Buying Medicine at a Chinese Pharmacy: A Practical Guide

Types of pharmacy

Chain pharmacies (look for the green cross sign) are everywhere in Chinese cities. International pharmacies attached to expat clinics stock imported medicines and have English-speaking staff.

Practical tips

• Many Western medicines are available, often under different brand names — search by the active ingredient name rather than the brand.
• Prescription rules are looser than in the West, but follow dosage instructions carefully, especially with antibiotics.
• Bring the empty packaging of medicines you rely on — a photo on your phone is enough for pharmacists to match.
• Delivery apps (Meituan, JD) can bring over-the-counter medicine within the hour.
• Keep your fapiao if you plan to claim insurance.