useful information for participants - switch · pdf filepage 0 of 5 useful information for...
TRANSCRIPT
Page 0 of 5
USEFUL INFORMATION
FOR PARTICIPANTS
Regional Roundtable and
Networking Event: The Role of
Non-State Actors in SWITCH-Asia
2-3 JUNE, 2016
BEST WESTERN PREMIER TUUSHIN HOTEL
ULAANBAATAR, MONGOLIA
Conference venue:
The SWITCH-Asia Regional Roundtable and Networking Event: The Role of Non-state Actors in SWITCH-Asia will be held at the Best Western Premier Tuushin Hotel, 4th floor, Suld hall, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.
Best Western Premier Tuushin Hotel Prime Minister Amar's street 15,
Ulaanbaatar 14200, Mongolia Tel: +976 (11) 323162 Email: [email protected]
Website: http://bestwesternmongolia.mn/
If in need of assistance, please contact:
Mongolia logistics team: The Economic Policy and Competitiveness
Research Center (EPCRC) SWITCH-Asia NF team
Ms.YESUUNUU Khuderchuluu, EPCRC [email protected], tel: (+976)-99081910
Mr.PATRICK Gallus, EPCRC [email protected], tel: (+976)-95815358
Mr.OTGOO Khandaa, EPCRC [email protected], tel: (+976)-99209491
Mr.BILGEE Tumursukh, EPCRC [email protected], tel: (+976)-99906606
Ms. SILVIA Sartori Communication and Networking Expert SWITCH-Asia Network Facility
email: [email protected]
phone: +49 202 459 5812
skype: silvia.cscp
www.switch-asia.eu
1. VENUE AND CONTACT INFORMATION
To/from the airport: The Chinggis Khaan International Airport is situated 18 km (15-30 minutes) away from the city centre/Best Western Premier Tuushin Hotel.
A taxi to the city centre will cost around MNT 25,000-30,000. Please avoid taking random cars, which you may be offered.
Taxis in Ulaanbaatar accept cash only. Credit card is not accepted.
International currency will not be accepted in taxis.
The Best Western Premier Tuushin hotel offers a shuttle to the hotel at a cost of MNT 60,000 per person each way. The drive takes approximately 30-40 minutes depending on traffic. This shuttle must be booked in advance – please email [email protected] if you would like assistance with a booking.
There is also an English-speaking taxi service called Help Taxi. They operate a small fleet of black taxis with gold lettering, and when booking they are able to give you the license plate of the car picking you up. The price is MNT 35,000 per car for travel to the city centre. They can be booked by calling 9965 2371 within Mongolia.
Within Ulaanbaatar
By Taxi/Private car: There are lots of official and unofficial taxis available around
Ulaanbaatar. The rates are approximately MNT 800-1000 per kilometre.
By Public Transport: The bus fare is MNT 500 per ride. Electric trolley-buses cost
MNT 300 but are slower and run fewer routes. Buses can be old, and are often
crowded. For those staying centrally taking a public bus will not likely be necessary, nor
recommended.
By Foot: Due to the relatively short distance and traffic, exploring central Ulaanbaatar
by foot is often the best and the quickest method.
2. TRANSPORTATION
Mongolia’s capital
Ulaanbaatar, or simply just UB, is the capital of Mongolia. With a population of around 1.3 million, it is the largest city in Mongolia, and is the country’s political, commercial, industrial and cultural hub. The city is officially divided into nine districts. Like many capital cities, Ulaanbaatar offers a variety of sightseeing options ranging from historical sites to monasteries, museums, monuments and parks. Most sites are within walking distance of the central square, Chinggis Khaan Square (formerly known as Sukhbaatar Square). For more information about Ulaanbaatar, visit www.ulaanbaatar.mn/en.
Weather
Ulaanbaatar is located at an altitude of about 1,350 metres above sea level, at the foot of the Bogd Khan Uul Mountain. Due to its high elevation, relatively high latitude and inland location, Ulaanbaatar is known as the world's coldest national capital.
However, the weather is often fairly pleasant during summer. The average temperature in June in Ulaanbaatar lies between 15°C and 25°C.
Time zone and Business hours
UTC/GMT +8 hours (*Daylight Saving Time +1 hour). Business hours: 9.00-18:00 (Mon-Fri). Please note that the Children’s Day public holiday falls on Wednesday 1 June – the day before the conference commences. On this day expect many shops and restaurants to be closed.
Currency The official currency of Mongolia is the “tugrug” (төгрөг, sign: ₮; code: MNT). The exchange rate as of 22 April 2016 is: 1 USD = 1982 MNT (www.mongolbank.mn)
Currency exchange is available at most banks in Ulaanbaatar. Visa and Mastercard are accepted in most of the hotels, restaurants and department stores.
3. PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Electricity Outputs
Voltage: 220-240V, Frequency: 50 Hz, Type C, E and F socket types.
Mobile Network/Public Wi-Fi
Mongolia uses the international GSM (Global System for Mobile Telephony – 900/1800) standard and CDMA. Foreign visitors can use mobile phones outside their national network under the international roaming system (please arrange with your carrier prior to arrival). If your phone is unlocked, SIM cards are cheap and readily available. Wi-Fi is widely used and will be available at the conference venue.
Country code (telephone): +976
Recommendations
Although Ulaanbaatar is generally a safe and secure city, please keep the following in mind:
Since the high level 11th ASEM Summit will take place in Mongolia this summer and several other preceding events will take place around the time, please be noted that the whole city, especially the central area will most likely be highly secured.
As with in any crowded place, pay attention to your handbag, especially if you carry your laptop and valuable documents. Bag slashing has been reported in the city, so where possible carry bags on your front.
Please, pack a warmer outfit and sweat shirts just in case. Weather can vary day-to-day.
Note that some tourist sites, like museums and galleries, have a separate camera/video
fee (typically ₮10000-25000) in addition to the entrance fee.
Be cautious of pickpockets and other thieves.
Generally no tips are need for restaurants, hotels and other services.
Be careful crossing the road as traffic is chaotic and unpredictable. Always cross at the
lights, but be aware that cars may still ignore pedestrian signs.
Useful telephone numbers International flight bookings ad information: (+976) 7000 4141
Chinggis Khaan International Airport: (+976) 11 283047 Ambulance: 103 (not English speaking). For English-speaking medical assistance, contact: SOS Medica UB International Clinic Phone: (+976) 1146 4325 Emergency: (+976) 9191 3122 (English speaking) Web: www.sosmedica.mn
Police: 102 Fire: 101 Traffic Police: (+976) 1132 1008
4. HEALTH AND PERSONAL SAFETY