Essential Apps and Tools for Nomads in Mongolia

Mongolia, with its vast landscapes and nomadic lifestyle, is a popular destination for digital nomads seeking adventure and cultural experiences. Whether you’re exploring the Gobi Desert or staying in the capital city of Ulaanbaatar, having the right apps and tools can enhance your nomadic experience. Here are some essential apps and tools for nomads in Mongolia:

Language Learning:

Learning some basic Mongolian phrases can go a long way in connecting with the locals and navigating daily life. These language learning apps can help you get started:

• Duolingo: Duolingo is a popular language learning app that offers Mongolian courses for beginners. It uses gamified lessons to make learning fun and interactive.
• Mongolian Phrasebook: This app provides essential phrases and vocabulary for different situations, such as greetings, ordering food, and asking for directions. It also includes audio pronunciations.
• Pimsleur: Pimsleur offers audio-based language courses, including Mongolian. It focuses on conversational skills and helps you practice speaking and understanding the language.

Navigation and Maps:

Getting around Mongolia can be challenging, especially in remote areas. These navigation and maps apps can help you navigate the country:

• Maps.me: Maps.me is a popular offline maps app that allows you to download detailed maps of Mongolia. It provides navigation, points of interest, and offline routing, making it ideal for remote areas with limited internet connectivity.
• Google Maps: Google Maps is a reliable option for navigation in urban areas and major cities. It offers real-time traffic updates, public transportation information, and detailed directions.
• Guru Maps: Guru Maps is another offline maps app that offers detailed topographic maps of Mongolia. It is particularly useful for outdoor activities like hiking and trekking.

Weather:

Mongolia experiences extreme weather conditions, so staying updated on the weather forecast is essential. These weather apps can help you plan your activities accordingly:

• AccuWeather: AccuWeather provides detailed weather forecasts, including temperature, wind speed, and precipitation. It also offers radar and satellite maps for better visualization.
• Weather Underground: Weather Underground offers hyperlocal weather forecasts, interactive radar maps, and severe weather alerts. It is known for its accurate and reliable weather information.
• Yr.no: Yr.no is a Norwegian weather service that provides detailed weather forecasts for Mongolia. It includes information on wind, precipitation, and cloud cover.

Transportation:

Getting around Mongolia requires reliable transportation options. These apps can help you find transportation services and plan your journeys:

• UB Taxi: UB Taxi is a popular taxi-hailing app in Ulaanbaatar. It allows you to book taxis, track your ride, and make cashless payments.
• Bolt: Bolt is a ride-hailing app that operates in Ulaanbaatar. It offers affordable rides and reliable drivers.
• Transit App: Transit App provides real-time public transportation information, including bus schedules and routes, in Ulaanbaatar. It also offers bike-sharing and scooter-sharing options.

Accommodation:

Finding suitable accommodation is crucial for nomads in Mongolia. These apps can help you discover and book accommodation options:

• Booking.com: Booking.com offers a wide range of accommodation options, including hotels, guesthouses, and apartments. It provides user reviews, photos, and detailed descriptions to help you make informed choices.
• Airbnb: Airbnb allows you to rent unique accommodations from local hosts. It offers a variety of options, from traditional Mongolian gers to modern apartments.
• Hostelworld: Hostelworld specializes in budget accommodations, including hostels and guesthouses. It provides user reviews, ratings, and booking options.

Money Management:

Managing your finances while nomading in Mongolia is essential. These apps can help you track expenses and handle currency conversions:

• Xe Currency: Xe Currency offers real-time currency exchange rates and allows you to convert currencies offline. It is useful for handling currency conversions on the go.
• Spendee: Spendee is a personal finance app that helps you track expenses, create budgets, and manage your money. It offers visualizations and insights to help you make informed financial decisions.
• PayPal: PayPal is a widely accepted online payment platform that allows you to send and receive money securely. It is useful for online transactions and peer-to-peer payments.

Communication:

Staying connected with friends, family, and fellow nomads is important. These communication apps can help you stay in touch:

• WhatsApp: WhatsApp is a popular messaging app that allows you to send text messages, make voice and video calls, and share media files. It uses internet connectivity, making it cost-effective for international communication.
• Skype: Skype is a communication platform that offers voice and video calls, instant messaging, and screen sharing. It is widely used for business and personal communication.
• Viber: Viber is a messaging and calling app that offers free voice and video calls, text messaging, and media sharing. It also supports group chats and international calls.

Social Networking:

Connecting with other nomads and locals can enrich your experience in Mongolia. These social networking apps can help you meet like-minded individuals:

• Meetup: Meetup allows you to join or organize local events and meet people with similar interests. It is a great platform for networking and socializing.
• Couchsurfing: Couchsurfing connects travelers with local hosts who offer free accommodation. It also facilitates meetups and cultural exchanges.
• Facebook Groups: Joining Facebook groups related to Mongolia or digital nomad communities can help you connect with other nomads and get valuable insights and recommendations.

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Local Services:

Finding local services and amenities is essential for a smooth nomadic experience. These apps can help you discover nearby facilities:

• Foursquare: Foursquare provides recommendations for restaurants, cafes, attractions, and other points of interest. It includes user reviews and ratings.
• Zozi: Zozi offers a curated list of activities, tours, and experiences in Mongolia. It allows you to book unique adventures and explore the local culture.
• Mongolia Taxi: Mongolia Taxi is a taxi app that operates in Ulaanbaatar. It allows you to book taxis, track your ride, and make cashless payments.

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Health and Safety:

Taking care of your health and ensuring your safety is paramount while nomading in Mongolia. These apps can assist you in emergencies and provide health-related information:

• SOS Mongolia: SOS Mongolia is an app that provides emergency contact numbers, including ambulance services, police, and fire departments. It also offers safety tips and information.
• Travel Smart: Travel Smart is an app developed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Mongolia. It provides travel advisories, embassy contact information, and emergency services.
• First Aid by Red Cross: First Aid by Red Cross offers step-by-step instructions for handling common first aid situations. It also provides safety tips and emergency response guidelines.

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Conclusion

With the right apps and tools, nomads in Mongolia can make the most of their experience. From language learning to navigation, accommodation booking to money management, and communication to social networking, these apps can enhance your nomadic journey. Remember to plan ahead, stay connected, and immerse yourself in the unique culture and landscapes of Mongolia.

References

– Duolingo: www.duolingo.com
– Mongolian Phrasebook: www.mongolianphrasebook.com
– Pimsleur: www.pimsleur.com
– Maps.me: www.maps.me
– Google Maps: www.google.com/maps
– Guru Maps: www.gurumaps.app
– AccuWeather: www.accuweather.com
– Weather Underground: www.wunderground.com
– Yr.no: www.yr.no
– UB Taxi: www.ubtaxi.mn
– Bolt: www.bolt.eu
– Transit App: www.transitapp.com
– Booking.com: www.booking.com
– Airbnb: www.airbnb.com
– Hostelworld: www.hostelworld.com
– Xe Currency: www.xe.com
– Spendee: www.spendee.com
– PayPal: www.paypal.com
– WhatsApp: www.whatsapp.com
– Skype: www.skype.com
– Viber: www.viber.com
– Meetup: www.meetup.com
– Couchsurfing: www.couchsurfing.com
– Facebook Groups: www.facebook.com/groups
– Foursquare: www.foursquare.com
– Zozi: www.zozi.com
– Mongolia Taxi: www.mongoliataxi.mn
– SOS Mongolia: www.sosmongolia.mn
– Travel Smart: www.travelsmart.gov.mn
– First Aid by Red Cross: www.redcross.org/apps/first-aid-app