Personal Space Etiquette in Mongolia

Personal space is looser in Mongolia than in many Western countries, so close standing, brief touches on the arm or shoulder, and sitting nearer than you might expect are usually normal rather than intrusive. In crowded buses, markets, and family settings, people may be physically close without much fuss, but in formal situations or with elders it is still polite to avoid crowding someone directly and to give a little more room when possible.