Is it better to pay taxis in Mongolia with cash, or do drivers accept cards or payment apps?
When it comes to taxis in Mongolia, don’t bother with cards. Everything runs on tugrik in cash. I used Bolt in the capital, but none of the drivers accepted electronic payments, even though the app showed it as an option. They all said, “cash better.” Beyond Ulaanbaatar, you’ll be stuck without cash, as drivers aren’t connected to any payment system. Carry local currency, preferably smaller bills, and expect to use it every time. Cards just don’t work in taxis.
Mongolia’s taxis don’t run on cards or apps in a reliable way. I booked through apps a couple of times, but every single driver asked me to pay in cash instead of card. Tugrik is essential, and even small rides expect you to have exact or near-exact change. In Ulaanbaatar, this was manageable, but outside the capital, I’d say it’s impossible to ride without cash. Don’t waste time trying to negotiate with cards; it’s simply not done here yet.
My trip to Mongolia taught me quickly that cash is king. I tried to pay through Bolt in Ulaanbaatar, and while the ride booked fine, the driver insisted on cash when he arrived. I never once saw a taxi with a working card terminal. Local currency, tugrik, is the only way to go. ATMs are common in the capital, so stock up before traveling around the country. Cash is simply the only way to settle a taxi ride here.
In Mongolia, taxis are still very much cash based. Ulaanbaatar has apps like Bolt, but in practice, most drivers expect cash when you arrive. Even if you book through the app, many cancel electronic payments and ask for tugrik instead. Outside the capital, there’s no chance of using cards. I made the mistake of not carrying enough cash one evening, and it turned into a hassle. Always have tugrik ready and don’t count on card readers in taxis.