Cultural Tips
You are almost inevitably going to encounter the residents of the countryside. Things move slowly here and the standards of living you are used to are not the same. Part of Mongolia’s charm is its ancient customs and traditions. If you can learn and respect them before you step into the countryside, then you may get a more welcome reception. You may also become a small part in helping to preserve these traditions for future visitors,
Don’t-s
let a post or fence come between you if you are walking with Mongolians
whistle inside a ger or house belonging to a Mongolian
let your feet point in the direction of the altar (which will be in the north side) when sitting in a ger,
let people walk over your outstretched legs
tread on the threshold of the ger when you walk over it
lean against a support column furniture or wall of the ger
stamp out a fire or put water or any rubbish on it; fire is sacred
walk in front of an older person
turn your back to the altar and religious objects at the back of the ger
touch other people’s hats
have long conversations in your own language in front of hosts who don’t understand it
point a knife in the direction of anyone
pass anything to a Mongolian with just two fingers
take food from a plate with your left hand
wave you sleeve as it is a mark of protest or extend the little finger of your right hand, as this is a sign of disrespect
Do-s
keep your hat on when entering a ger, if you are wearing one, but lift it as a sign of greeting
receive things with the right hand or both hands and ensure that your sleeves are rolled down
ensure you remove your gloves when shaking hands, if you are wearing them
walk round inside the ger in a clockwise direction
receive food, a gift or anything similar from a Mongolian with both hands or with the right hand supported at the wrist or elbow
take at least a sip or nibble of the delicacies offered
pick up things with an open hand, with your palm facing upwards
grab the hand of a Mongolian if you have accidentally kicked their feet
sit with your feet underneath you of cross-legged
leave a small gift, other than money, for your hosts