Accomodation

There are over 60 hotels in the capital, of varying standards. There are no official classification systems for these hotels at present, although it is hoped a grading system will be introduced soon. Prices range from around US$15 - US$360 for one night. The better standard hotels can be busy during peak season. There are also a few small and cheap guest houses for the backpacker traveller. On the outskirts of the capital are a few ger camps which offer the more traditional style of accommodation. Hotel services vary, but many will offer to organise transfers, tours and business services.

Getting around

Getting around the city is very easy, especially if you can explain where you want to go in Mongolian. There is a good network of both buses and trolley buses. Maps are available that show the routes and all the buses clearly display the route number. There is a standard charge of MNT 200 for buses and MNT 100 for trolley buses. Payment is made to the conductor, who usually wears a bright blue apron. The only difficulty is accepting how crowded they are. You may find yourself squeezed inside the bus so tightly that you'll miss your stop. Also, foreigners on buses are an attraction for pickpockets. Please ensure you take the utmost care with money, wallets and personal possessions. The buses and trolleybuses run from around 6am to 10pm everyday.

Since the buses are so crowded, a number of entrepreneurs have started their own services using minibuses. They usually ply the same routes as the buses and have route numbers displayed. The normal rate is similar to the buses.

Taxi services run all around the city, although it can be difficult to arrange travel in advance unless the driver has a mobile phone. Taxis are identified by taxi written on the cars. There also a number of bright yellow cars recently brought into the country that can be easily identified as taxis. Although some taxis have meters they are not often used and no pressure should be put on the driver to use it. The standard cost is MNT 280-300 per kilometre. Some drivers will try to charge more, especially if you appear to be a tourist. Agree the price in advance if you can.

Ulaanbaatar must be one of the only places in the world where you can stop almost any car for a lift. Potentially, every car in the capital is a taxi. If you hale a car and the driver is prepared to pick you up, he'll do so and charge the same rates as taxis (around MNT 300 per kilometre). This is seen to be a safe way of travelling, although it may not be appropriate if you are a single woman and travelling late at night.

Freight forwarding

If you're intending to spend a fair amount of time in Mongolia or need to ship back any large souvenirs, there are a few freight forwarding companies that can help. Both train and plane services are available and prices vary. Each company should be able to help with giving costs and timeframes. Try the following:

DHL International

Tel: (976-11) 310919. Fax: (976-11) 325772. Email: dhluln@magicnet.mn

TNT International Express

Tel: (976-11) 313389/311655/311653.
Fax: (976-11) 313809.
Email: tntmongolia@magicnet.mn
Website: www.monairtrans.net

Mongolian Express Co., Ltd.

Tel: (976-11) 318329. Fax: (976-11) 318125. Email: monexpress@magicnet.mn

Crown Worldwide Federal Express.

Tel: (976-11) 322064

Express Mail.

Tel: (976-11) 327102

Services

Telephone - Local, national and international telephone calls can be made from many hotels and also the Central Post Office.
Post - There are over 20 post offices dotted around the city, but the most identifiable and perhaps most convenient is the Central Post Office on Sukhbaatar Square. The post office sells cards, postcards, stamps and envelopes.
Police - Call 102
Fire Brigade - Call 101
Ambulance - Call 103

The Naadam festival

If you are planning to visit to Mongolia, the best time might be early July because the National Holiday-the Naadam happens on July 11-13.
The Naadam Festival, a traditional celebration inherited from olden days, is the biggest national event for the Mongolians. The word "Naadam" means "games". The festival's full title is “Eriin Gurvan Naadam”, which can be translated as the Three Manly Games. They consist of wrestling, horseracing and archery. It is a tradition for the strongest wrestlers, for the fastest horses and expert marksmen from all over the Mongolian countryside to gather to test their courage, strength and coolness.
The Naadam festival, celebrated each summer, originated many centuries ago as a test of courage, strength, daring, horsemanship, and marksmanship, all necessary for a nomadic people and warriors. The largest celebration is held in Ulaanbaatar beginning on July 11.
Herdsmen, many from distant places, converge on the city to view and take part in horserace and wrestling and archery competitions, the three manly sports.
Mongolian Wrestling contests at Naadam, sometimes involving over 1.000 contestants, are an exciting spectacle. As there are no weight classes and 16 contests are held simultaneously, the competition progresses quickly.
Before the contest wrestlers perform an eagle dance to limber ups and displays their fine physiques. Each wrestler has a second who acts as a coach and herald to announce his charge's heroic deeds. The techniques used in Mongolian wrestling are not limited and include a variety of holds, throws and other moves. The contest ends when a contestant's knee or elbow touches the ground.

Archery contests continue a tradition dating from the time of Chinggis Khan when they were intended to sharpen military skills. Contestants use compound bows fashioned from sinew, wood, horn and bamboo, and strung with bull tendon.
Men fire 40 arrows made from willow branches and griffin vulture feathers from a distance of 75 meters and women deliver 20 arrows from 60 meters at a target consisting of 360 small leather rings to a wall.

In accordance with ancient custom, several men stand on either side of the target singing a folk song (ukhai) to cheer the contestants and then use hand signals to indicate the results.
Horseracing is the favorite sport of the herders who bring their best horses from great distances.
The races, which take place on the steppe over distances from 15 to 30 kilometers, are a test of endurance for the horses and riders, boys and girls, some as young as six years old.
Another major holiday in Mongolia is Tsagaan Sar (The White Month), which is the ceremony of the new year. Tsagaan Sar usually happens in late January or early February according to the lunar calendar. During the days of Tsagaan Sar, various ceremonies become inevitable, such as visits to relatives, exchange of gifts and lots of eating. So, be prepared for this if you happen to be there at this time.

Public Holidays

New Year's Day - 1st of January, Tsagaan Sar - According to Lunar Calendar, Mother & Children's Day - 1st of June, National Naadam Festival - 11-13th of July, Independence Day - 26th of November. The two major public holidays are the Naadam, a traditional festival celebrated each summer and displays three types of traditional games: horse racing, wrestling and archery, and the Tsagaan Sar, the Mongolian Lunar New Year, which marks the end of winter and the beginning of spring.

Driving

Traffic driving regulation on the right.

Banking services

The currency is the Mongolian tugrik and this can be exchanged at any of the hotels. As well, a number of banks will give cash advances on major credit cards (American Express, VISA, MasterCard, and JCB). Traveler's cheques are also accepted.

Photo developing and voltage

Half-hour photo developing is available here. Mongolian current is 220 VAC, 50 Hz and sockets require a European two-pin type plug or adapter (like in Russia). If they bring a camcorder, it would be good to bring a 220VAC-surge suppresser for the recharger.

Working hours

Monday-Friday: 9:00-18:00

Weights, measures & electricity

Metric system, Electricity 220V, 50Hz

Medical facilities

Travelers are advised to carry travel insurance which includes an emergency evacuation clause in case of very serious illness or injury. Travelers should bring their own medical supplies for any personal needs, as well as basic medical kit. Although no vaccinations are required travelers are recommended to be protected against Hepatitis (both A and B) and Meningitis A & C. This is particularly important if travelling with children.