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"Chinggis" Tourist Camp! 12-day of the 2010 Naadam Festival Tour!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT MONGOLIA

FAQ
Visa regulations Currency Food & Services
Customs regulations Accommodation Medical Info.
Danger & Annoyances Electricity Tourist Time

VISA:

Visas for Mongolia are issued by its consulates and diplomatic missions in foreign countries and by its consular representatives. When travelers arrive at Ulaanbaatar airport border without visas, the immigration officers will issue one entry/exit visa good for 30 days for a charge of US$52, need to complete one application form, submit two photos and must be accompanied by an official letter-visa (from "Samar Magic Tours"). While departuring a US$12.0 fee must be paid at the airport as a departure fee. Only the Ministry of External Relations may issue multiple entry/exit visas. 

CONSULAR INFORMATION:
The following materials are required to obtain a Mongolian visa:
Valid passport.
One passport sized photo.
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 charged 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
Exit visa –US$20, for urgent service US$40, this visa is valid for 10 days from the date of issuing. 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.
Transit visa-US$15; for urgent service US$30;
Multiple transit visa valid for one year-US$ 50;

LIST OF COUNTRIES AND REGIONS WITH NON-VISA REGIME FOR ALL TYPES OF PASSPORT HOLDERS:
Cuba - no need for visa for a visit not exceeding one month. 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 mouth for all type of passports.
Philippines - 21 days for all type of passports.
Singapore - 14 days for all type of passports.
USA, Kazakhstan -no need a visa for a visit not exceeding three months Malaysia, Israel - no need a visa for a visit not exceeding one month Philippines - no need a visa for a visit not exceeding three weeks
Singapore - no need a visa for a visit not exceeding two weeks
India - requirement of Mongolian visa without visa fee.


MONGOLIA HAS CONSULAR CONVENTIONS WITH THE FOLLOWING COUNTRIES:
Afghanistan, Bulgaria, China, Cuba, Czech Republic, DPRK, Hungary, Laos, Poland, Romania, Russia, United Kingdom, USA, Vietnam, Yugoslavia.

MONGOLIA HAS TREATIES ON MUTUAL LEGAL ASSISTANCE WITH THE FOLLOWING COUNTRIES: Bulgaria, China, Cuba, Czech, DPRK, France, Hungary, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Poland, ROK, Romania, Russia, Turkey, Ukraine, Yugoslavia, Vietnam. 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 Ulaan Baatar. top














































DANGER AND CRIME:

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. 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. Bag-slashers attack "obvious tourists" frequently at the following locations: Black Market (bazaar), outside Post Office, Railway station, and crowded bus lines.

While Mongolia is relatively safe, violent muggings and attacks do occur from time to time. You should avoid going out alone on foot at night. Instead use the taxis to return to your hotel. They are clearly identifiable and inexpensive. Many bars and restaurants will telephone for one for you.

In February 2009, a resident Japanese teacher was attacked and killed walking home in the centre of town in the early hours of the morning. The motive was thought to have been theft.

Petty crime is common in Ulaanbaatar, particularly in markets and other crowded public places. Watch out ofr pick-pockets. Keep your passports, wallets and purses well secured.

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 gers 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 Ulaan Baatar 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!!. 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. Click here for more information about Mongolia.

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CURRENCY:


The Mongolian currency is the Tugrik (T or MNT) which is available in denominations of 10, 20, 50, 100, 500, 1000, 5000 , 10,000 , and the New Notes 20,000 (since Summer 2006) Tugrik 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.

Mongolia is a cash-based society. You can use credit cards in some hotels, shops and restaurants in Ulaanbaatar, but not all. US Dollar travellers' cheques can be cashed easily and converted to Mongolian Togrogs. You can transfer money to Mongolia using commercial means such as Western Union or Money Gram.

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ACCOMMODATION:

The standards of accommodation vary widely between Ulaan Baatar and the countryside.

In Ulaanbaatar city: There are now a large number of hotels within the capital with expensive prices between US$80 and US$190. The quality of the facilities, services and food generally increases in price. You can find 4 **** stars hotels and several 3*** hotels.

News about Shangri La Hotel in Mongolia: If you look at that sign closely it says "Shangri La Mongolia LLC". It has nothing to do with the Shangri La hotel chain at all. It was all a marketing gimmick. This building is renting for offices, right now!.

Click Here to read Travel Reviews about the Former 5 Stars Ulaanbaatar Hotel: There's better hotel than this for less or The UB Hotel copes with chaotic infrastructure at
(www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g293956-d500801-r21017148-Ulaanbaatar_Hotel-Ulaanbaatar.html)

In the countryside: There a few hotels of generally a poorer standard in the Aimag (province) 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. 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.

Welcome to "Chinggis" Tourist Camp!

Welcome to Mr. Gomez Hostel!

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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. 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 UB, there are a large number of restaurants serving quality, Cuban & Latin American, Chinese, Indian, Korean, Japanese, Italian, English, French, Russian, and of course Mongolian cuisines... Click here to Welcome you to "El Latino" Restaurant in Centre of Ulaabaatar!

There's a mandatory 10% 'government' tax levied in Ulaan Baatar's posher restaurants and hotels. In the countryside things are a bit different. But, you do not worry because, Samar Magic Tours will offer you a quality food and cook during your trips in the country side.

Although some of the larger Aimag (provinces) centres will have supplies suitable for foreigners, the Sums will have little more than biscuits and chocolate.

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.
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MEDICAL:

No specific vaccinations are required for Mongolia, though there are a few that could prove useful. Healthcare facilities in the countryside are very poor. Organising an evacuation to Ulaanbaatar or another country can be difficult and expensive without adequate travel insurance. Travellers are advised to carry travel insurance which includes an emergency evacuation clause in case of very serious illness or injury.

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. 

Doctors and hospitals expect immediate cash payment for health services. Visitors are urged to have health insurance including cover for evacuation to China or Hong Kong and to take with them any regular medication. Emergency care is available at the Russian Hospital or at the Korean Policlinic, although a translator is essential. 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 (provinces) centres. top












TIME:

The best time to travel to Mongolia is from May to September . The pick season is in July, during "Naadam" Festival in July 11-12-Click Here for "Naadam" Festival Package Tours

However, July and August are the two wettest months of the year. The season lasting from November to March is cold. The best time to visit the Gobi is June or September as temperatures aren't so hot then. For more information about Climate and more, please visit our web page at: Info about Mongolia
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