A Patient's Guide: How Foreign Travelers Can Buy Medicine in China

1. Understanding China's Pharmacy System

Retail Pharmacy: sells OTC drugs and supplements. Examples: Watsons, Laobaixing Pharmacy. No prescription needed.

Hospital Pharmacy: sells all medicines, located inside Grade 2A+ hospitals. Prescription needed for Rx drugs.

Online Pharmacy: sells most OTC and some Rx drugs (with an e-consultation). Examples: JD Health, Alibaba Health.

Key Facts:

• 78% of antibiotics require prescriptions (vs. 40% in the US)

• Foreign OTC labels rarely include English (except international chains like Watsons)

Look for:

• Green cross sign (正规药店 - licensed pharmacy)

• License number displayed (e.g., 药品经营许可证 - pharmaceutical operating license)

• Avoid street stalls or "too cheap" online sellers

2. Step-by-Step Medicine Purchase Process

Find a Pharmacy: Use map apps like Amap (高德) and search "药店" (pharmacy). Once you locate nearby 24-hour pharmacies, share the real-time map with taxi directions.

Show Generic Names:

• "Ibuprofen" = 布洛芬 (bùluòfēn)

• "Loperamide" (for diarrhea) = 洛哌丁胺 (luòpàidīng'àn)

Dosage Clarification:

• "成人剂量" (chéngrén jìliàng) = Adult dosage

• Ask: "一天几次? 一次几片?" (How many times a day? How many pills per dose?)

Describe Symptoms: Send us photos/videos of rashes, fever thermometer readings, etc. Example: "I have a red itchy rash after eating seafood."

We Recommend:

• Approved OTC drugs, like 氯雷他定 (Loratadine) for allergies

• Trusted Platforms: JD Health (京东健康), Alibaba Health (阿里健康)

• Select legitimate sellers (look for "官方旗舰店" = official store)

• Choose delivery to your hotel

For more information, please check Travel Guardian.

Visit a Hospital:

• Small clinics (社区卫生中心 - community health centers) won't prescribe to foreigners

• Required documents: Passport + cash deposit (¥50-200)

Get the Prescription Translated:

• Use apps like WeChat and take a screenshot

Hospital Pharmacy Purchase:

• Prescriptions are valid for 3 days only

3. Critical Warnings

• Don't buy from Taobao/WeChat sellers without license numbers

• Don't carry more than 7 days' supply of controlled substances (e.g., ADHD meds) without: the original prescription and a notarized Chinese translation

• Keep medicines in their original packaging (customs may check)

• For allergies: Carry a Chinese note — "我对______过敏" (I'm allergic to ______)

4. Handling Chronic Conditions

Insulin: Available at hospital pharmacies only (no OTC). Bring: Doctor's note + empty vial for matching.

Blood Pressure Meds: Common alternatives if yours isn't available:

• Metformin = 二甲双胍 (èrjiǎ shuāngguā)

• Atorvastatin = 阿托伐他汀 (ātuōfá tātīng)

SSRIs (e.g., Prozac): Require a psychiatric evaluation at a specific hospital.

Controlled Substances:

• Adderall/Ritalin are banned in China

• Alternatives like Strattera require a special import permit

5. Emergency Alternatives

• Contact Your Embassy

• Use International Clinics

• Express Delivery: DHL Medical Express (requires a prescription copy)