Mongolia Local Custom Tips by archan4698

Ger Knowledge, country living

Outside of UB, traditions are more intact and people much more curious of foreigners. A few tips before your arrival.

1.Bring photos of your family and hometown
2.some small gifts, like knife sharpener, lighters, playing cards, post cards.
3.Try to eat what your offered, if you cant give some sort of religious, cultural reason. :)

Mongolia-Russia-China Connections

If you speak any Mongolian/Russian or your Mongolian counterparts speak english you will soon find out that most Mongolians harbor deep mistrust/hatred towards China and the Chinese people.
Despite getting many goods and services from China, many people will say they would rather not have them, or buy Russian/Korean products instead. These feelings stem from long bitter histories but largely from the Chinese occupation of Mongolia until the 1920's. Despite being on the border with China and very close to Beijing, Mongolia's Chinese population is very small.

On the other hand, Many Mongolians love Russia and the Russian people. Russia is loved because of their help defeating the Chinese, and later the Japanese in WW2 along with various cultural ties they share. If you appear Russian, many people will exchange a greeting with you.
There are European Russians in all the major cities of Mongolia, mostly in Erdenet and UB. There are Asian Russians too from Buryatia/Tuvan Republics mostly.

Mongolian Cultural tips

If your a man, you will most likely shake hands with another man when meeting.

Only take, give items with your right hand or both hands.

Tea is held by the hand grip or bottom of the cup, never near the brim

Dont throw extra salt away

In Mongolia a unexpected guest is to be treated as if you knew they were coming, that means you should always have tea bags, sweets ready to host someone. Its not rude(in fact its common) to not tell a friend you are coming over to see them.

During the White month/Winter month, Tsaasann(spelling is not correct, I know the mongolian cyrlic spelling) Dont tell people your/others misfortunes. If someones animals look small, you should say "your animals are very fat" . This time period is for people to enjoy the coldest months coming to a close.