Mongolia Highlights

Mongolia is a fascinating ancient country famous for the Steppe, Genghis Khan, and spectacular natural scenery. Remote wilderness areas also feature an intriguing cultural history. Today over a million nomads continue to live the life of traditional herdsmen. Mongolia is still developing as a nation and, as a result, the infrastructure and amenities are basic outside the capital city of Ulaanbaatar. While visitors to the capital will find a range of luxury hotels, restaurants and facilities catering to all the needs of the modern traveller, the country’s primary drawcard is undoubtedly the exquisite stretches of remote countryside where outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy a range of exhilarating adventures, such as horseriding across the Gobi desert, hiking, mountain biking or even a homestay in a traditional yurt.

Currency

Tugrik (MNT; symbol ₮). Notes are in denominations of ₮20,000, 10,000, 5,000, 1,000, 500, 100, 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1. Coins are in denominations of ₮500, 200, 100, 50 and 20, but are not widely used.

Banking

Banking hours: Monday-Friday 09h00-13h00 and 14h00-18h00

Credit cards are accepted by main commercial banks, large hotels and a few shops and restaurants in Ulaanbaatar. ATMs are available in Ulaanbaatar and most Mongolian province (aimag) capitals. Both Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted.

ATMs are available in Ulaanbaatar and most Mongolian province (aimag) capitals.

Traveller's cheques are accepted although credit and debit cards remain faster and more convenient. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take traveller's cheques in US Dollars. Traveller's cheques can be difficult to exchange outside the capital.

Official organisations authorised to exchange foreign currency include commercial banks in Ulaanbaatar and bureaux de change found along the streets and in hotels. Rates vary slightly and are likely to be lower in hotels. The easiest currency to exchange is the US Dollar, followed by the Euro and the Russian Rouble.

Internal flights are operated by AeroMongolia (www.aeromongolia.mn). MIAT Mongolian Airlines (www.miat.com) operates international flights only. Flying domestically can vastly decrease travel times; for example a trip from Ulaanbaatar to Bayan Olgii is either 60 hours by road or four hours by air. Flights are available to most provincial capitals but any flight between provincial capitals will be routed through Ulaanbaatar.

Alternative transport in Mongolia includes Jeeps, camels or horses, which are available for trekkers and special-interest travellers. Cycle touring is also popular but you should bring all your own equipment.

Driving standards are poor. In Ulaanbaatar, roads are congested. Ideally, hire a professional driver rather than attempting to drive yourself.

The national highway system is rudimentary and most of the roads in the countryside are little more than dust tracks.

Car hire in Mongolia is available through tourism companies. Nearly all come with a driver due to the poor driving conditions.

Taxis in Ulaanbaatar can be either official or non-official. When possible, use official taxis as they are more reliable. The main company is Noyon Zuuch Taxi (tel: +976 1950). Fares are per kilometre; for the latest rates ask your hotel or guesthouse.

There are bus and trolleybus services in Ulaanbaatar. However, buses tend to be crowded and pickpockets are a danger. Routes are also difficult to understand and maps are only marked in Mongolian. Most foreigners use taxis to get around the city. Other cities have limited (or no) local transportation options.

The main rail line in Mongolia runs from north to south: Sukhbaatar-Darkhan-Ulaanbaatar-Sainshand. A branch line serves the city of Erdenet. The domestic railway ticket office is located in the building next to the main railway station.

All water should be regarded as being potentially contaminated. Water used for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice should have first been boiled or otherwise sterilised. Bottled water is available in Ulaanbaatar and some provincial centers. Some milk is unpasteurised and should be boiled. Powdered, long-life or tinned milk is available and is advised. Avoid dairy products which are likely to have been made from unboiled milk. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish, preferably served hot.

Meat is the basis of the diet, primarily mutton, with goat, horse, camel and yak meat dishes also on offer. Rice, flour, potatoes and onions are other main ingredients while green vegetables are rarely encountered outside the capital. The local cooking is quite distinctive.Traditional meals generally consist of boiled mutton with lots of fat and flour with either rice, pasta, noodles or dairy products. The national food is buuz, a steamed dumpling filled with mutton.

Tipping is not customary, but this is changing. 10% is the norm if leaving a tip.

A dry climate with short, mild summers and long, severe winters (November to February). In the depths of the winter (December and January), temperatures can remain below zero degrees for several weeks. Cold snaps can bring the temperature to minus 30°C (86°F). Spring (March-May) brings unsettled weather, strong winds and wild fluctuations in temperature. Summers (June-August) are warm across the country, particularly in the Gobi Desert where temperatures can reach 40°C (104°F). Thunderstorms are common in late summer. September and October are cool in the north but quite pleasant in Gobi areas. July and August are generally the best months for travel.

Medium weights are worn during summer, with very warm heavyweights advised for winter.

Summer clothing should consist of durable simple garments that can be washed easily. Travel trousers that can be unzipped into shorts would be ideal for most summer days. Short sleeved T-shirts should form the bulk of your luggage with at least one long sleeved shirt to provide protection from the sun and to wear for traditional home stays. Despite the extreme heat of the day, the evening temperatures drop considerably. For this reason a pair of jeans and a sweatshirt are advisable. Summer is also the time of rain on the Mongolian steppes, travellers should bring a lightweight waterproof jacket and if horse riding is on the cards, perhaps some waterproof over-trousers. Good sun protection is a must, such as a wide brimmed sun hat, a long sleeved shirt, sunglasses and some high factor sun cream.

Winter travellers should consider opting for additional layers, rather than a single warm bulky item. Thermal undergarments will greatly add to your comfort. To protect against frostbite, a warm winter hat should be worn when venturing outdoors. This should be pulled down over the ears, with a scarf to cover the neck, mouth and nose. A warm pair of fur lined gloves, which can be pulled up above the wrists is recommended.

Internet access is available in Ulaanbaatar at business centres (often located in hotels), Internet cafés and at the telephone exchange on Suhkbaatar Square. Many cafés, restaurants and hotels in Ulaanbaatar offer free Wi-Fi access. Free Wi-Fi is also available in Sukhbaatar Square. Every provincial capital has a reliable Internet café at the central telecom office. Wi-Fi access outside Ulaanbaatar is rare. The Internet is open and unrestricted. High-speed access is available.

Electrical sockets in Mongolia are one of the two European standard electrical socket types: The "Type C" Europlug and the "Type E" and "Type F" Schuko. If your appliance's plug doesn't match the shape of these sockets, you will need a travel plug adapter in order to plug in.

Electrical sockets in Mongolia usually supply electricity at between 220 and 240 volts AC. If you're plugging in an appliance that was built for 220-240 volt electrical input, or an appliance that is compatible with multiple voltages, then an adapter is all you need. If your appliance is not compatible with 220 and 240 volts output, you will require a voltage converter.