|
|
|
When to go |
|
Mongolia's tourism season
is from May to October because of the difficult climate at other times
of the year. Visiting out of season is not a problem as long as you
can tolerate cold weather, dust storms and difficulties in traveling.
If you want to see the Naadam Festival, you'll need to come in July.
However, July and August are the two wettest months of the year. The
best time to visit the Gobi is June or September as temperatures
aren't so hot then. |
|
Back to the Top
 |
|
Transport |
|
Transport to or from Mongolia is usually by air or train. MIAT
Mongolian Airlines, national flag carrier operates scheduled flights
to Tokyo, Osaka, Seoul, Beijing, Huh Hot, Berlin, Moscow and Irkutsk.
In the summer season, MIAT Mongolian Airlines flies to Hong Kong and
Singapore in the charter basis. For timetables, airline offices and
other flight information, visit our Planes Page.
The Trans-Mongolian Railway between Moscow and Beijing passes
through Ulaanbaatar. Russian and Chinese trains make the full journey
which takes around six days. For timetables, costs, ticket outlets and
further information, visit our trains page. |
|
Back to the Top
|
|
Tipping / Bargaining |
|
Tipping - Tipping in restaurants, bars and cafes is not expected
although, as more and more tourists are providing tips, the staff are
of course very appreciative. Most places will charge a 13% sales tax
on top of their menu prices so be aware of this. If you wish to leave
a tip, 10% of your total order is a very reasonable amount.
Bargaining - The only place to think about bargaining now is at the
black market. Most of the shops and markets in town have fixed prices
which are often displayed on the goods. Do not try to bargain here. At
the black market, tourists are unlikely to be charged very much more
than the locals, unless they are buying antiques, jewellery and other
cultural items. By all means try and get a price down but be
reasonable. For example, as a guide, don't try for less than 60-70% of
the asking price. And only start bargaining if you're seriously
interested in buying the item. |
|
Back to the Top
|
|
Visas |
|
Generally, everyone
entering Mongolian territory must have a visa. However, because of
bilateral agreements made with some countries, this is not always the
case. All types of visas can be obtained from the Visa and Passport
Division of the Ministry of External Relations, in Ulaanbaatar, and
also Mongolian Embassies, Consulates, Honorary Consulates, Trade and
Permanent Missions abroad.
Please note that the visa regulations have recently changed. It is now
NOT possible to buy visas at Mongolian borders or at the airport upon
arrival. Visas must be obtained in advance. For all types of visa
application, you will need your passport, a completed application form
and at least one passport-size photograph. Passports should be valid
for a minimum period of 6 months. The standard charge for a tourist
visa is US$25 and for a transit visa US$15 if you obtain the visa in
advance. If you require the visa urgently or if you obtain your visa
at the border points, you will need to pay US$50 and US$30
respectively. There have also been changes recently to Police
Registration procedures. You are advised to find out up-to-date
details from your Embassy or Consulate in advance. |
|
Back to the Top
|
|
Banks |
|
Most banks and the larger hotels in Ulaanbaatar will be able to change
the major currencies, although US Dollars are the most widely
accepted. It is also possible to change travellers cheques and get
cash advances on your credit card. American Express, VISA and
Mastercard are the most widely accepted. In the Aimag centres, you'll
certainly find at least one bank, but they will not be able to accept
credit cards or traveller's cheques. They may be able to change US
Dollars but the exchange rate will be a lot lower than that available
in the capital.
In Ulaanbaatar, one of the most centrally located banks for
both traveller's cheque cashing and credit card advances is the Trade
and Development Bank. If you have US dollars in cash, you can get
better rates of exchange from the licensed money changers. A number of
different currencies can be exchanged. |
|
Back to the Top
|
|
Customs |
|
Every tourist will
complete a customs declaration form on arrival, which must be retained
by them until their departure. This allows the free import and export
of articles for personal use during your stay. The contents of
checked-in baggage must be declared on arrival if the total value of
those contents exceed US$1000 in value. The contents of checked-in
baggage must be declared upon departure if the total value of those
goods exceeds US$500.
Mongolia allows the following items to be brought in duty free :
-
1 Litre of Spirits
-
2 Litres of Wine
-
3 Litres of Beer
-
200 Cigarettes
-
250 Grams of Tobacco
The customs declaration
forms asks the visitor to declare the amount and currencies of money
being carried. Visitors are advised that if they fail to declare the
amount of money they are carrying, the money can be confiscated by
customs officials. Visitors taking antiques and fossils out of the
country must have official documentation to do so. Some shops will
provide the necessary documents upon purchase. Alternatively,
permission can be obtained from the Ministry of Enlightenment in
Ulaanbaatar. |
|
Back to the Top
|
|
Food |
|
Despite what you might
hear about food supplies in Mongolia, it's now very simple to have a
balanced diet, even if you're a vegetarian. If you're intending to eat
out in Ulaanbaatar, there are a large number of restaurants serving
quality, Chinese, Indian, Korean, Japanese, Italian, English, French,
Russian, Latin American and of course Mongolian cuisines. There are
also a lot of supermarkets and markets selling both Mongolian and
imported goods from China, Russia, East Asia and Europe. The domestic
meat and dairy products are good value and considerably more tasty
than meat you may find at home. The one used by most of the
expatriates living in the country is the Mercury Market situated just
a couple of hundred meters west of the Circus.
In the countryside things are a bit different. Although some of the
larger Aimag centres will have supplies suitable for foreigners, the
Sums will have little more than biscuits and chocolate. As you move
out of the city, you also lose the quality in restaurant food. In most
cases only Mongolian-style food will be available. The extreme climate
here means that many Mongolians, especially those living in the
countryside have to eat a lot of protein and fat to keep themselves
warm and healthy. Visiting herders in the countryside will inevitably
mean that you will be offered a number of meat and dairy products.
Even if some of them look unappetizing, you will please your host
greatly if only you try a little. |
|
Back to the Top
|
|
Climate |
|
The Mongolian
Climate is one of extremes - hot summers and freezing cold winters.
Known as the 'Land of Blue Skies', it has over 260 sunny days each
year. The winter is long and cold with temperatures often well below
-30o Centigrade. Despite these temperatures, the blue winter sky makes
it often feel warmer. There is very little snowfall but it and ice can
remain for several weeks at a time. The rainy season is from July to
September, but the showers are often brief. The summer is a very
pleasant time because, although temperatures can reach +40o
Centigrade, the air is very dry. The Gobi usually has the hottest
temperatures. Summer evenings can be cool because of Mongolia's high
altitude. The Spring is a time of strong winds, especially difficult
in the sandy areas of the Gobi. For up-to-date details of the weather
in Mongolia, visit
http://www.wunderground.com/global/MO.html
or specifically Ulaanbaatar,
http://www.weather.com/cities/mg__ulan_bator.html
or
http://cnn.com/WEATHER/html/UlaanBaatarMongolia.html |
|
Back to the Top
|
|
Maps |
|
Obtaining maps of Mongolia
abroad can be very difficult. There are a few large scale maps around
but for more detail, try searching out airline maps. On arrival in
Mongolia, a greater range can be found, including tourism, road,
geographical and ecological maps. The best place to buy them is at the
'Map Centre' near Elba Centre Electronics Shops and Gandan Monastery. |
|
Back to the Top
|
|
Currency |
|
The Mongolian
currency is the Tugrug (T or MNT) which is available in denominations
of 1, 3, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500, 1000, 5000 & 10,000 Tugrug Notes.
Coins are beginning to become into circulation and are in
denominations of MNT 20, 50, 100 and 200. All notes carry the face of
Chinggis Khan or Sukhbaatar on them and because of their age, can
often look alike. The exchange rate is constantly changing. The rate
as of August 2000 is US$1 = MNT1075. For an up-to-date exchange rate
visit
http://www.oanda.com/converter/classic |
|
Back to the Top
|
|
Telephones |
|
The Mongolian telephone
system is in the process of being modernised but still lacks many of
the services we rely on elsewhere. Dialing Mongolia is relatively
simple although may take several attempts. Mongolia's national code is
'976'. Making international telephone calls from Ulaanbaatar is
relatively easy. Most hotels have International Direct Dial
Facilities. Alternatively, calls can be made from various telephone
exchanges around the city. The 'Central Post' Building located on the
southwest corner of Sukhbaatar Square is the largest telephone
exchange.
Cheaper calls are available if calling from other telephones in the
city, i.e. offices & hotels, especially between 22.00 and 07.00
weekdays, 17.00 and 07.00 Saturdays and all day Sunday. Domestic Calls
also have the same discount rates available. Calls are charged
according to distance from Ulaanbaatar and range from MNT 174 to MNT
261 per minute. Calls within the city are around MNT 5 per minute. The
large telephone exchange on Sukhbaatar Square has the facilities for
you to send faxes and emails. The cost for faxing depends on where the
fax is being sent to. As a guide, a fax taking one minute to the
United Kingdom would cost approximately MNT 3000. |
|
Back to the Top
|
|
Accommodation |
|
The standards of accommodation vary widely between Ulaanbaatar and the
countryside. There are now a large number of hotels, guest houses and
dormitories within the capital with prices between US$5 and US$120.
The quality of the facilities, services and food generally increases
in price.
In the countryside, there a few hotels of generally a poorer
standard in the Aimag centres, although most tourists will stay in
specially constructed ger camps. These camps provide accommodation in
the round felt houses used by nomads and usually have separate toilet,
washing and restaurant facilities. Prices are around US$30-40 per
night. Tourists can camp virtually where they like although they are
advised to stay away from settlements. Laws also prohibit camping
within certain zones of protected areas. |
|
Back to the Top
|
|
Dangers / Annoyances |
|
Mongolia is a safe place
to be. As a visitor you are unlikely to experience any serious
problems. However, like anywhere else there are a few things that
visitors should be aware of, things that will need extra care and
attention. Foreign visitors are targets for a very small minority of
thieves. Theft is seldom violent. Pick pocketing and bag slitting is
most common in crowded places such as the black market, on buses or at
tourist attractions such as Gandan Monastery. Valuables should be kept
in a money belt and kept underneath your clothing. Be careful about
being seen with large amounts of money outside.
Being out late at night is not advisable, especially if you are alone.
Avoid ger districts and other poorly lit areas. Take a torch with you.
Use a proper taxi if you can find one. Vodka may be a popular drink in
Mongolia which used in many celebrations, but it is also the source of
a big alcohol problem. The problems are more serious in Ulaanbaatar
and the aimag centres than in the countryside. Drunks tend to me more
of an annoyance than a danger. Drunks are easily recognised by a
stumbling walk. They tend to be on their own rather than in large
groups. If you are approached by a drunk, try to walk away. If they
follow, try running - they're unlikely to catch up with you if they've
had a lot to drink. If you can find a policeman, all the better.
Experience has shown that they are very tough on drunks annoying or
threatening foreigners, although the immediate punishment may be
something you're not used to.
Dogs, both stray and domestic should be avoided. Many are vicious and
some are rabid. This is the case whether you're in a ger district in
the city or at a ger in the middle of the countryside. When it comes
to getting train tickets, getting on a bus, walking through a market
or entering shops, don't be surprised if you suddenly find an elbow in
your side or a kick in the shin. It's not personal. It's the Mongolian
Scramble. Go anywhere where there's a lot of people and you'll find
out about it. Being polite won't get you very far - nor will getting
angry. In Mongolia, do as the Mongolian's do. But don't get carried
away!!
Power cuts and water shortages used to be common - but now very
infrequent. Beggars are beginning to be more and more of a problem. No
matter what your opinions are about begging, the increase is due to
the number of tourists giving cash to children. If you wish to donate
some money, find out about projects that are supporting the city's
street children and put a donation to the best possible use. |
|
Back to the Top
|
|
Activities |
|
A number of activities are
available to both independent travellers and groups. Among the most
popular are horse riding, camel trekking, fishing, bird watching,
hiking, mountaineering, rafting and hunting. For further details of
the activities available and suggestions on the best locations |
|
Back to the Top
|
|
Public Holidays |
|
New Year's Day - 01st
January
Tsagaan Tsar - 06th February
Mothers' and Children's Day - 01st June
Naadam - 11th to 13th July
Independence Day - 26th November
and in 2001 - New Year's Day - 01st January, Tsagaan Tsar - 24th
January, Mothers' and Children's Day - 01st June, Naadam - 11th to 13th
July, Independence Day - 26th November. |
|
Back to the Top
|
|
Embassies |
|
Mongolia has over 50
Embassies, Consulates, Permanent Missions, Trade Missions and Honorary
Consulates. For full details including addresses, telephone and fax
numbers, and email addresses |
|
Back to the Top
|
|
Electricity |
|
The power supply in
Ulaanbaatar is now very reliable and there are only the occasional
black-outs. Electricity is 220V, 50Hz. The sockets throughout the
country accommodate the European-style 2-pin plugs. In the
countryside, the power supply still has frequent interruptions. In
many cases this is due to the cost of fuel. Wiring in many places
needs updating and so care should be undertaken. |
|
Back to the Top
|
|
Medical Info |
|
For detailed medical
information, visitors to Mongolia should consult their doctors or
refer to specialist information from the Internet. Some milk is
unpasteurised and should be boiled. Powdered or tinned milk is
available and is advised, but make sure that it is reconstituted with
pure water. Avoid dairy products which are likely to have been made
from unboiled milk. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish, preferably
served hot. Pork, salad and mayonnaise may carry increased risk.
Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled.
Rabies is present. For those at high risk, vaccination before arrival
should be considered. If you are bitten, seek medical advice without
delay. For more information, see the Health appendix. Diarrhoeal
diseases and outbreaks of meningococcal meningitis occur. There is
some risk of plague. Immunisation against hepatitis A is recommended.
Hepatitis B is highly endemic.
There are almost 23,000 hospital beds and over 5000 doctors in
Mongolia. However, health care facilities available to foreigners are
limited. All Mongolian hospitals are very short of most medical
supplies, including basic care items, drugs and spare parts for
medical equipment. Reciprocal agreements with the UK or USA are not
available and US medical insurance is apparently not valid in
Mongolia. Doctors and hospitals expect immediate cash payment for
health services. Visitors are urged to have health insurance including
cover for evacuation to Hong Kong and to take with them any regular
medication. Emergency care is available at the Russian Hospital,
although a translator is essential. |
|
Back to the Top
|
|
Postal Services |
|
Letters and parcels posted
abroad can take anything from ten days to a few months to arrive at
their destination, but they do usually arrive. The current rates are
relatively expensive; postcards MNT 400, letters under 20 grams MNT
550. Registered mail starts at MNT 950. Parcel rates range from around
US$14 to US$27, for a 1Kg parcel, depending on the destination. An
express mail service is available for a limited number of countries.
Prices to send a 1Kg package range from US$25 to US$40 depending on
the destination. The central post office in Ulaanbaatar has a good
range of postcards available. Stamp collectors will be surprised at
the range of stamps available. |
|
Back to the Top
|
|
Tourism Info |
|
There is at present
no government tourist information centre to provide unbiased services
to tourists. A number of hotels and tour operators may assist you but
will obviously want you to stay in their hotels or undertake their
tours. The Mongolian Tourism Board, the government's tourism policy
implementation and promotion agency will be able to assist in
emergencies but at present cannot cope with too many general
enquiries. They can be contacted by telephone on (976-11) 311102 or
emailed at
ntc@mongol.net.
Mongolia also does not currently have dedicated tourism offices
abroad. Overseas embassies may be able to assist you. |
|
Back to the Top
|
|
Shops and Shopping |
|
Most of Mongolia’s economy
is based on natural products. Hand woven carpets, leather clothing and
articles, woolen clothing, furs, cashmere, camel hair products,
Mongolian oil and water paintings, and wooden toys, puzzles and games.
There are a number of souvenir shops. The most popular items are
paintings, antiques, handicrafts, carpets, books, cashmere,
traditional Mongolian clothing, leather goods, wall hangings, puzzles,
postcards, snuff bottles and wood carvings.
The food markets are well stocked on Mongolia, Russian, East and West
European products although they may be a little more expensive than
you expect. Many of the shops throughout Mongolia are in fact small
kiosks within larger shops. You will find that many shops sell the
same things so you'll have to look hard to find exactly what you want.
Along the streets of Ulaanbaatar you will find many 'Tuuts', small
kiosks that sell snacks and general provisions. The most adventurous
traveler may wish to go out to the infamous “black market”, which is a
giant flea market on the outskirts of Ulaanbaatar. Almost anything can
be bought at this market, which is always very crowded. Visitors
should be aware however that pickpockets are a problem here and
therefore care should be taken with wallets and purses. |
|
Back to the Top
|
|
Time Differences |
|
Most of Mongolia is 8
hours ahead of GMT. However, the three western aimags of Khovd, Uvs
and Bayan Ulgii are GMT+7. Mongolia no longer puts forward its clocks
by 1 hour in the summer months. |
|
Back to the Top
|
|
What to take |
|
What you need to bring
depends on where you'll go when you travel, what activities you'll be
undertaking, whether you're an independent traveller and what
accommodation you'll be using. Here are a list of suggestions:
Passport, US$ cash, money belt, Sleeping bag, tent, petrol stove,
daypack, camera and batteries, torch and batteries, water bottle, warm
clothing, wet weather clothing, sunglasses, first aid kit, small gifts
for nomadic families. |
|
Back to the Top
|
|
Radio and TV |
|
Mongolia has a number of
radio stations broadcasting traditional and modern Mongolian and
International music. BBC World Service has an FM transmitter
broadcasting on FM103.1 in Ulaanbaatar. Other international radio
stations can be heard on short-wave. For details of frequencies click
here for BBC WORLD SERVICE and VOICE OF AMERICA. Mongolia has four
television station, UBS, Mongol TV, Channel 25 and Eagle, the latter
providing some programmes in English. However, cable television is now
installed in many flats providing access to BBC World, CNN, Australian
TV, Star TV Network, French, German, Italian, Russian, Portuguese and
Chinese channels. |
|
Back to the Top
|
|
Water Quality |
|
Many visitors to Mongolia
have drunk the tap and well water without boiling or treating it
first. They have been lucky. Tourists are advised to buy mineral water
or at least boil their water before using it. Giardia and other
water-borne diseases can easily be picked up. Mineral water is in good
supply in the capital and many of the Aimag centres. |
|
Back to the Top
|
|
Photography |
|
Mongolia must be one of
the most photogenic countries in the world. The landscapes, wildlife,
culture and people create a wealth of opportunities. Films and camera
batteries are available in the capital for most types of cameras.
However, you are advised to bring some supplies with you just in case.
Photo processing can also be done in Ulaanbaatar but the quality is
often lacking. Slide film is very difficult to obtain. Photography is
not allowed in monasteries or temples. Exceptions are made on rare
occasions and only with the permission of the Lamas. Please respect
the decisions of the staff at the Monastery or Temple. In some
museums, you may have to pay an extra fee to use a still or video
camera. A regulation exists that states that tourists should pay to
take photographs within Mongolia's protected areas. However, it is
often not enforced. Care should be taken in some places, i.e.
photographing military establishments, border crossings and government
buildings. |
|
Back to the Top
|
|
English Language
Publications |
|
There are two weekly
English language newspapers, the UB Post and the Mongol Messenger.
There are also a few books and magazines to look out for which give an
insight into life, history and culture in Mongolia; UB Guide, My
Mongolia, This is Mongolia, Fifty Routes through Mongolia, Mongolia
Travel Guide, etc. A number of basic maps of Ulaanbaatar and Mongolia
are available. |
|
Back to the Top
|
|
|
|
Information provided by
the
Ministry of Tourism. Government of Mongolia. |
|
|
|
