What's open during the holiday
11–15 July is a five-day public holiday. The city celebrates — and partly closes.
During the Naadam public holiday most banks, government offices and many local restaurants close, especially 11–12 July. Large hotels, their restaurants, convenience-store chains and festival venues stay open; many cafés around Sükhbaatar Square work through the parade days.
Museums vary year to year — some open with holiday hours for the tourist peak, others close for the state days. Check with your hotel on arrival rather than trusting posted hours online.
ATMs work normally, but exchange offices thin out during the holiday — change money before 11 July. Card acceptance is broad in the city and nearly nonexistent on the racing steppe: carry cash in small notes for ger cafés, airag and souvenirs.
Supermarkets typically open shortened hours. If you need a SIM/eSIM, pharmacies or gear, sort it on 9–10 July while everything is open.
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First time at Naadam? Start here
The honest one-page briefing: what to book when, what is free, and the mistakes every first-timer makes.
Read more →Getting to Mongolia
Flights, the Trans-Mongolian railway, and what to expect on arrival in July.
Read more →Visas & entry
Many nationalities enter visa-free; others use Mongolia's online e-visa. Rules change — always verify officially.
Read more →Planning your trip?
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