Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Navigation
Telephone lines
Some of the best navigation tools are the telephone lines strung across
the steppes, as these (almost) always lead to the next town.
Local advice
Mongolian drivers like to stop and ask for directions and road conditions
from families along the way, partly to stay on the right track and partly to have a rest and
chat with the locals.
GPS
Of course, the best way to navigate is with a GPS device. For ease of use, bring
along a dashboard mount to keep the unit secured. A GPS is not foolproof as it won't be
able to tell you there's a muddy bog or flooded riverbed ahead, so you'll need to con-
stantly correct;
Click here
.
Maps
Good maps are essential and readily available in Ulaanbaatar;
Click here
and
Click
Road Rules
Drive on the right
Where there are paved roads, Mongolians will drive on the right side.
Right-hand-drive vehicles
More than half the cars on the road have right-hand-drive
configuration (due to the preference for Japanese imports). As Mongolians drive on the
right, this can make passing cars on the highway somewhat hazardous. (Officials are try-
ing to ban the import of right-hand-drive cars from 2015.)
Traffic infringements
In Ulaanbaatar, traffic police can pull you over for any number of
traffic violations (although most locals flaunt the rules regularly). If you are pulled over, be
prepared to show a driving licence, car registration and insurance.
Fines
Reckless driving and illegal manoeuvres are standard protocol on the streets of
Ulaanbaatar. Fines are typically T5000 to T15,000.
Accidents
If you are involved in an accident, don't move your car. The traffic police will
eventually arrive on the scene and make a report based on the position of the vehicles.
Legal Requirements
A licence from your home country can be used within 30 days of your arrival. If you plan
to spend more time driving in Mongolia, it's best to carry an international driving licence
(IDP), which you can get in your home country for a nominal fee.
