, or deel, should be worn with its sash or belt. Wearing a deel open without a belt may be considered inappropriate.
• Speak respectfully about Chinggis Khaan. Chinggis Khaan is widely revered, and jokes or disrespectful comments may cause offence.
• Show respect to elders. Avoid crossing in front of older people, speaking rudely, staring, or behaving angrily. Offer elders seats and serve them food first. Avoid patting an elder on the shoulder as a greeting or farewell.
• Do not bring empty dishes when visiting. Bringing a dish or container with something inside is customary, as empty dishes may be associated with taking happiness away from the home.
• Use bowls and cups carefully. Avoid leaving tea remnants at the bottom of a bowl or placing scraps and leftovers into a cup.
• Receive treats with both hands. Taking food or gifts with both hands is a common sign of respect.
• Announce arrival before entering a ger. Do not enter a ger without permission or quietly without making a sound. A voice, greeting, or gentle cough lets hosts know that peaceful intentions are present.
• Apologise after stepping on someone’s foot. If someone’s foot is stepped on accidentally, an apology and handshake are customary.
• Respect personal privacy. Avoid asking overly personal questions, and do not feel pressure to share every detail of personal life immediately.
• Respect breastfeeding mothers. Do not stare at or draw attention to a woman breastfeeding in public.
• Protect the natural environment. Do not harm, catch, or kill young birds; cut down young trees near springs; pick plants or flowers unnecessarily; leave rubbish; disturb turf; or leave fires unattended or unextinguished.

Enjoy a memorable trip to Mongolia while respecting local customs, hosts, landscapes, and cultural traditions.