Is Ulaanbaatar Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Ulaanbaatar is moderately safe at night. Like most big cities around the world, it has both safe and less safe areas. Public areas in districts like Sukhbaatar, which are lively with restaurants and shops, are generally safe. However, it is recommended to avoid poorly lit areas or walking alone late at night especially since the city's street lighting isn't very reliable. Using licensed taxis or reputable ride-hailing services is generally preferred over walking alone, especially after dark.

Public transportation in Ulaanbaatar such as buses or shared taxis are generally safe and frequently used by locals. However, it can be crowded and confusing for first timers, especially with language barriers and lack of clear signage. Pick pocketing or petty theft can occasionally occur in crowded situations so staying vigilant about personal belongings is crucial. Distances can be vast and some routes may not be well serviced outside of the city center. Familiarizing yourself with frequent routes and planning your journey during daylight hours is advisable.

Ulaanbaatar, the capital city of Mongolia, is predominantly calm and relatively safe for solo female travelers. Street harassment is not a common occurrence and people are generally respectful. However, as with any large city worldwide, exercise standard caution, avoid isolated areas after dark, and stay vigilant against opportunistic petty crimes.

In Ulaanbaatar, the occurrence of petty crimes such as pickpocketing, purse snatching, and theft, particularly in crowded areas like the markets and public transport, is relatively high. Tourists are often seen as easy targets. Therefore, vigilance and taking preventive measures such as nondisplay of valuables and avoiding secluded areas at night is recommended.

Tap water in Ulaanbaatar is not typically recommended for consumption. Despite improvement efforts, sanitation standards vary widely, and water contamination is still a concern. Many locals and tourists opt for bottled water or boiled water to avoid potential health issues.

The United States Government advises exercising normal precautions in Mongolia. Check the full travel advisory.

The Canadian Government advises taking normal security precautions in Mongolia. Check the full travel advisory.

The Australian Government advises to exercise normal safety precautions in Mongolia. Check the full travel advisory.