Volunteers and Participants Information - FAQ's

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What projects can I do? We have many different projects and more coming online all the time. Our projects vary from teaching English, helping in an orphanage, working with special needs children or adults, painting and decorating or refurbishing a school room or orphanage, organising and running a summer camp for children, playing games or looking after babies. Check out the current projects page for more detailed information.

How long can I stay? As long as you like, we can help you with Visa extensions here in Ulaan Baatar. It's best to stay for at least 4 weeks to give the project you are volunteering at some continuity.

Where can I stay while in Mongolia? In a house, in an appartment, in a Ger with a local family or at a Guest House. Some volunteers working near our home stay with us, some rent their own appartment in downtown Ulaan Baatar. It depends upon your budget really. We will help you source the style of acommodation you request. Occasionally our project hosts will find a room for you in their home or Ger.

Do I get any time off to see the sights? Yes off course. We would expect you to help set and maintain your own schedule of time, with our help. Times are rather flexible and the old saying 'the more you put into it - the more you will get out of it' stands very true.

Will I be safe? Mongolia is one of the safest countries in the world to visit. You still have to have some common sense though, such as not displaying signs of wealth and leaving cameras around. For more details on your safety please look at the following 2 pages. Security and Safety.

When is the best time to come? Anytime of the year really. Look at the climate page to help you make your decision. Yes winters are cold, but its good fun in -30 Deg C and its really clear. Summers are popular, warm and sometimes wet.

Do I need a Visa? Yes you do need a Visa to enter Mongolia.

Can you help me get a Visa? Yes, we will explain how to get a Visa before coming to Mongolia.

Where can I get my Visa? Best to get your Mongolian Visa in person by visiting the Embassy in Kensington, central London. It usually only takes an hour or so.

How do I get to Mongolia? Fly via Moscow, Beijing or Seoul. Train via Moscow. For further details on getting to Mongolia look here.

I would like to try hores trekking, is it OK? Yes, everyone should try and get out into the countryside in Mongolia. It offers fantastic scenery and superb wilderness travel opportunities.

Do I need insurance? Yes. Your insurance must cover what you plan to do in Mongolia as well as last for all your travel time. We lodge a copy of your insurance certificate with International SOS here in Ulaan Baatar in case of emergencies.

Can I use credit cards to get cash at ATM's? Yes it is possible, but should not be relied upon. Modern chip 'n' pin cards sometimes get swallowed up by the ATM's!

What sort of money do I need to bring? Best to bring £ or $ cash in new crisp notes.

What kit do I need? You can travel light, all the clothing you may need is readily available here in Ulaan Baatar. To see the equipment list click - here

Can I contact home while I'm away? Yes, there are plenty of internet cafes and its possible to call overseas from phones.

How much does it cost to stay in Mongolia? The cost of living in Mongolia is quite low. If you are careful its possible to live off $15 a day or less.

Do I need to learn Mongolian language before I come? No, but it's nice to learn a bit about the language and culture before you arrive. We can arrange language lessons if its needed for your project. Click here for more language information.

Is the food and water safe? Yes, the instances of intestinal illnesses associated with South Asia are very rare here in Mongolia. Food and drink is generally well prepared and cooked. As usual you need to show some common sense and not drink from dirty cups or straight from some rivers etc. To learn more about Mongolian food click here.

Is there anyone who I can contact in case of emergency? Yes, here at Go Wilderness Mongolia we have a 24 hour telephone system.

Can my parents contact me in Mongolia? Yes, any parents needing to contact a volunteer can do so via us. Not for worry calls please, but to relay important information. You as a volunteer should be able to arrange seperate contact details for chatting. Mobile phones work well in Ulaan Baatar and SIMM cards are readily available.

Can you meet me at the airport when I arrive? Yes we will meet all arriving visitors and volunteers. We will also give a short orientation and briefing on your arrival.

What are the hospitals and dentists like? Local ones are not really that good and the standard of care varies. We use the facillities at the International SOS clinic in Ulaan Baatar, they deal with all our emergency cases (on insurance) as well as routine visits (pay cash on arrival). Always get a dentist and doctors check up before you arrive in Mongolia.

Are there any doctors? Out of Ulaan Baatar each Soum (small county) has a health post and a doctor. There facillities vary but they can deal with most minor A & E situations. They can arrange further treatment if needed.

Can you provide some activities for me in my spare time? Yes we will be happy to arrange some activities and travel for you while you are visiting. Contact us here. Details of what we can do and where you can go are found elsewhere on our website. Enjoy planning your trip.

How do I book with you? We need to establish some sort of programme for you first. This needs to be done in advance. Contact us here to start the process off.

Can I ask you some questions? Yes please email us.