Is it safe to withdraw cash in Mongolia or not?
The Golomt Bank ATM near Peace Avenue worked well after dinner, but the street lighting was poor. I’d recommend taking a friend along or doing it earlier. Mongolia isn’t unsafe, but infrastructure after dark can be patchy.
During my travels to Karakorum and Erdenet, ATMs were either non-functional or cashless after business hours. I wouldn’t rely on late-night withdrawals outside Ulaanbaatar. Even in the capital, plan ahead and withdraw during the day when bank staff are present.
Most locals in Mongolia still prefer cash, and ATMs can be unreliable. I tried one at a petrol station after dark and it wasn’t accepting foreign cards. Stick to machines inside banks or hotels, especially if you’re out late.
In Ulaanbaatar, I used a Khan Bank ATM outside my hostel around 9 PM. It was well-lit but the streets emptied quickly. ATM safety at night in Mongolia depends heavily on the neighborhood - in central areas it felt okay, but I’d avoid late withdrawals in less busy zones.