* FREQUENTLY
ASKED QUESTION
- FLIGHTS AND
TRAIN INFORMATION
By air:
MIAT - Mongolian Airlines, Aeroflot - Russian Airlines,
Air China, Korean Air are serving in Mongolia. Recently
Aero-Mongolia began having near distance flight schedules
to Irkutsk (Russia) and to Hoh Hot (China).
If domestic flight schedules have been reduced for
some reason, early reservations are necessary. Please
consider that domestic flight schedule could be changed
or cancelled due to technical or (nature) reason.
By train:
International direct trains are between Ulaanbaatar
to Ulan Ude, Irkutsk, Moscow, Erlian, Hoh Hot and
Beijing in both directions. The train schedule is
not frequent.
Assist ticketing and reservations for trains become
more difficult during the tourists high season. Many
of tourists use local ways to reach their next destination.
- CLIMATE
Mongolia is a country
of extreme continental climate.
The main travel season
is from May to October, however you can visit any
time of the year. For most of the year it is very
cold, especially during the night. Precipitation is
low and skies are usually clear during the wintertime.
Once winter is finished, springtime comes. The weather
is not pleasant in the spring; it is dusty and harsh.
Summer is actually very pleasant; it is not so hot
and the rain is minimal. However if rain gets extended,
it can cause floods locally. Daylight lasts until
10 PM in the summer time. Autumn is the best season
to visit the Gobi desert. Temperature drops below
0 C in October. Then storms come and go quickly.
- CURRENCY AND EXCHANGE
The basic monetary unit is TUGRUG.
Commercial banks in Ulaanbaatar and province centers
are the official organizations authorized to exchange
foreign currency.
Please check the current rate at www.xe.com
There is an ATM cash drawing machine right next to
our guesthouse. Also there is a 24-hour open bank
right downstairs of our guesthouse that can accept
your VISA CARD, MASTER CARD, Travelers' Check and
Cash.
- MEDICAL SERVICES
Medical services are
available everywhere. Any expenses that occur because
of needed medical treatment have to be paid by patients.
International SOS Medical Clinic Center is opened
in Mongolia.
back
For all information
related to consular matters, please contact in person
by telephone or e-mail the nearest diplomatic or consular
mission of Mongolia.
The following materials
are required to obtain Mongolian visa:
* Valid passport
* One passport sized
photo
* Application form
(External link: Visa Application Form / Tourist
Visa Application Form)
* Either an invitation
of the receiving entity (state, government, non-governmental
organization, business entity) or an official request
of the sending country and the organization.
- or, for tourists
wishing to stay over 30 days up to 90 days, a letter
of invitation from a travel agency of Mongolia
- or, if you are traveling
on a personal invitation of a citizen of Mongolia,
an invitation approved by the Office of Immigration,
Naturalization and Foreign Citizens of Mongolia,
and applicant's written statement concerning his/her
financial credibility to cover his/her stay in Mongolia.
- or, for those passing
Mongolia in transit, onward ticket and visa for
next destination are required.
Fees and charges for Mongolian visa:
* Single entry/exit visa
- US$25; for urgent service (within a working day)
US$50; this kind of visa is valid for three months
from the date of issuing.
* Multiple entry/exit
visa valid for six months - US$65; for urgent service
(within a working day) US$130,
* Multiple entry/exit
visa valid for one year - US$130; for urgent service
(within a working day) US$ 260
* Visa extension valid
for one week - US$15; for urgent service (within a
working day) US$30; US$2 per a day exceeding a week.
List of countries and regions with non-visa regime
for all types of passport holders:
* Hong Kong - 14 days
for all type of passports. There is no visa fee for
diplomatic and official passports. Ordinary passport
holders pay visa fee if they travel for more than
14 days.
* Israel - 30 days for
all type of passports
* Kazakhstan - 90 days
for all type of passports
* Malaysia - 1 month
for all type of passports
* Philippines - 21 days
for all type of passports
* Singapore - 14 days
for all type of passports
List of countries without visa fee:
* India - All type of
passports need a visa, no visa applications, photos
and fees required
* USA - no visa for all
type of passport holders, including A, H, J visas
within 90 days. Visit more than 90 days need visa,
service charge - $45, no visa fee required
- CUSTOMS
Every traveler must
fill in a customs declaration form, which should be
retained until departure.
back
Travelers who haven't been to Mongolia
shouldn't fail to notice the following tips. These
tips are essential for touring the city, the countryside,
visiting a nomadic family, and riding Mongolian horses
and camels. These Mongolian customs, which have been
passed down for centuries, are unique for any guests
from a different country.
* If your car stops by
an "Ovoo", the sacred mounds of stones,
you are expected to circle the stones clockwise three
times and toss something onto the file.
* Always accept some
food or drink when you visit a Mongolian family. You
don't have to eat everything, but it's rude if you
don't test them.
* Both food and drink
are passed with and accepted by the right hand. Please
keep your sleeves down when you accept food or drinks
from the host.
* If it is possible,
give little children some candies and small items
(stationeries, hair pins, stickers, balloons…)
that could be interesting for them. It is usual that
they expect something from visitors, as they are inaccessible
to shops and entertaining places.
* Don't forget to blow
out the candle before you sleep in a ger.
* If you are visiting
a nomad's family during the cold season, please don't
try to make a fire in the stove. It is better to ask
your hosts to take care of the stove. Your inexperience
may cause you a big problem.
* Don't ever whistle
while you are in a Mongolian ger; this is considered
really rude.
* Never step over dishes
and cooking utensils when they are placed on the ground.
The hosts of the family will be badly offended.
* Don't put your feet
up on the table. It is also very offensive.
* Never put your hat
upside down or place it on the floor. According to
Mongolia's etiquette traditions, a man or woman's
hat represents his or her fortune.
* Don't approach a horse
from the hind or the right side. The horse may kick
you, because it is scared.
* Mount or dismount a
horse or camel only from the left.
* Put on long-legged
trousers. Mongolian traditional saddles with high
wooden frame and silver decorations may make your
legs sore if you ride with shorts.
* Don't wear too bright
colored clothes or those with loose flaps, because
it may scare your horse.
* Don't take pictures
with a flashlight camera while riding.
* Don't control your
body while you are riding a horse, but control your
horse. Horses always listen to your commands.
* Please never pet a
family dog. Mongolian dogs have a big responsibility.
They are not used to be pets; they are used as protectors,
so they may bite you.
|
