Mongolia

SAFETY: good
The situation in the country is essentially calm, although crime has recently been on the rise, especially in the capital. The situation along the Trans-Siberian railway has historically been problematic, with travellers very frequently the victims of theft and robbery.

TRANSPORT SYSTEM: fair
The country's road network is not very developed. Mongolia has about 1,800 km of railways and fewer than 2,000 km of surfaced roads. The problems of an ageing aircraft fleet now appear to have been overcome. Bad weather can delay many domestic and international flights.

Main airports: Ulaanbaatar - Chinggis Khaan International; Choibalsan; Dalanzadgad; Khovd; Altai; Moron; Ulgii; Ulaangom; Uliastai.

ACCOMMODATION: good
The country offers a wide choice of accommodation of every kind, category and price.

COUNTRY FACTS: Full name: Mongolian People's Republic. – Location: a state in East Asia; – Borders: landlocked, bordering Russia to the north and China to the south. – Time zone: 7 hours ahead of Italy, 6 hours ahead during daylight saving time. – Area: 1,564,160 km² – Capital: Ulaanbaatar. – Population: 3,081,677 – Religion: Buddhism, shamanism. – Languages: Khalkha Mongol (Mongolian). Russian is widely spoken, especially among the older generations, and German to a lesser extent. In the capital, English is widely understood, particularly among the young, less so among the older generations. – Measures: metric system.

CURRENCY: Tugrik (MNT) - Currency and customs formalities: you may not leave the country with a sum greater than that declared on entry. A law passed in 2009 requires the use of local currency for all commercial transactions within the country. Although many businesses are inclined to ask for and accept foreign currency, particularly USD and EUR, for commercial transactions, we advise against doing so in order to avoid the penalties provided for by law. - Credit cards: USD and EUR can be exchanged at the main banks and in some hotels. If you intend to use your debit card, we recommend checking with your bank before departure that the card is enabled for cash withdrawals in Mongolia.
The major credit cards are widely accepted in the main hotels and shops of the capital. They are less widely used in the rest of the country and in small shops.

ELECTRICITY: Voltage: 230 V and 50 Hz; the mains frequency is not very stable. – Sockets: type C, E (bring an adaptor).

DOCUMENTS. A passport is required, valid for at least 6 months. – Driving: International driving permit (1949 Geneva Convention or 1968 Vienna Convention model).

COMMUNICATIONS AND TELEPHONES: Int. dialling code: 00976. – Telephones: Italian operators have roaming agreements with the local operator Mobicom. Rechargeable local prepaid SIM cards can be bought at sales points at the airport and in Ulaanbaatar. Coverage is limited to the few urban centres. Many venues, especially cafés, offer free wi-fi. A GPS device or satellite phone is advisable when travelling in the interior of the country. – Web domain: .mn. – Useful numbers: Emergencies: 105; Police: 102; Ambulance: 103; Roadside assistance: 122.

RULES, LAWS AND CONDUCT:
Legislation on drug use and/or dealing: the possession, use and dealing of narcotics are punished very severely, with prison sentences and heavy fines.
Legislation on sexual abuse or violence against minors: sexual relations with minors under 16 are punishable by up to three years' imprisonment; sexual abuse of children up to 14 years of age is punishable by prison sentences of up to 15 years, or even the death penalty. Bear in mind that under Italian law, offences of this kind, even when committed abroad, can still be prosecuted on return to Italy under the laws in force in our country. Prostitution is widespread and its exploitation is punished.
Exporting items of archaeological value or of a certain cultural value is prohibited, and violations are punished, including with arrest. Should you have any problems with the local police (detention or arrest), we advise informing the Italian Embassy, which can be reached 24 hours a day on the following number: +97694191120

HEALTH SITUATION:
The capital has health facilities of a fair standard. The quality of healthcare in Mongolia is low, especially outside Ulaanbaatar.

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS: 1 January, New Year's Day; 13 January, Constitution Day; 18 March, Soldiers' Day; 15 May, Family Day; 1 June, Mothers' and Children's Day; 10 July, Flag Day; 11-13 July, Naadam; 25 August, Youth Day; 10 September, Day of Remembrance for the Victims of Political Repression; 23 September, September Equinox; 1 October, Elders' Day; 26 November, Independence Day; 10 December, Human Rights Day; 29 December, Independence Day

OPENING HOURS: Post offices: Mon-Fri 9:30-12:30 and 14:00-15:00. Banks: Mon-Fri 9:30-12:30 and 14:00-15:00. Shops: variable hours, from 8:00-9:00 to 18:00-20:00.

CLIMATE: cold continental. Winters, which last from October to March, are extremely harsh (on average –20/25 degrees, with lows of – 40/45). June to August is the warmest period, with temperatures that can reach +35 degrees.

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USEFUL ADDRESSES
Italian Embassy in Ulaanbaatar
ICC Tower Jamiyan Gun's Street 9, 1st Khoroo, Sukhbaatar District
ULAANBAATAR
Tel.: +97675551723 and +97675551724
Emergency tel.: +97694191120
Website: www.ambulaanbaatar.esteri.it
E-mail: mongolia.segreteria@esteri.it, mongolia.consolare@esteri.it