Country Clearance for Codel Payne

UNCLAS ULAANBAATAR 000363 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: OREP AMGT PREL ASEC AFIN MG SUBJECT: Country Clearance for Codel Payne REF: State 081667 ¶1. We warmly welcome and grant country clearance to Codel Payne to visit Ulaanbaatar from July 1-4. Schedule information is being exchanged via email. ¶2. Control officer for the Codel is Economic/Political Section Chief Patrick Freeman. Contact numbers are as follows: --Office Telephone Number: (976-11) 329-095, x4771; --Cellular Number: (976) 9904-5337; --Fax Number is (976-11) 320-776; --Home Number: (976-11) 313-812; --Email Address: FreemanPJ@state.gov --Duty Officer Number: (976) 9911-4168. ¶3. The Embassy has booked rooms at the Hotel Mongolia for the Codel. The rooms are within per diem, and the rate includes breakfast and VAT. The hotel's website is: www.hotel-mongolia.com; tel: 976-11-490-154; fax: 976-11-325-861. ¶4. ADMIN POL: Management Officer Harold Zappia is handling the logistical arrangements for the visit. --Office Telephone Number: (976-11) 329-095, x4422; --Cellular Number: (976) 9904-2330; --Home Number: (976-11) 312-731; --Email Address: ZappiaHE@state.gov ¶5. VOUCHERS: Post has limited staff and resources. TDY travelers visiting post for less than 30 days should pay all travel bills and then voucher the expense when they return to their duty station. ¶6. VISA: A visa is not required for Mongolia. If you will travel via Beijing, you must have a valid Chinese visa for each time you land in China. This means a double-entry visa if your itinerary is Beijing-Ulaanbaatar-Beijing. The Chinese require a visa even to transit between two international flights. If you don't have a valid (unused) visa, the airline will not let you board, and your travel will be delayed. ¶7. DOMESTIC AIR TRAVEL RESTRICTION: The U.S. Embassy prohibits U.S. government personnel use of the domestic services of MIAT and all services of Hangard and Trans-Ulgii for official travel because of uncertainties regarding service and maintenance schedules, aircraft certification and insurance status. This prohibition does not extend to MIAT's international flights. ¶8. EXPORT LIMITS: Mongolia limits the export of art, antiques, and icons. Reputable art and antique dealers can give you documents that will let you export what you buy. Customs duties, however, may apply, and you must be ready to pay in cash (not credit card). We can give you more information. ¶9. SECURITY SITUATION: Mongolia and Ulaanbaatar are generally safe places to visit. Mongolians accept foreigners readily and are congenial hosts. There is no known specific threat to Americans. However, the poor economic situation and obviousness of foreigners makes us easy targets for petty crime. We strongly recommend that you carry only the money you expect to need and leave your passport, wallet, and other valuables in the hotel's safekeeping. We recommend that you be especially cautious at night and in crowded public places, such as the "black market," within and in front of the State Department shopping store, and anywhere foreigners frequent. Pickpocketing is an increasing problem. ¶10. HEALTH CARE: Health care for Embassy personnel and visitors is provided by the Embassy's Health Unit and the SOS International Clinic in Ulaanbaatar. The Embassy's Health Unit's telephone number is (976-11)329-095x4555/4556 and fax number is (976-11) 313-133. The hours of operation are Monday through Friday 08:30 am - 5:00pm. For appointments please contact Health Unit by (976-11) 313-133, (976-11) 329-095-4556 or Suvdaa at 9909-2876. After hours please call Medical Unit Duty Phone at 9904-0261. The SOS International Clinic's telephone number is (976-11) 464175, (976-11) 464325, (976-11) 464326, (976-11) 464327 and fax number is (976-11) 454537. The clinic is expensive and requires payment upon receipt of services. It is important that your health insurance is up to date. Filling an insurance claim is the responsibility of the visitor. SOS International takes MasterCard, Visa, or cash as payment. ¶11. GENERAL MEDICAL INFORMATION: We suggest that you talk with your medical office about recommended inoculations. Over-the-counter drugs such as cold, fever, and painkiller medications are not readily available. Plan to bring enough over-the-counter and prescription medicines to last your entire time in Mongolia. You should take health precautions in Mongolia: drink only bottled or boiled drinks, and eat only hot, freshly prepared food. Also, we recommend that you wear sturdy shoes with good traction. ¶12. WEATHER: Ulaanbaatar has an extreme continental climate. The weather is unpredictable. It can be cold anytime September through May, and is extremely cold November through February. Summertime temperatures can approach 100 degrees Fahrenheit but may dip into the 50's. Spring is an uncertain time of year, with occasional high winds and snow. We recommend you be prepared with layers of clothing and warm, sturdy footwear. Several internet sites, including Yahoo! Weather, give forecasts for Ulaanbaatar. ¶13. DOLLARS AND TUGRUGS: Mongolia's financial infrastructure is still limited. Traveler's checks are rarely accepted. Mongolia is a predominantly cash based economy. Cash advance can be taken at banks. Western-oriented businesses and hotels accept credit cards - Visa, MasterCard, and American Express. Hotels provide official currency exchange. ATMs are infrequent and unreliable. The few existing units are VISA only. ¶14. WEBSITE: Please visit our Embassy website at http://ulaanbaatar.usembassy.gov. It provides interesting and useful information. Mongolia is a beautiful and fascinating country; we hope you will have a chance to see a bit of it after work hours. ¶15. We look forward to your arrival. Regards. GOLDBECK