Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
07ULAANBAATAR363
2007-06-22 02:06:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Ulaanbaatar
Cable title:  

Country Clearance for Codel Payne

Tags:  OREP AMGT PREL ASEC AFIN MG 
pdf how-to read a cable
VZCZCXYZ0000
RR RUEHWEB

DE RUEHUM #0363/01 1730206
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 220206Z JUN 07
FM AMEMBASSY ULAANBAATAR
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 1230
INFO RUEHJA/AMEMBASSY JAKARTA 0169
RUEHSV/AMEMBASSY SUVA 0007
RUEHKO/AMEMBASSY TOKYO 2525
RUEHBJ/AMEMBASSY BEIJING 5620
RUEHUL/AMEMBASSY SEOUL 2795
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

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