How to Find a Western Pharmacy in Beijing
Navigating the busy streets of China's capital can be intimidating for any visitor, especially if you don't speak Mandarin. Locating a Western pharmacy is even more of a challenge due to the prevalent practice of traditional Chinese medicine. Below is some advice to help you with your search.
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Instructions
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How to Find a Western Pharmacy in Beijing
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Surf Beijing-specific websites. Websites like China Service Mall (http://www.at0086.com/rank/en-us/20080129210040828.html) and My Health Beijing (http://www.myhealthbeijing.com/?page_id=268) cater to foreigners traveling to Beijing and offer complete information on Western pharmacies in the city.
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Ask the concierge at a reputable hotel. The staff members at five-star hotels such as the Shangri-La Hotel Beijing and the Ritz-Carlton on Financial Street are trained to help tourists find what they need, including pharmacies. Most high-end hotels also employ Western-trained doctors and some even have an in-house clinic for more urgent medical needs.
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Go to English-speaking hospitals or clinics. The Beijing Hospital, American-run Beijing United Family Hospital and the SOS International Clinic Pharmacy all have English-speaking doctors and in-house pharmacies.
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Look for the Golden Elephant. The Golden Elephant Pharmacy is an East-meets-West chain pharmacy with multiple stores throughout Beijing. The branch listed on many travel guides is at 267 Wangfujing Dajie, but local travel website www.laonei.com gives the addresses of other locations.
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Tips & Warnings
Whether you are looking for a pharmacy or a dimsum restaurant, carry a handheld electronic translator or download a Mandarin language application for your smartphone to help you communicate with the locals. If your trip to Beijing will be brief, bring enough prescription medication to last for the duration of your stay. Pack all your medicines in the original containers and place them in your carry-on, not your checked luggage. It is also helpful to have your physician's prescription handy should you need to show it at customs.
A Western-style pharmacy may still carry Chinese products. Make sure to check the expiration date and know exactly what you're buying, so that you don't mistakenly ingest harmful medication.
