22 Best Crossbody Hand bags Of 2020

Choosing a Practical Crossbody Bag for Getting Around Ulaanbaatar

A crossbody bag is one of the most practical things to carry when you spend a day moving between offices, markets and bus stops. Because the strap runs diagonally across the body, the bag sits close to your front or hip, leaves both hands free and is harder for someone to open without you noticing. For residents who visit district offices, attend community meetings or volunteer at local events, that combination of convenience and security matters more than any seasonal trend.

What to look for

• A secure closure: a zip or a flap with a clasp is better than an open tote-style top, especially on crowded buses and in busy shopping areas.
• An adjustable, sturdy strap: you should be able to lengthen it to wear over a thick winter coat and shorten it again in summer.
• Inner compartments: a separate pocket for your ID card, phone and transport card saves fumbling at service counters.
• Durable, weather-ready material: Ulaanbaatar's dry, dusty spring and very cold winters are hard on thin fabrics, so choose something that wipes clean and doesn't crack easily in low temperatures.
• A sensible size: it should hold an A5 folder or a few folded documents if you often bring paperwork to appointments.

Everyday tips

Wear the bag in front of you in crowds and keep important documents in an inner zipped pocket rather than an outer one. Carry photocopies of key papers where possible, and keep a small pen and notebook handy for writing down reference numbers when you deal with public offices. In winter, a bag with a wide opening is easier to use while wearing gloves.

If you are preparing for a visit to a public office, our services overview explains what to bring, and the districts page helps you plan your route before you set out.