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. 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. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled.

Vaccinations against tuberculosis and hepatitis B are sometimes recommended.

Health care facilities available to foreigners are limited. All Mongolian hospitals are very short of most medical supplies, including basic care items, drugs and spare parts for medical equipment. Doctors and hospitals may expect immediate cash payment for health services. Visitors are urged to have health insurance including cover for evacuation to Hong Kong and to take any regular medication with them. Emergency care is available at the Russian Hospital, although a translator is essential.