Know where to buy.
The difference matters.
The difference matters.
Cambodia does not recognise prescriptions. You can walk into a pharmacy and buy almost any medication over the counter. The question is not what you can buy — it is where to buy it without getting counterfeit stock.
Technically, almost all medications — including those that are prescription-only in Europe, Australia or North America — are available over the counter in Cambodia. Antibiotics, blood pressure medication, statins, anti-anxiety drugs, insulin: you can walk in and buy them.
The catch is quality. Counterfeit and substandard medications are a documented problem in Cambodia. Many independent street-front pharmacies stock fake or expired products. The rule is simple: stick to reputable, established pharmacies with Ministry of Health registration and qualified pharmacists on staff. The price difference is small. The risk difference is not.
The most widespread pharmacy network in Cambodia, with multiple branches across Phnom Penh and major provincial towns. All stores are Ministry of Health registered and staffed by qualified pharmacists identifiable by their white uniforms. UCare stocks international brands alongside generics, supplements, vitamins and personal care products.
A practical advantage: if a UCare branch in Phnom Penh stocks a medication and the branch you visit doesn't, they will ship it from the city for free. Useful if you are spending time outside Phnom Penh. Home delivery available via their app and Facebook Messenger.
ucarepharmacy.com →The most consistently recommended independent pharmacy among long-term expats in Phnom Penh. Located near the railway station on Monivong Boulevard, it is notable for being one of the only pharmacies in the city that properly refrigerates medications that require cold storage — a meaningful quality distinction in a country with power fluctuations and heat.
Wide range of imported medications, knowledgeable staff, and a reputation built over many years. If you are looking for something unusual or hard to find, this is the first place to try. Expats report consistently reliable, authentic stock.
Bring a spare supply. If you depend on a specific medication, carry at least a one-month buffer. Shortages occur — particularly for specialist or niche medications — and replenishing from abroad takes time.
Pharmacies sell individual strips. You do not have to buy a full box. This is standard practice and useful for trying a medication or topping up a small deficit.
Prices are very low. A course of antibiotics that costs $80 in the UK or $120 in the US typically runs $3–8 here. Insulin, blood pressure medication and basic generics are similarly cheap. This makes out-of-pocket purchasing practical for many common medications.
Beware doctors who over-prescribe. It is common for Cambodian doctors to prescribe multiple medications simultaneously where a Western doctor might prescribe one. If you receive a prescription that seems excessive, cross-reference it before filling.
Antimalarials are a special case. The counterfeit antimalarial market in Southeast Asia is well documented. Only purchase antimalarials from the most reputable pharmacies, ideally with original sealed packaging from known international manufacturers.