Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Expat residents need to apply for a local licence. If you buy a vehicle, inquire about re-
gistration with the traffic police. Insurance is also mandatory and travellers can purchase
an insurance plan at the border.
On the Road
»
Shop as a group when you reach a city or town. If you are travelling with strangers, it's a
good idea to keep everyone happy by rotating seats so that everyone (including the
guide) has a go in the front seat.
»
Don't push the driver or guide too hard; allow them (and the vehicle) to stop and rest.
However, regular and lengthy stops for a chat and a smoke can add time to the journey.
»
Lastly, if you are on a long trip, you'll find morale boosted by a trip to a bathhouse (hot
water!) in an aimag capital. Another morale booster is the occasional meal in a decent
guanz
(canteen). If you are camping a lot then add in at least one night in a decent hotel
to clean up and sort out your stuff.
Shortcuts
The quickest distance between two points is a straight line, and the only thing that could
put off a Mongolian jeep driver from taking a shortcut is a huge mountain range or ra-
ging river. If renting a jeep by the kilometre, you will welcome a shortcut, especially to
shorten an uncomfortable trip.
If you have an experienced driver, allow him to take shortcuts when he feels it is
worthwhile, but don't insist - he is the expert. The downside of shortcuts is the possibil-
ity of breaking down on more-isolated roads.
