Visitors are urged to have health insurance, including cover for evacuation, and to take any regular medication with them. For emergency care contact SOS Medica (tel: 11 464 325 or 9666 0670, after hours 9911 0335). In Ulaanbaatar the direct phone number for an ambulance is 103.

Food and drink:

All water should be regarded as being potentially contaminated. Water used for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice should have first been boiled or otherwise sterilised. Bottled water is available in Ulaanbaatar and some provincial centers.

Some milk is unpasteurised and should be boiled. Powdered, long-life or tinned milk is available and is advised. Avoid dairy products which are likely to have been made from unboiled milk. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish, preferably served hot.

Other risks:

Vaccinations against tuberculosis and hepatitis B are recommended. Take care around dogs as rabies is prevalent. Any bite from a dog should be immediately treated at a hospital.

Hypothermia is a risk in winter; visitors should dress warmly and in layers. Injuries caused by a fall from a horse are common among foreign tourists in summer, inexperienced riders should insist on riding a nomhon moir (calm horse).