Before You Go: Advisories, Payments and Logistics in North Asia
What to check before planning travel in Mongolia and Asian Russia: government travel advice, consular support, visas, payment cards, connectivity and insurance.
Short answer
For Asian Russia, the first step is your own government's travel advice — many currently advise against all travel and may not be able to help you there. Foreign-issued Visa and Mastercard cards generally don't work in Russia, and many insurers exclude it. Mongolia is far simpler: many nationalities can visit visa-free, cards work in Ulaanbaatar, and the main challenges are distance and weather.
Key points
- Read your government's advice before planning any Russia trip.
- Foreign bank cards generally don't work in Russia.
- Check whether your insurance covers the destination.
- Mongolia's main challenges are logistics, not bureaucracy.
Asian Russia: key checks
| Check | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Government travel advice | Many governments advise against all travel; consular help may be limited or unavailable |
| Visa | Required for many nationalities; some may be eligible for an e-visa — check official sources |
| Payments | Foreign-issued Visa and Mastercard cards generally don't work in Russia; cash and alternatives are needed |
| Insurance | Many policies exclude destinations under "do not travel" advice |
| Connectivity | Some foreign apps and services may not work; plan communication in advance |
| Flights | Routes from many countries are limited; journeys may need connections via third countries |
Mongolia: key checks
| Check | Notes |
|---|---|
| Visa | Many nationalities can visit visa-free for a limited period; others need a visa or e-visa |
| Payments | Cards common in Ulaanbaatar; cash essential in the countryside (Mongolian tögrög) |
| Transport | Drivers and guides recommended outside the capital |
| Season | Most travel June–September; extreme cold in winter |
| Health | Long distances from hospitals in remote areas; carry a first-aid kit and insurance with evacuation cover |
Essentials for remote travel in either country
- Insurance with evacuation cover that explicitly includes your destination and activities.
- Offline maps and a way to communicate in remote areas.
- Cash in local currency for the countryside.
- Layers — even summer nights can be cold.
The bottom line
In Mongolia, plan for distance and weather. For Asian Russia, plan around official advice, payments and insurance first — and don't travel against your government's guidance without understanding the consequences. For seasonal planning, see Siberian winters and Mongolia beyond Ulaanbaatar.
Questions readers ask
Can I use my bank card in Mongolia?
In Ulaanbaatar, cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants and shops. In the countryside, cash is essential.
Will my travel insurance cover Russia?
Many policies exclude countries where your government advises against travel. Check the policy wording carefully.
