Can I easily buy medications in Cambodia?
Yes — most common medications are available over the counter at established pharmacy chains like Ucare and Point Pharmacy, often without a prescription. Prices are very affordable ($0.50-5 for most common drugs). Stick to established chains to avoid counterfeit medications.
- Ucare Pharmacy: most trusted chain, 15+ locations in Phnom Penh
- Most OTC and many prescription drugs available without Rx
- Very affordable: paracetamol $0.50, antibiotics $2-5
- Bring specialized/prescription medications from home
Pharmacy Overview
Cambodia has a well-developed pharmacy network in urban areas, with established chains offering genuine medications at very affordable prices. The regulatory environment is more relaxed than in Western countries — many medications that require a prescription at home are available over the counter in Cambodia, including most antibiotics.
However, this lax regulation also means counterfeit and substandard drugs circulate, particularly at unregulated shops and border areas. The key rule: always buy from established, reputable pharmacy chains (Ucare, Point Pharmacy, Guardian) and never from market stalls or unbranded shops.
Counterfeit drug warning: The WHO estimates that up to 30% of medications in some Southeast Asian countries may be counterfeit or substandard. Protect yourself by buying only from established pharmacy chains, checking packaging for proper labeling, and verifying expiry dates.
Major Pharmacy Chains
Ucare Pharmacy
Locations: Phnom Penh (15+ branches), Siem Reap (3), Sihanoukville (1)
Hours: 7:30–21:00 daily
Cambodia's most trusted pharmacy chain. Clean, organized, genuine medications. English-speaking staff at most locations. Accepts credit cards. Brands include international and quality generics.
Point Pharmacy
Locations: Phnom Penh (5+ branches)
Hours: 8:00–21:00 daily
Modern pharmacy chain popular with expats. Good range of imported medications. Located in BKK1, Toul Kork, and Russian Market areas. Competitive prices.
Guardian Pharmacy
Locations: AEON Mall Phnom Penh, AEON Mall Sen Sok
Hours: 9:00–21:00 (mall hours)
International chain. Higher prices but guaranteed genuine products. Good selection of health and beauty products alongside medications.
MedCare Pharmacy
Locations: Phnom Penh (BKK1, Toul Tom Poung)
Hours: 8:00–20:00 daily
Boutique pharmacy with pharmacist consultations. Good for travelers needing advice on tropical medications. English-speaking pharmacist on site.
Pharmacie de la Gare
Locations: Phnom Penh (near Central Market)
Hours: 7:00–20:00 Mon-Sat
Long-established French-style pharmacy. Popular with French expats. Good range of European medications. French and English spoken.
Lucky Supermarket Pharmacy
Locations: Inside Lucky Supermarkets (multiple locations)
Hours: 7:30–21:30 daily
Convenient pharmacy counters inside Lucky supermarkets. Basic range of OTC medications and health products. Good for everyday needs.
Common Medications — Availability & Prices
| Medication | Availability | Prescription? | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paracetamol (Tylenol/Panadol) | Everywhere | No | $0.50-2 | Available at every pharmacy and convenience store. Panadol brand common. |
| Ibuprofen (Advil) | Common | No | $1-3 | Available at Ucare and Point Pharmacy. Less common at small shops. |
| Amoxicillin (antibiotic) | Common | Not enforced | $2-5 | Widely available without prescription, though technically requires one. Use responsibly. |
| Ciprofloxacin (antibiotic) | Common | Not enforced | $3-8 | Common traveler antibiotic for bacterial diarrhea. Available at major pharmacies. |
| Loperamide (Imodium) | Common | No | $1-3 | Essential for traveler's diarrhea. Available everywhere. |
| Oral rehydration salts (ORS) | Everywhere | No | $0.25-1 | Critical for dehydration from diarrhea or heat. Available at every pharmacy and many convenience stores. |
| Antihistamines (Cetirizine, Loratadine) | Common | No | $1-3 | For allergies and insect bite reactions. Readily available. |
| Malarone (atovaquone-proguanil) | Limited | Recommended | $3-5/tablet | Anti-malaria prophylaxis. Available at International SOS and Ucare. Bring from home if possible. |
| Doxycycline | Common | Not enforced | $2-5 | Alternative anti-malaria prophylaxis. Also used for bacterial infections. Widely available. |
| Sunscreen (SPF 50+) | Common | No | $5-15 | Available at Ucare, Guardian. Bring from home for best selection — local options can be limited. |
| Insect repellent (DEET) | Common | No | $3-8 | Available at pharmacies and convenience stores. Brands: OFF, Soffell. 25-50% DEET recommended. |
What to Bring from Home
Some medications and health products should be brought from home, either because they are unavailable in Cambodia or because finding your specific brand is unreliable.
Prescription medications
Your specific brand and dosage may not be available. Bring enough for your entire trip plus a week extra.
EpiPen (epinephrine auto-injector)
Not reliably available in Cambodia. Essential for severe allergy sufferers.
Specific birth control brand
Generic birth control is available, but your specific brand may not be. Bring your full supply.
Prescription-strength sunscreen
Specialty sunscreens (mineral, tinted, specific SPF) have limited availability. Basic SPF 50 is available.
Contact lens solution (specific brand)
Basic saline is available, but specialty solutions may not be. Bring your preferred brand.
ADHD medications (stimulants)
Controlled substances like Adderall and Ritalin are not available and may be illegal to import. Check regulations carefully.
Specialized supplements
Specific vitamins and supplements may not be available. Basic multivitamins are found at Ucare.
Medication Import Rules
Rules for bringing medications into Cambodia:
- Personal-use quantities (up to 90-day supply): Generally allowed without special documentation for most medications.
- Keep medications in original packaging: Labeled bottles with your name and the prescribing doctor's information.
- Carry a doctor's letter: For all prescription medications, especially controlled substances.
- Controlled substances: Opioid painkillers, benzodiazepines (Valium, Xanax), and stimulants (Adderall, Ritalin) require special documentation. Contact the Cambodian embassy in your country before traveling.
- Medical marijuana/CBD: Cannabis products are illegal in Cambodia despite traditional use. Do not bring CBD oil, marijuana-derived products, or edibles. Penalties can be severe.
Cambodia has strict drug laws despite relaxed enforcement for pharmaceutical sales. Importing cannabis products, recreational drugs, or large quantities of controlled substances can result in severe penalties including imprisonment. When in doubt, check with the Cambodian embassy.
Malaria & Tropical Medicine
Cambodia has ongoing malaria transmission in some forested and rural areas, but the major tourist destinations are considered low to minimal risk:
- Phnom Penh: No malaria risk. No prophylaxis needed.
- Siem Reap (including Angkor Wat): Minimal risk. Prophylaxis generally NOT recommended.
- Sihanoukville and coastal areas: Low risk. Prophylaxis generally not needed.
- Kampot and Kep: Low risk. Prophylaxis generally not needed.
- Ratanakiri, Mondulkiri, Stung Treng: Moderate risk in forested areas. Prophylaxis RECOMMENDED.
- Cardamom Mountains: Moderate risk. Prophylaxis recommended for extended jungle stays.
Regardless of malaria risk, always use insect repellent (25-50% DEET) and wear long sleeves at dusk and dawn to prevent dengue fever, which is present in all parts of Cambodia and has no prophylaxis.
Consult a travel medicine doctor 4-6 weeks before your trip for personalized advice on vaccinations and anti-malarials based on your specific itinerary. The CDC and WHO have detailed country-specific health recommendations for Cambodia.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
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