Moving to China, as an expat, is a wonderful experience, but falling ill during this trip will put you in some serious trouble, particularly if you don’t know Mandarin. Buying medicine without Chinese is a challenge when the pharmacy signs, labels, and conversations with staff are all in a language that you do not understand.
You need to get safe, reliable medication quickly, no matter what you are feeling or need a prescription refill. However, it is not that difficult to navigate the English pharmacies and Chinese online pharmacies in China.
Here we’ll guide you on how to buy medication without Chinese, starting with locating English-speaking pharmacists to the apps that deliver the medicine.
With these tips, you’ll feel confident getting the right drugs without needing fluent Mandarin, keeping you healthy in this bustling city.
Why Buying Medicine in Shenzhen, China Can Be Hard
Shenzhen, China, is a modern city, but pharmacies work differently from what many expats expect. Medicines are mostly kept behind counters, and the labels are normally in Chinese. Pharmacists may not understand English, and there are drugs that requirea prescription and are sold without a prescription, such as antibiotics
This can mislead the foreigners buying medicine in China, particularly when you are used to grabbing some important health-related medicines off the shelf back at home.
Where to Find English Pharmacies in Shenzhen, China
Locating English pharmacies in Shenzhen, China, is not as hard as it might seem, particularly in tourist places such as Shekou. Foreigners are frequent visitors to these places, and the staff in those pharmacies speak some English or carry Western brands. or stock Western brands.
- International Clinics and Pharmacies: Some pharmacies, such as Vista-SK International Medical Center in Shekou, are staffed with English-speaking personnel. They carry over-the-counter (OTC) drugs that are otherwise not easily available.
- Chain Pharmacies off Hospitals: Large chains such as Shenzhen Accord Pharmacy, which are commonly located near such hospitals as Shenzhen People’s Hospital, may have English-speaking staff and western medicines.
- Expat-Friendly Areas: Pharmacies in Shekou or Nanshan cater to foreigners. Look for green cross signs, which mark pharmacies in China.
Pro Tip: Get help from a Chinese-speaking friend and confirm the availability of English-speaking personnel in such pharmacies.
How to Buy on Chinese Online Pharmacies
- Choose a Reliable Platform: Only shop at websites or applications that have the Certificate of Internet Drug Information Services and Certificate of Internet Drug Transaction Services. The national medical products administration (NMPA) site (nmpa.gov.cn) should be checked to ensure that they are authentic.
- Alcohol Suggest OTC Drugs: OTC drugs are the only drugs that Chinese online pharmacies are allowed to sell. A prescription is required to buy drugs, but certain websites may ignore this.
- Check Delivery: Select cash-on-delivery to check the medicine prior to payment. Look for holograms, batch numbers, and expiration dates on the package.
How to Buy Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medicine Without Speaking Chinese
Over-the-counter medications, such as painkillers, are readily available in Shenzhen, but buying them still requires some preparation. Pharmacists do not know brand names such as Advil, so use these hints:
- Know Generic Names: Find the scientific name of your medicine (e.g., acetaminophen in Tylenol) on Wikipedia, change to the Chinese page, and present it to the pharmacist. This helps avoid confusion.
- Explain Symptoms Simply: If you don’t know the drug name, say “headache” and point to your head or “cough” and act it out. Some pharmacists understand basic English.
- Use Translation Apps: Apps like Pleco or Google Translate let you type symptoms or drug names, translate to Chinese, and show the screen. This makes buying medicine without Chinese easier.
- Check Labels: The generic name is written in the English language in most of the medicines, although the instructions may be in the Chinese language. In order to avoid expired drugs, always look at dates when they expire.
By following these steps, you can easily get medicines from pharmacies without any hesitation
Get Prescription Drugs in Shenzhen, China
Prescription drugs, like antibiotics or antidepressants, are harder to get. Many medicines need to be prescribed in China, yet there are many pharmacies that are not strict in this matter. Here’s how to stay safe:
- See a Doctor: Go to foreign clinics, such as Parkway Health, or Shenzhen United Family Hospital. Their English-speaking doctors can write prescriptions for their in-house pharmacies.
- Bring Foreign Prescriptions: Chinese pharmacies don’t accept foreign prescriptions, so take yours to a local doctor for a Chinese version.
- Hospital Pharmacies: Most Shenzhen hospitals have pharmacies where you can fill prescriptions right after a visit. These are safer than small retail pharmacies.
Avoiding Fake or Unsafe Medicine
There is the risk of fake or expired drugs, which is less probable in reputable pharmacies. Here’s how to stay safe:
- Select Licensed Pharmacies: Select a business license and pharmacists who display visible credentials.
- Check Packaging: Ensure holograms, clear labels, and intact packaging. Avoid medicines with torn or odd packaging.
- Do not use Unregulated Online Vendors: Stick with reputable websites such as Meituan, and avoid unverified sellers for medicines.
Tips for Buying Medicine Without Chinese in Shenzhen, China
Here are easy tricks to buy medication without Chinese in China safely and without difficulties:
Do’s
- Check Drug Compatibility: Make sure that the medicine you are being prescribed is the one you require, because brand names can differ.
- Take Translation Apps: Install Google Translate to indicate the symptoms or drug names to the pharmacists.
- Visit Trusted Pharmacies: Visit English pharmacies in China that are around international clinics such as Parkway health to get English assistance and safe medication.
- Store Receipts: Store receipts of your purchases, particularly those made online, in case you need to check or refund anything.
- See a Doctor: If you have a serious illness, go to an international clinic to an English-speaking doctor.
Don’t
- Don’t Buy Too Early: Some medicines, especially prescription ones, can expire quickly, so only buy what you really need.
- Don’t Ignore Packaging: It is always good to verify the holograms, batch numbers, and expiration dates in order to avoid fake or unsafe drugs.
- Do Not Trust Small Pharmacies Blindly: Smaller stores do not support English or offer substandard products. Stick to chains or hospital pharmacies.
- Never Share Prescriptions: It is unlawful and unsafe to use another person’s prescription.
Looking for Buying Medicine Without Chinese in China?
The following tools and services can assist you in buying medicine in China without Chinese and remain healthy:
- National Medical Products Administration (NMPA): Check at government website to look for online pharmacy licenses.
- Translation Apps: Use Google Translate for real-time translation of drug names or symptoms.
- International Clinics: Many medical centers, like Vista-SK, have English-speaking doctors and pharmacies.
- Meituan App: Offers fast OTC drug delivery with some English support. Available on iOS and Android.
- JD.com: A trusted platform for OTC drugs and medical devices, with some English descriptions.
- Expat Forums: Visit Shenzhen Post or WeChat groups like “Shenzhen Expats” for pharmacy tips.
FAQs
1. Can I find English pharmacies in Shenzhen, China?
Yes, English pharmacies exist in expat areas like Shekou and Futian. Clinics like Vista-SK or Parkway Health have pharmacies with English-speaking staff and Western medicines.
2. Are Chinese online pharmacies safe for foreigners?
They’re safe if you use licensed platforms like Meituan or JD.com. Check for the Certificate for Internet Drug Transaction Services and inspect the packaging on delivery.
3. Do I need to speak Chinese to buy medicine in Shenzhen, China?
No, you can use translation apps, describe symptoms, or visit English pharmacies at international clinics. Basic Mandarin, like “tong” (pain), helps but isn’t needed.
4. Can I buy prescription drugs without a prescription in Shenzhen, China?
Some drugs are sold without a prescription in some pharmacies, which is both unlawful and unsafe. Get a prescription from an international clinic doctor.
5. What if I can’t find my medication in Shenzhen, China?
Visit an international clinic to check availability or get a local equivalent. You can also try Hong Kong, but check customs rules first.
Conclusion
Buying medicine without Chinese in China is straightforward once you know your options. The most important thing in this bustling city is to remain healthy, and therefore, regardless of whether you visit English pharmacies, Chinese online pharmacies, or international clinics, you have sufficient options for purchasing medicine not in Chinese. Whether you need a translation application or a reputable service such as Meituan, this guide will assist foreigners buying medicine in China with the appropriate strategy, simplify the purchases, and avoid the traps.
To read more tips on how to succeed as an expat in Shenzhen, visit Shenzhen Post, where you can find practical tips and useful information.