The majority of visitors arrive to Mongolia by air through Buyant Ukhaa International Airport located 18 km to the southwest of Ulaanbaatar . It was reconstructed in 1990. Immigration and customs formalities as well as luggage delivery are very prompt. The international air transport is operated by MIAT (Mongolian Airlines), Korean Airline and AIR CHINA (China Airlines).
Three possibilities to get to Ulaanbaatar airport
- From Europe to Moscow and to Ulaanbaatar with AEROFLOT (Russian Airline).
- From Europe to Beijing with the major foreign airlines and then to Ulaanbaatar with MIAT (Mongolian Airlines) or AIR CHINA (Chinese Airline)
- From Berlin and Frankfurt (twice weekly flights) to Ulaanbaatar direct with MIAT (OM). MIAT (Mongolian Airlines), the national flag carrier of Mongolia, which is responsible for 95% of all air transportation in Mongolia, operates scheduled flights to overseas destinations such as Moscow, Beijing, Berlin, Frankfurt, Alma-Ata, Irkutsk, Hoh hot, Seoul, Osaka and Singapore using a fleet of 26 aircrafts: Boeing B727-200 and Antonove (AN24, AN26, AN30)
Trans Mongolian Railway operates 1,110 kilometers of "Trans-Mongolian Main Line" (inside Mongolia ). Dating back to 1938, the Trans Mongolian runs from Russian border via Ulaanbaatar to the Chinese border.
Exploring Mongolia following the rail lines of the legendary Trans Mongolian and Trans Siberian Railways is more than a simple way of transportation; it is an expedition in itself. Total distance by rail from Beijing to St Petersburg is 7,925 km. Travelers can join in Moscow (or St Petersburg ) or in Beijing (or Hong Kong and Hanoi ).
There are usually nine compartments in each carriage with four berths in each (twin-share rail compartments are available for a supplementary price).Indicative prices for first class (subject to change without notice):
- Ulaanbaatar / Moscow - departure Mondays (Russian train);
- Saturdays (Chinese train) and Thursdays (Mongolian train) - duration of the trip-5 days;
- Ulaanbaatar / Beijing - departure Thursdays (Mongolian train)
Three-day transit visas are also available for those en route to Russia or China.
A few nationalities are currently allowed visa-free travel in Mongolia, including citizens of Hong-Kong, Israel, Malaysia, Poland, Singapore and the USA /90 days/. Other nationalities including UK citizens, pay 25 or a 30-day visa, and 20 for a transit visa. Visas can also be obtained upon arrival at the airport in Ulaanbaatar or at the train border crossings, for $50 /two passport photos are needed/.
The tourist visa can be extended for up to 30 days. Submit fee and application at the rear of the Foreign Ministry in Ulaanbaatar. Overstaying a visa will result in a fine upon exiting the country. Foreigners working in Mongolia on a single entry visa will need an exit visa /US$20/ to leave the country.
Visitors staying more than 30 days must register with the police. The Foreign registration office is located in Sukhbaatar District, Chinggis Khaan Avenue 11. Tel: 313259 or 325796. Registration details are dependent on visa status, and are subject to frequent changes. Please call the registration office for details.
International flights arrive and depart from Buyant Ukhaa airport /Ulaanbaatar/. The train passes through the frontier posts of Sukhbaatar and Zamyn Uud. The passport must be valid for six months after the exit date from Mongolia. Newly arrived visitors must fill out a declaration form with the amount of money /unlimited / they are bringing in and declare any objects of value. This form must be kept until departure. Keep all receipts for expensive purchases, especially souvenirs. Antiques and fossils can be taken out of the country with a special certificate and receipt from an officially licensed dealer. Because of increased smuggling, bags are randomly searched at train stations and airports. The export of animal furs is subject to a special authorization.
As one of the highest and most landlocked countries in the world, Mongolia is subject to extreme continental climate-with scorching hot summers and long sub-arctic winters. The average temperature in Ulaanbaatar is -25 O C /-13F/ in winter and 16 O C /60F/ in summer, although the capital can boast 260 sunny days per year. The summer travel season goes from May 15 to October 15. June is usually blistering hot and dry while August is cooler but wet. The wet conditions make travel difficult in the northern areas. Most travelers come to Mongolia in mid July for the annual National Naadam Festival. Crowds tend to be larger /and prices higher/ at this time. So book ahead for hotels, tours, and transportation. September and October are very good months to see the Gobi. Spring /March to mid - May/ can be unpleasant. Fierce winds and dust storms blow in from Siberia. Snow may still cover the steppes and mountain passes, and where it is melting there is potential for flooding. The lack of rain in spring results in grim brown grasslands. Mountainous regions, notably Huvsgul, can receive a snowstorm even in summer. One advantage to spring is that it is relatively 'bug free' with fewer mosquitoes compared to late summer.
Travelers should bring sturdy hiking boots to walking shoes, and a pair of sandals. A wide brimmed hat will keep the sun off your face. Light clothing -including shorts and t-shirts- are acceptable. A light rain jacket or poncho is a good idea, especially in August. A pair of long underwear /even in summer/ is useful if you will be in the mountains.
In general, it is a good idea to dress in thin layers, rather than bringing bulky articles. Sunglasses and sun block lotion are as essential as plastic bags, which protect your camera and other electronic goods from dust. For your valuables/traveler's cheques, passport, cash etc. / wear a money belt. Bandanas can come in handy to wear over the face during a dusty jeep ride, or can be used as a wash cloth.
Other suggestible items to pack include: lip balm, flashlight, notebook and pens, film, spare batteries, a compass, passport photos, multiple forms of identification /keep a photocopy of your passport in a safe place/, a small medical kit, and your personal toiletries /including dental floss, which will prove invaluable after a meal of mutton stew/. Once you leave the capital city, supplies become more difficult to find. Countryside shops will have little more than basic food, clothing and household items. Some essentials that are very rare or of poor quality in the countryside include: sun block, sunglasses, medicine/medical supplies, flashlight, batteries, spices, maps, camping gear, camera supplies and any electronic equipment.
The international code for Mongolia is 976, and the city code for Ulaanbaatar is 11. Do not use the city code when ringing a mobile phone. Telephone cards for local and international calls are available at the Post Office. Useful telephone numbers:
- Police 102
- Fire 101
- Ambulance 103
- Ulaanbaatar telephone inquires 109
- Airport inquires 198
- Railway inquires 194
Mongolians are Internet savvy and a few entrepreneurs are learning the value of e-commerce. Internet Cafes are easy to find in Ulaanbaatar and cost about TG 1,1000 per hour. The Internet code for Mongolia is .MN. Hooking your personal computer up to the Internet is simple, as the Internet Service Providers /ISP/ now offer a sort of calling card for the Internet. Many aimag capitals have Internet access at their Post Offices.
You can stay at hotels and guesthouses, which are available in the capital city and ger camps (traditional nomadic tent with facilities and restaurants and any other equipment) in the main tourist area. Deluxe, semi-deluxe, first-class and tourist rooms are available at the hotels in Ulaanbaatar and Mongolian Ger at the tourist camp. There are several hotels in the countryside that are mostly designed for domestic rather than international tourists.
You may choose variety of food supplies in Mongolia. There are a wide variety of restaurants in Ulaanbaatar serving Mongolian, Chinese, Russian, European, Japanese, Korean and Latin American foods. Most of the larger hotels have bars and pubs.
Road transportation is currently major means of transport to and within Mongolia.
The world classic and national opera, traditional folk concert, ballet and circus are main evening entertainment offered to tourists. Visits to evening entertainment possible during the weekends. As for sport, wrestling matches are held periodically in the Wrestling Palace, and there are professional leagues for soccer (in summer) and basketball (in winter).
The Mongolian national currency is the Tugrik (T or MNT). All major currencies can be exchanged at banks and licensed exchange centers in Ulaanbaatar. Exchange rate MNT 1172=US$1.00 as of February, 2008.
Every tours must full in a customs declaration from which should be retained until departure. This allows the free import and reexport of articles intended for personal use for duration of stay. It is prohibited to import and export.
- ::: guns, weapons and ammunitions without special permission :::
- ::: explosive items :::
- ::: radioactive substance :::
- ::: opium, hashish and other narcotics :::
- ::: pornographic publications :::
- ::: publications, records, films and drawings against Mongolia :::
- ::: research materials, paleontological and archaeological findings, collection of various plants and their seeds, birds, wild and domestic animals, wool, raw skins and hides and furs without permissions of appropriate Mongolian authorities. :::
All visitors should ensure that they come to Mongolia with suitable medical insurance.
Medical services are available everywhere. All necessary expenses connecting with medical treatment have to be paid by patient.
Local time in Ulaanbaatar is GMT +8 hours. Mongolia observes daylight savings time in the summer months.
The standard voltage in Mongolia is 220 volts/50Hz. Electrical sockets accept two round prongs, similar to those used in Russia and Europe.
There are many duty free shops where convertible currencies are acceptable. Wide range of goods such as typical Mongolia souvenirs, wines, furs, garments in cashmere, camel wool blankets, national costumes, boots, jewelry, carpets, books records, horns, etc may be bought for foreign currency at favorable prices. In all other local shops Mongolian currency must be used.
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