Visit a doctor before travelling
We strongly recommend that you see a doctor for the latest health advice at least six weeks prior to your holiday to allow time for any necessary vaccinations etc. The Travel Health Service recommends to have a vaccination against hepatitis A, and in some regions of Mongolia hepatitis B. Other vaccinations may be needed. For up to date travel health advice, please check www.travelvax.com.au before departure and always seek your doctor’s advice. Remember to take your itinerary with you to the appointment.
Altitude
This country has either areas with high altitude (2,400m or more) or/and areas with very high altitude (3658m or more). Please consulate you doctor to ensure you are physically able to undertake these levels of altitude. AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) occurs in some people of varying ages and fitness levels when they travel to altitudes over 3,000m. Symptoms include dizziness, fatigue, nausea or loss of appetite, breathlessness or headache. These usually develop over the first 36 hours at altitude and not immediately on arrival. Usually the symptoms will subside after a day, however; if symptoms worsen you should seek medical advice and descend in altitude immediately. It is recommended to drink more water, non-alcoholic and non-caffeinated drinks and avoid exertion after arriving over 3,000m. Our itineraries ensure you will stay overnight at least 100m below the maximum altitude reached during that day, another effective method for combatting AMS.
Drinking Water
In Mongolia, the quality of tap water does not meet safe drinking standards, and it is recommended to only use bottled water or boil tap water before consumption. Travelers are advised to take precautions to avoid waterborne illnesses and to stay hydrated in Mongolia's dry climate.
Toilets
Toilets in hotel rooms will be western-style and probably electronic. There are many toilets in restaurants, bars, hotels and stores. There are also plenty of public toilets. Most public toilets are often squat toilets. We suggest you carry tissues with you, as public facilities may not always supply toilet paper.
Personal Medical Kit
We strongly recommend taking all pharmaceutical products that you may require with you on your tour. Do not rely on being able to purchase these during your holiday. While there are pharmacies throughout Mongolia, foreign prescriptions cannot be filled, and non-prescription medicines will be different from the western brands you are used to. It is also unlikely that the staff will speak English. Consider taking a ‘personal medical kit’ containing any medication or medical equipment you may need during your time in Mongolia:
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All prescribed medication (in original packaging and with a cover note from your doctor)
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Headache tablets
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Anti-diarrhoea tablets
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Cold and flu tablets
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Travel sickness tablets
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Lozenges
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Insect repellent and sunscreen
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Antibacterial hand wipes and/or hand wash
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Spare pair of glasses/contact lenses
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Small first-aid kit
If you need to purchase any pharmaceuticals or medical equipment while in Mongolia, you may ask your National Escort/Local Guide or hotel staff to help you locate a pharmacy, identify medication or to translate from the local language to English. If you need medical attention they will be able to arrange a call from a doctor, usually one who speaks English. However, the
decision to purchase or take any non-prescribed (either western or traditional local) medicine is entirely your own.
Restricted and Prohibited Medicines
The use or possession of some common prescription and over-the-counter medicines may be banned in Mongolia. Customs officials may not be sympathetic if you claim ignorance. If in any doubt, check with the nearest Embassy or Consulate before you travel.
We strongly urge travellers to carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating:
- What the medication is
- Why you require the medication
- The dosage amount
- That it's for personal use
The staff at Wendy Wu Tours (in Australia and Mongolia) and our representatives are not medically qualified. Therefore they are neither able, nor allowed, to give any medical advice, recommendations or administer medications.