How to get to Mongolia?
The principal ways to Mongolia are by train and by air. Flights are run all year
around by National carrier MIAT Mongolian Airlines to Europe: Berlin via Moscow,
as well as to Beijing, Seoul, Tokyo and Irkutsk (Russia). Some additional
flights are scheduled to Osaka and Nagoya during the summer time. Foreign
Airlines such as Aeroflot, Air China, Korean Air are operating flights
connecting Ulaanbaatar with Moscow, Beijing and Seoul.
The Trans-Mongolian railway which connects Moscow and Beijing passes through
Ulaanbaatar. Mongolian railway runs to Ulaan- Ude, Irkutsk, and Beijing
Is Mongolia a safe destination?
Mongolia has one of the lowest crime
rates in the world and compared to the US and Europe, is considered a very safe
destination. Mongolian people are known for their nomadic hospitality and they
will make you feel very welcome.
How many people will be with me on the tour?
Typically you will be
sharing your experiences with between 4-20 like minded travelers (depending on
the trip and the booking status), and the guide will lead the group. Whether you
are traveling alone or with friends its good value, and a great way to meet new
people! While itineraries are pre-planned there is some flexibility and you'll
have plenty of privacy. Trips will appeal to travelers of all ages who enjoy
meeting new people as well as seeing new places
Road condition?
Driving in Mongolia is mostly off road driving on dirt
road unless you are in UB. Driving to Gobi, Lake Hovsgol, Lake Terkhiin Tsagaan,
to the far west (Altai mountains) is offroad driving. But to Karakorum,Terelj
and Hustai National Parks you will drive on paved roads. The Mongolian
Government is planning to connect all 21 provincial center -towns by paved roads
in next 5 years within its «Millennium road » project.
Money and currencies
The exchange rate has been comparatively stable during
last two years ranging between 1175-1200 Mongolian tugriks against 1USD. Euro
rate averages 1.4-1.5 of USD rate. Make sure to change money at banks or
exchange offices in Ulaanbaatar as it is not always possible in the countryside,
especially euros and other currencies. Make a note that damaged notes and older
notes before 1995 may not be accepted. Credit cards are accepted in large shops
and supermarkets in the city. We advice to have mongolian tugricks in your
wallet for smaller shops and bazaars as well as for necessary supplies in the
countryside.
What kind of plugs are used in Mongolia for electrical gadgets?
The standard voltage in Mongolia is 220 V. Mostly sockets that accept round twin
forks are used. If your gadget plug has flat forks you need fork
adapter/converter.
Internet and Postal services of Mongolia?
Internet cafes have hit Ulaanbaatar and there are numerous internet cafes along
the street in the city. Hotels usually have a business and internet rooms. There
is a central post office in Ulaanbaatar where you can buy nice stamps, postcards
and envelopes. The post is reasonably reliable although it may take some time to
reach its destination.
Mobile services are getting widely connected throughout the country with central
towns and villages. By 2009 all towns and villages will be connected by mobile
services completely. GSM and CDMA both used. Pre-paid International call cards
are widely used.
Will I be able to speak to people in English?
The official and spoken language of the country is Mongolian. Many people have Russian as their second language as they were taught this at school. An increasing number of people are now also speaking English.
It is appreciated by locals if travellers learn some basic Mongolian before their trip. A few words are surprisingly easy to master and will help tremendously in communicating with local people. Spend a few dollars and minutes before you go and purchase a copy of the Lonely Planet Mongolian phrase book.
What will I do at night?
There is a great variety of night time entertainment in Ulaanbaatar. There are a number of concerts and cultural performances, from Opera to traditional Mongolian throat singing performances that can be seen at the Opera Theater or the Drama Theater.
Recently several new bars, some with outdoor seating have opened in the center of town. For night clubbers a number of new venues have opened recently playing a mixture of Western and Mongolian modern music. Dining out is becoming a good option with a variety of international restaurants on offer.
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