The +976 country code is for Mongolia, a landlocked nation between Russia and China with a population of about 3.4 million spread across an area larger than Western Europe. Half the population lives in the capital Ulaanbaatar, while the rest are scattered across the vast steppe, many still following traditional nomadic lifestyles.
Calling Mongolia requires understanding a phone system built for one of the world's least densely populated countries. Mobile networks cover Ulaanbaatar well and reach along major roads, but reaching someone in a remote ger (yurt) camp may require patience and timing.
Quick answer: Dial +976 followed by the 8-digit local number. Mobile numbers start with 8, 9, or 5. Ulaanbaatar landlines start with 11. No trunk prefix is needed when dialing internationally.
How to call Mongolia: quick reference
Mongolia's diaspora is concentrated in a few countries, with South Korea hosting the largest community. Many Mongolians work abroad in manufacturing, construction, and services, maintaining close ties with family back home.
| Calling from | Dialing format |
|---|---|
| South Korea | 00-976-[local number] |
| Japan | 010-976-[local number] |
| US/Canada mobile | +976 [local number] |
| US/Canada landline | 011-976-[local number] |
| Russia | 8~10-976-[local number] |
| Kazakhstan | 8~10-976-[local number] |
| Germany | 00-976-[local number] |
Understanding Mongolia phone numbers
Mongolia uses 8-digit phone numbers after the +976 country code. The first digit or two indicate whether the number is mobile or landline, and for landlines, which region.
Mobile numbers
Mobile numbers are 8 digits and start with 8, 9, or 5:
- 88XX XXXX, 89XX XXXX - Mobicom
- 80XX XXXX, 86XX XXXX - Unitel
- 95XX XXXX, 96XX XXXX - Skytel
- 90XX XXXX, 91XX XXXX - G-Mobile
Example: +976 8812 3456
Landline numbers
Landline numbers also have 8 digits. Ulaanbaatar numbers start with 11, while provincial codes vary:
| Area | Code | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Ulaanbaatar | 11 | +976 11XX XXXX |
| Darkhan-Uul | 1372 | +976 1372 XXXX |
| Erdenet (Orkhon) | 1352 | +976 1352 XXXX |
| Umnugovi (South Gobi) | 1532 | +976 1532 XXXX |
| Khovd | 1432 | +976 1432 XXXX |
Trunk prefix
Mongolia uses 01 as the domestic trunk prefix for landlines. When calling internationally, drop it entirely. If someone gives you "01-11-32-1234" for an Ulaanbaatar number, dial +976 11 32 1234.
Mobile carriers in Mongolia
Mongolia has four mobile network operators competing in a small but geographically challenging market. Coverage is good in Ulaanbaatar and along major highways but thins out in remote areas.
Mobicom
Mobicom was Mongolia's first mobile operator, launching in 1996. It covers more rural areas than other carriers. Numbers typically start with 88 or 89. The network runs on 2G, 3G, and 4G.
Unitel
Unitel is the second-largest carrier, known for competitive pricing. Numbers start with 80 or 86. Coverage is strong in urban areas and along main transportation routes.
Skytel
Skytel numbers start with 95 or 96. The carrier focuses on data services and has a younger customer base in cities.
G-Mobile
G-Mobile (formerly GMobile) uses CDMA technology alongside GSM. Numbers start with 90 or 91. It has invested in rural coverage, particularly in western Mongolia.
Don't confuse +976 with nearby codes
Mongolia's +976 code can be confused with codes from neighboring and regional countries:
| Code | Country | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| +976 | Mongolia | Landlocked between Russia and China |
| +86 | China | Southern neighbor, much larger code |
| +7 | Russia | Northern neighbor, shared history |
| +82 | South Korea | Large Mongolian diaspora |
| +977 | Nepal | One digit different |
The +977 (Nepal) confusion is the most common. Both are Asian countries with codes in the 97X range. Double-check which you're dialing, especially if you work with contacts in both countries.
Time zone considerations
Most of Mongolia, including Ulaanbaatar, uses UTC+8 (same as Singapore, Hong Kong, and Perth). The western provinces of Bayan-Ulgii, Uvs, and Khovd use UTC+7. Mongolia does not observe daylight saving time.
| Your location | Ulaanbaatar time difference | Best calling window (UTC) |
|---|---|---|
| South Korea (KST) | +1 hour | 00:00-12:00 UTC |
| Japan (JST) | +1 hour | 00:00-12:00 UTC |
| US East Coast (EST/EDT) | +13 hours | 13:00-01:00 UTC |
| US West Coast (PST/PDT) | +16 hours | 16:00-04:00 UTC |
| Russia (Moscow) | +5 hours | 00:00-13:00 UTC |
| Germany (CET/CEST) | +7 hours | 01:00-13:00 UTC |
Business hours in Mongolia run Monday through Friday, typically 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Saturday mornings are sometimes working hours for government offices and some businesses.
Communication in Mongolia
Network coverage
Ulaanbaatar has solid 4G coverage from all carriers. Outside the capital, coverage follows the paved roads. Once you're off the main routes into the steppe, signal becomes unreliable. Nomadic herders often travel to higher ground or town centers to make calls.
Internet calling
Facebook Messenger is widely used in Mongolia, more so than WhatsApp. Many Mongolians, especially younger people, prefer voice messages over calls. In Ulaanbaatar, internet is reliable enough for video calls. In rural areas, traditional phone calls work better when you can get signal.
Communication style
Mongolians are generally direct and appreciate getting to the point. Extended small talk isn't expected before business discussions. Family calls tend to be longer, with detailed updates about relatives and local news. If calling someone in the countryside, be prepared for the call to drop if they're moving between areas with coverage.
The Mongolia diaspora
With a small population and limited domestic job market, many Mongolians work abroad. The diaspora grew substantially after 1990 when Mongolia transitioned from a Soviet-aligned state to a market economy.
Where Mongolians settled
South Korea has the largest Mongolian population abroad, with 40,000-50,000 Mongolians working primarily in manufacturing and construction. Geographic proximity and strong labor demand drive this migration. Many send remittances home regularly.
Japan hosts about 10,000 Mongolians, many as students or working in service industries. Sumo wrestling has created cultural ties between the countries, with several Mongolian wrestlers achieving fame in Japan.
United States has a smaller but established Mongolian community, concentrated in the Denver, San Francisco, and Chicago areas. Many came as students and stayed for professional careers.
Kazakhstan and Russia host Mongolian workers and students, with easier visa access due to historical ties.
Why they call home
Remittances are a major part of Mongolia's economy, and regular calls help maintain the family connections that support these financial flows. Mongolians abroad often call during Tsagaan Sar (Lunar New Year), the most important holiday, and Naadam festival in July. Calls also spike during harsh winters when families check on elderly relatives in rural areas.
Dialing examples
Here's how to dial different types of Mongolia phone numbers from abroad:
Calling a Mobicom mobile
To call a Mobicom mobile number 8812 3456 from South Korea:
- Dial: 00-976-8812-3456 or +976 8812 3456
Calling a Unitel mobile
To call a Unitel mobile number 8034 5678 from the US:
- From a mobile: +976 8034 5678
- From a landline: 011-976-8034-5678
Calling an Ulaanbaatar landline
To call an Ulaanbaatar office at 11 32 1234 from Japan:
- Dial: 010-976-11-32-1234 or +976 11 32 1234
Calling a provincial landline
To call a Darkhan number 1372 5678 from Russia:
- Dial: 8~10-976-1372-5678
- Note: Wait for the second dial tone after 8 before dialing 10
Common mistakes to avoid
Confusing +976 with +977
Mongolia is +976, Nepal is +977. The codes are one digit apart and both are in Asia. If your call reaches an unexpected destination, check the last digit of the country code.
Including the trunk prefix
If someone gives you an Ulaanbaatar number as "01-11-32-1234," drop the 01 when dialing internationally. Dial +976 11 32 1234, not +976 01 11 32 1234.
Calling rural areas at the wrong time
Nomadic families may only have signal at certain times or places. If you can't reach someone in rural Mongolia, try calling at a different time of day or ask if there's a better window when they'll be near a town or on higher ground.
Expecting instant connection
Calls to remote areas may take longer to connect or have lower audio quality. Give the call a few extra seconds to connect before assuming it failed.
Forgetting the time difference
Mongolia is UTC+8, which puts it 13 hours ahead of New York and 16 hours ahead of Los Angeles. A reasonable evening call from the US East Coast (7 PM) reaches Mongolia at 8 AM the next day.
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Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
What country code is 976?
+976 is the country code for Mongolia, a landlocked country in Central/East Asia between Russia and China.
How many digits are Mongolia phone numbers?
Mongolia phone numbers are 8 digits after the +976 country code. Both mobile and landline numbers follow this format.
What's the difference between mobile prefixes 88, 80, 95, and 90?
These indicate different carriers: 88/89 is Mobicom, 80/86 is Unitel, 95/96 is Skytel, and 90/91 is G-Mobile. All work the same way for international callers.
Can I call nomadic herders in rural Mongolia?
Yes, if they have mobile coverage. Many rural Mongolians have mobile phones but signal can be spotty in remote areas. Mobicom and G-Mobile have the best rural coverage. Try calling at different times if you can't connect.
What time zone is Mongolia?
Most of Mongolia, including Ulaanbaatar, is UTC+8. The western provinces (Bayan-Ulgii, Uvs, Khovd) use UTC+7. There's no daylight saving time.
Is +976 the same as +977?
No. +976 is Mongolia, +977 is Nepal. They're different countries with similar codes. Double-check the last digit.
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