Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Fine
If you don't register, you are liable for a fine (theoretically from US$100 to US$300)
when you leave the country.
Long-Term Stays
The only way to remain in Mongolia on a long-term basis (ie more than three months) is to
get a work or study permit. The company or organisation you are working for should
handle this for you, but if you are working independently you need to go it alone. You will
almost certainly need a letter from an employer providing a legitimate reason for your
stay. Registration typically takes place at the
INFC office
(INFC;
11-1882;
9am-1pm & 2-6pm Mon-Fri) in UB.
Volunteering
Some organisations are anxious to receive help from qualified people, particularly in edu-
cation, health and IT development. Agencies are more interested in committed people
who are willing to stay two years or more, although short-term projects are available. In
most instances, you will be paid in local wages (or possibly a little more). Besides the fol-
lowing, a good starting reference is
Golden Gate Friends of Mongolia
(
www.ggfom.org
).
Asral
( 9595 2272, 011-304 838;
www.asralmongolia.org
;
PO Box 467, Ulaan-
baatar-23) Travellers can volunteer as English teachers at this Buddhist social centre or
work on the project farm in Gachuurt.
Australian Youth Ambassadors for Development
(AYAD; 1800 995 536;
www.ayad.com.au
)
AYAD has a handful of Australian volunteers in Mongolia.
Khustain National Park
( 21-245 08;
www.hustai.mn
)
The park runs a three-week
eco-volunteer program where you can help with research.
Meg's Adventure Tours
( 9964 3242;
www.megsadventuretours.com
)
Small tour op-
erator that organises volunteer projects for short-term travellers. The work usually in-
volves assisting at an orphanage.
Peace Corps
(Enkh Tavnii Korpus; 011-311 518) The organisation is well represented
throughout the country. Alternatively, contact your local Peace Corps office ( 1-800-424
8580;
www.peacecorps.gov
) in the USA.
UN Development Programme
(UNDP; 011-327 585;
www.undp.mn
;
PO Box 46/
1009, Ulaanbaatar, Negdsen Undestnii Gudamj 12) The UNDP is always on the lookout
for committed and hard-working volunteers but normally recruits abroad.
Voluntary Service Overseas
(VSO; 011-313 514;
www.vso.org.uk
;
PO Box 678,
Ulaanbaatar) This British-run organisation is set up mainly for Brits. It prefers you to con-
tact the organisation through its UK head office ( 020-8780 7500).
