OTC Medications Abroad: What You Can Buy and Where to Get Them

When you’re traveling, your usual OTC medications, over-the-counter drugs you can buy without a prescription at home. Also known as non-prescription drugs, they’re often the first thing you reach for for headaches, allergies, or stomach issues. But what works at home might not be legal—or even available—where you are. Countries have wildly different rules. In some places, you can walk into a pharmacy and grab painkillers with stronger doses than back home. In others, even something as simple as pseudoephedrine is locked behind the counter or banned entirely. Knowing the rules before you go saves you from panic, fines, or worse.

It’s not just about legality. Foreign drug regulations, the local laws controlling which medicines are sold without a prescription. These rules change fast. What’s common in Mexico or Thailand might be classified as a controlled substance in Canada or Australia. And then there’s the risk of counterfeit drugs. Fake pills with no active ingredient—or worse, dangerous fillers—are sold in tourist areas under familiar brand names. You might think you’re buying Advil, but you’re getting something else entirely. Always check the packaging, look for official seals, and avoid street vendors. Even if it looks real, it might not be.

Some countries let you buy over-the-counter drugs, medications available without a prescription. that require a prescription in your home country. Cough syrups with codeine, stronger antihistamines, or even certain antibiotics are sold openly in parts of Asia, Eastern Europe, and Latin America. But just because you can buy them doesn’t mean you should. Dosing, interactions, and side effects vary by region. What’s safe for someone in India might be risky for you. And bringing those meds back home? That’s another legal minefield. Customs agencies don’t care if it’s legal where you bought it—if it’s not approved in your country, you could lose it, get fined, or worse.

Before you travel, make a list of the OTC meds you rely on. Check your government’s travel advisory site—Health Canada, the CDC, or your local health authority—then compare it to the destination’s pharmacy rules. Don’t assume your favorite brand exists there. Ask your pharmacist about generic equivalents. Carry a copy of your prescription, even for OTCs, just in case. And never pack more than a three-month supply unless you have official permission. The goal isn’t to stock up abroad—it’s to stay safe, legal, and symptom-free.

Below, you’ll find real stories and practical guides on handling medications overseas, from buying cheap generics abroad to avoiding dangerous substitutions when you’re far from home. These aren’t theory pieces—they’re what travelers, expats, and locals have actually used to stay healthy when they couldn’t get their usual meds.