Mongolia, a vast and sparsely populated nation nestled between China and Russia, is renowned for its untouched natural landscapes, rich nomadic traditions, and deeply rooted culture of hospitality. As travelers and investors increasingly turn their attention to this Central Asian gem, a common question arises: what currency does Mongolia use? This article provides a comprehensive look at Mongolia’s official monetary system, the role of digital currencies, and how financial innovation is shaping the country’s economic future.
The Official Currency of Mongolia: The Mongolian Tögrög
The official currency of Mongolia is the Mongolian Tögrög (also spelled Tugrik), abbreviated as MNT. It has been the sole legal tender since April 1, 1928, replacing earlier forms of currency such as the Mongolian Dollar. The Tögrög is issued and regulated by the Bank of Mongolia and comes in both coin and banknote denominations.
Denominations in Circulation
Current circulating denominations include:
- Coins: 1, 5, 10, 20, and 50 möngö (subunits of the Tögrög)
- Banknotes: 1, 3, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500, 1,000, 5,000, and 10,000 Tögrög
Although the möngö is technically a subunit (1 Tögrög = 100 möngö), inflation has rendered lower-value möngö coins nearly obsolete in daily transactions. Today, they are more commonly collected as souvenirs than used in commerce.
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A Brief History of Mongolia’s Currency
Before the introduction of the Tögrög, Mongolia operated under a mixed monetary system influenced by Chinese, Russian, and Tibetan currencies due to regional trade and political dynamics. The formal adoption of the Tögrög in 1928 marked a significant step toward national financial sovereignty.
Over the decades, the Tögrög has experienced periods of stability and volatility. One notable milestone occurred in 2010, when the Tögrög appreciated by 15% against the US dollar—the largest annual gain in its history. This appreciation reflected growing confidence in Mongolia’s mining-driven economy and improved macroeconomic management at the time.
Despite fluctuations, the Tögrög remains central to domestic transactions, wage payments, and government operations.
Cross-Border Currency Regulations
Travelers entering or leaving Mongolia should be aware of currency regulations:
- Import limit: Up to 815 Tögrög in local currency
- Export restrictions: The same limit applies when taking local currency out of the country
- Foreign currencies (such as USD or EUR) can be brought in freely but must be declared if exceeding certain thresholds
These rules help maintain monetary stability and prevent capital flight.
The Rise of Cryptocurrency in Mongolia
While the Tögrög dominates everyday life, Mongolia has also emerged as an early adopter of blockchain technology and digital assets in Central Asia. The country’s growing tech-savvy youth population and increasing internet penetration have created fertile ground for cryptocurrency innovation.
ArdCoin: Mongolia’s First National Cryptocurrency
In January 2019, Ard Financial Group launched ArdCoin, marking a milestone as Mongolia’s first officially recognized cryptocurrency. Built on a national trading platform, ArdCoin allows users to exchange digital assets for:
- Mongolian Tögrög
- US Dollars
- Major cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH)
This integration bridges traditional finance with decentralized systems, offering both local residents and overseas Mongolians access to a modern financial ecosystem.
According to Sundui, a key figure in the project, approximately 500,000 people—nearly one-sixth of Mongolia’s population—own ArdCoin. Active traders may number up to 600,000, highlighting strong grassroots adoption.
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Cultural Influences on Crypto Investment Behavior
Interestingly, cultural and seasonal patterns influence cryptocurrency investment trends in Mongolia. During major holidays such as:
- Tsagaan Sar (Lunar New Year)
- Valentine’s Day
- International Women’s Day
- Men’s Day
Demand for physical cash rises significantly as people exchange red envelopes and gifts. As a result, crypto investment activity tends to decline during these periods.
Conversely, during the pandemic years (2020–2021) when traditional celebrations were suspended, investment in digital assets surged. With fewer cash-based social obligations, individuals redirected disposable income toward cryptocurrency trading.
When festivals resumed in 2022, investment volumes dropped again—demonstrating a clear correlation between cultural practices and financial behavior.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I use US dollars in Mongolia?
A: While USD is not legal tender, it can be exchanged at banks and authorized exchange offices in major cities like Ulaanbaatar. However, carrying local Tögrög is recommended for everyday purchases.
Q: Is cryptocurrency legal in Mongolia?
A: Yes. While not classified as legal tender, cryptocurrencies like ArdCoin operate under regulatory oversight and are recognized as tradable digital assets.
Q: Where can I buy ArdCoin?
A: ArdCoin is traded on the national Ard Financial Group platform. International users may access it through partnered exchanges that list the token.
Q: Are credit cards widely accepted in Mongolia?
A: In urban areas like Ulaanbaatar, major hotels and restaurants accept Visa and Mastercard. However, rural regions remain largely cash-based.
Q: Has Mongolia considered a central bank digital currency (CBDC)?
A: There have been discussions within financial circles about exploring a CBDC, but no official development or pilot program has been announced as of 2025.
Q: How stable is the Mongolian Tögrög?
A: The Tögrög has experienced volatility due to reliance on commodity exports (especially coal and copper). However, recent fiscal reforms aim to strengthen long-term stability.
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Conclusion
Mongolia’s monetary system reflects a blend of tradition and innovation. The Mongolian Tögrög remains the backbone of daily economic life, with deep historical roots and ongoing relevance. At the same time, forward-looking initiatives like ArdCoin demonstrate Mongolia’s willingness to embrace digital transformation in finance.
For travelers, understanding currency norms ensures smoother experiences. For investors and tech enthusiasts, Mongolia offers a compelling case study in how emerging economies are leveraging blockchain to expand financial access and inclusion.
Whether you're planning a journey across the Gobi Desert or exploring new frontiers in digital finance, knowing what currency does Mongolia use—both physically and digitally—is essential knowledge in today’s interconnected world.