How to Buy Medicine in China: FAQ for Foreigners & International Patients

1. Can foreigners buy prescription drugs in China?
Yes, but you need a prescription from a licensed Chinese doctor. Your home country prescription is not valid. You must visit a hospital (recommend International Department) first, get assessed and prescribed, then purchase at the hospital pharmacy or designated drugstores.

2. How to use JD Pharmacy or Meituan for medicine?
These are the most convenient platforms for over-the-counter (OTC) drugs:
• JD Pharmacy: English interface available, good for international brands, usually next-day delivery
• Meituan Pharmacy: Ultra-fast delivery (often under 30 min), perfect for urgent needs
• Important: They cannot sell prescription drugs directly without a doctor\'s prescription

3. Can I take medicine bought in China back to my country?
Yes, with strict limits:
• Only reasonable quantity for personal use (typically 30-90 day supply)
• Must keep original packaging and Chinese prescription
• Some ingredients (like pseudoephedrine in cold medicine) may be restricted in your country
• Traditional Chinese herbs need special declaration

4. How to avoid counterfeit medicine?
Follow three key rules:
1. Use only official channels: Hospitals, licensed pharmacies, JD/Meituan official platforms
2. Check packaging carefully: Verify expiry date, batch number, anti-counterfeit labels
3. Beware of extremely low prices: Unusually cheap medicine carries high risk