Pharmacy Information

The United States Consulate suggests that one should purchase prescription medications from international clinics to assure quality, as there are very few regulations governing the production and sale of pharmaceuticals in China. It should be noted that there are no Western-style independent pharmacies stocked with drugs common in the United States. Instead, there are several joint venture stores (between American, European and Chinese companies) offering over-the-counter medications such as cold preparations. These stores are generally recognizable by the products they stock, as the packaging will be in both Chinese and English. Prescription medications can be found at the international clinics, such as AEA Clinic and the International Medical Center (in Beijing). The medications are produced in China by manufacturers with American parent companies, and are of a reliable quality. Regular business hours of most clinics are 9AM to 9PM. Prescriptions can be filled 24 hours a day at the International Medical Center. The clinics will fill prescriptions written by your home doctor.

Regardless of the pharmacy situation in any country, it is always advisable to bring enough medication to last through your trip. Be sure to carry it with you rather than trusting it to checked luggage (many frequent travelers bring a double supply of medication and pack each in different bags). It is also advisable to carry extra prescription sheets written by your doctor (with the generic names) in case you need refills during your trip and to show at customs as proof of the medication's identity and necessity. Always remember to check the expiration dates on all medications, whether they are from home or abroad. Depending on where you are traveling, you may also want to carry an anti-diarrheal medication and/or ask your physician for an appropriate anti-diarrheal prescription, as a precautionary measure.

AEA International
Building C, BITIC Leasing Center
No. 1 Xingfu Sancun North Road
Chaoyang District, Beijing
Tel: +86-10 6462-9112
Fax: +86-10 6462-9111
Emergency Room Tel: +86-10 6462-9100
Location: a 5-min. drive or 15- to 20-min. walk from the Lufthansa Shopping Center, Kempinski Hotel, Great Wall Sheraton, Kunlun, and Zhaolong hotels

Beijing United Family Hospital
No. 2 Jiangtai Lu
Chaoyang District, Beijing 100016
Tel: +86-10 6433-3960
Fax: +86-10 6433-3963
Location: A 5-min. drive, or 15-min. walk, from the Holiday Inn Lido and Harbor Plaza hotels

Hong Kong International Medical Clinic
3/F, Swissotel Hong Kong Macao Center
Dongsishitiao, Chaoyang District, Beijing
Tel: +86-10 6501-2288 ext. 2346
Fax: +86-10 6502-3426
Location: a 5-min. walk from the Beijing Asia and the Poly Plaza hotels

International Medical Center (IMC)
Room 106, Beijing Lufthansa Center
50 Liangmaqiao Lu, Chaoyang District
Tel: +86-10 6465-1561/1562/1563
Fax: +86-10 6465-1961
Location: next to the Kempinski Hotel and the Lufthansa Shopping Center, and a 10-min. walk from the Kunlun, Great Wall Sheraton, and the Landmark hotels