10 Cultural Faux Pas to Avoid While Living in Mongolia

Moving to a new country can be an exciting adventure, but it also comes with the challenge of navigating a different culture. Mongolia, with its rich history and unique customs, is no exception. As an expat, it's important to be aware of local etiquette to avoid cultural faux pas. Here are 10 tips to help you respect Mongolian traditions and integrate smoothly into your new community.

1. Understand the Importance of Greetings

Greetings in Mongolia are more than a simple hello; they are a sign of respect. When meeting someone, offer a firm handshake and maintain eye contact. It's also customary to exchange snuff bottles, which you should accept with your right hand or both hands, but refrain from opening it unless you use snuff. If you're not a user, just admire the bottle and return it.

2. Respect the Ger Customs

Many Mongolians live in traditional tents called gers. If you're invited into a ger, always enter with your right foot first and avoid touching the threshold. Inside, do not stand on or cross over the threshold that separates different sections of the ger. It's also polite to accept any food or drink offered, even if you only take a small sip or bite.

3. Dress Appropriately for the Occasion

Mongolians dress conservatively, especially in rural areas and during ceremonies. Out of respect, you should avoid wearing revealing or overly casual clothing. When attending special events, such as a Naadam festival or a wedding, try to dress smartly or consider wearing a traditional Mongolian deel to show your appreciation for the culture.

4. Learn Basic Mongolian Phrases

While many Mongolians, especially the younger generation, speak English, learning a few phrases in Mongolian can go a long way. Simple words like "Sain bainuu?" (Hello, how are you?) and "Bayarlalaa" (Thank you) can help break the ice and show your interest in the local culture.

5. Be Mindful of Religious Customs

Mongolia is predominantly Buddhist, and showing respect for religious customs is crucial. When visiting temples or monasteries, dress modestly, remove your hat, and walk clockwise around Buddhist shrines. It's also important not to disturb worshippers or take photos without permission.

6. Gift-Giving Etiquette

Gifts are a significant part of Mongolian culture, especially when visiting someone's home. Bring a small present, such as sweets or pastries, and hand it over with both hands. If you receive a gift, accept it graciously with both hands and do not open it immediately in front of the giver.

7. Dining Etiquette

When dining with Mongolian hosts, wait to be told where to sit, as there may be a seating arrangement based on age and status. Try a little of everything that is offered, and when drinking vodka, which is common, it's polite to dip your ring finger into the drink and flick it to the sky, earth, and air before taking a sip.

8. Avoid Public Displays of Affection

In Mongolia, public displays of affection are not common, especially in rural areas. It's best to refrain from actions like kissing or hugging in public to respect local sensibilities and avoid making those around you uncomfortable.

9. Handle Business Cards with Care

When receiving a business card, accept it with both hands and take a moment to read it before putting it away. This shows respect for the person you're meeting with and acknowledges their professional status.

10. Be Patient and Open-Minded

Finally, patience and open-mindedness are key when adapting to any new culture. Understand that things may not always go as planned and that cultural differences can lead to misunderstandings. Approach each situation with a willingness to learn, and you'll find that your Mongolian friends and neighbors will be more than willing to help you navigate their culture.

We hope these tips will help you avoid cultural faux pas and enhance your experience living in Mongolia. Share your thoughts and experiences on Expat Exchange's Mongolia forum to connect with fellow expats and learn from their insights.

Expats Confess Their Cultural Faux Pas in Mongolia

"It is important to be mindful of cultural norms when visiting Mongolia. It is considered rude to point with your finger, so it is best to gesture with your whole hand. It is also important to dress modestly, as showing too much skin is considered inappropriate. Additionally, it is important to respect the Mongolian culture and not make jokes or comments about it. Finally, it is important to be aware of the Mongolian customs around food and drink, such as not eating with your left hand or drinking alcohol in public," commented an expat living in Mongolia.