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

1. Understanding China’s Pharmacy System

A. Pharmacy Types

Type	What They Sell	Examples	Prescription Needed?
Retail Pharmacy	OTC drugs, supplements	Watsons, Laobaixing Pharmacy	No
Hospital Pharmacy	All medicines	Inside Grade 2A+ hospitals	Yes (for Rx drugs)
Online Pharmacy	Most OTC, some Rx*	JD Health, Alibaba Health	*With e-consultation

Key Facts:

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

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

B. How to Identify Legitimate Pharmacies

Look for:

✅ Green cross sign (正规药店)

✅ License number displayed (e.g., 药品经营许可证)

❌ Avoid street stalls or "too cheap" online sellers

Green cross sign

2. Step-by-Step Medicine Purchase Process

For OTC Drugs (Cold/Fever/Pain Relief) via Pharmacy

1. Find a Pharmacy: Use maps apps like Amap (高德) → Search "药店" Pharmacy. Once locate Nearby 24hr Pharmacies, share real-time map with taxi directions

2. Show Generic Names:

   • "Ibuprofen" = 布洛芬 (bùluòfēn)

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

3. Dosage Clarification:

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

   • Ask: "一天几次? 一次几片?" (How many times/day? Pills/dose?)

For OTC Drugs (Cold/Fever/Pain Relief) via WhatsApp/WeChat:

1. Describe Symptoms: Send us photos/videos of rashes, fever thermometers, etc.

   • Example: "I have a red itchy rash after eating seafood"

2. 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)

3. Guide Through Purchase:

   • Screenshot-by-screenshot walkthrough of:

     • Searching correct Chinese drug names

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

     • Choosing delivery to your hotel

   For more information, please check Travel Guardian.

   
   

For Prescription Drugs

1. Visit a Hospital:

   • Small clinics (社区卫生中心) won’t prescribe to foreigners

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

2. Get Prescription Translated:

   • Use apps like "Wechat" and take a screenshot

3. Hospital Pharmacy Purchase:

   • Prescriptions valid for 3 days only

3. Critical Warnings

❌ What NOT to Do

• Buy from Taobao/WeChat sellers without license numbers

• Carry >7 days’ supply of controlled substances (e.g., ADHD meds) without:

  • Original prescription

  • Notarized Chinese translation

✅ Safe Practices

• Keep medicines in original packaging (customs may check)

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

4. Handling Chronic Conditions

A. Diabetes/Heart Disease

• 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:

International Name	Chinese Equivalent
Metformin	二甲双胍 (èrjiǎ shuāngguà)
Atorvastatin	阿托伐他汀 (ātuōfá tātīng)

B. Mental Health Medications

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

• Controlled Substances:

  • Adderall/Ritalin banned in China

  • Alternatives like Strattera require special import permit

5. Emergency Alternatives

If You Can’t Find Your Medication

1. Contact Your Embassy

2. Use International Clinics

3. Express Delivery:

   • DHL Medical Express (requires prescription copy)