Pharmacies in Cambodia
Where to buy medicines in Cambodia — reliable chains, equivalents to European medicines, counterfeits to avoid, prescriptions.
- Cost
- 1 USD – 100 USD Common medicines 1-10 USD, long-term treatments 20-100 USD/month depending on molecule
- Duration
- Daily service, some pharmacies 24/7
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Reading
- 6 min
In 3 bullets
- Reliable chains: U-Care, Pharmacie de la Gare, Pharmacie de la Poste, Phsar Thmey Pharmacy, Pharmalink — avoid unbranded neighbourhood pharmacies.
- No prescription required for most medicines except antibiotics and narcotics — convenient but a self-medication trap.
- Frequent counterfeits: always ask for the original box with legible expiry date and identifiable manufacturer.
When to go to the pharmacy
- Common medicines (paracetamol, antihistamine, anti-diarrheal, sunscreen, etc.): neighbourhood pharmacy or chain is enough.
- Imported chronic treatment (cardiology, endocrinology, maintenance oncology): go through U-Care or Pharmalink, which import reliable Western medicines.
- Antibiotic or strong analgesic: medical prescription recommended to avoid poor self-medication.
Indicative cost
- Generic painkiller (paracetamol 500 mg, 100 tablets): 1-3 USD.
- Amoxicillin antibiotic (500 mg box): 2-5 USD.
- Generic antihypertensive (Amlodipine, Losartan): 5-15 USD/month.
- Insulin (5×3 mL cartridges): 30-60 USD depending on brand.
- Contraceptive pill (21 or 28 tablet box): 2-10 USD.
- Ventolin (inhaler): 5-12 USD.
The prices of Indian generics are the majority of the market — often 3 to 10× cheaper than European equivalents, with real efficacy (Indian generics are WHO-validated).
Where to buy
Reliable chains
- U-Care Pharmacy — modern chain, several outlets in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Sihanoukville. Direct import, trained pharmacists.
- Pharmacie de la Gare (Phnom Penh) — historic, French-speaking, large stock of European medicines.
- Pharmacie de la Poste (Phnom Penh) — French-speaking, same.
- Pharmalink (modern chain) — equivalent to U-Care.
- Phsar Thmey Pharmacy (Phnom Penh) — at central market, large volumes, low prices.
Hospital pharmacies
- Royal Phnom Penh Hospital, Sunrise Japan, Sen Sok International: in-house pharmacies, imported medicines, prices 2-5× higher than chains.
Neighbourhood pharmacies
- In each Sangkat , several independent pharmacies. Variable quality. For everyday products only (paracetamol, bandages).
What to present
- Prescription (in French or English) for antibiotics, anxiolytics, strong analgesics, or any chronic treatment.
- Empty box or photo of the medicine you want to renew — eases the equivalent search.
- USD or KHR cash or bank card (chains accept Visa/Mastercard, neighbourhood pharmacies do not).
Treatment continuity
- For a chronic treatment: stock 2 to 3 months in advance at each visit. The supply chain may have ruptures.
- At each return to France, bring your empty boxes: Cambodian pharmacists identify the molecule better when you show the original box.
- On international travel, keep a prescription translated into English for customs.
Common pitfalls
FAQ
Can I bring my usual treatment from France?
Yes, no problem, for personal treatment. Keep your prescription in French or English (useful for customs). For large quantities (> 3 months), an international medical authorisation is recommended.
Is the contraceptive pill available without prescription?
Yes. Generic combined pills are available at 2-10 USD/box at U-Care or Pharmacie de la Poste. Specific European brands (e.g. Jasmine, Yaz) are imported and cost 15-30 USD.
Are pharmacies open on Sunday and at night?
Many neighbourhood pharmacies close on Sunday. U-Care has several 24/7 outlets in Phnom Penh. For nighttime, the hospital pharmacies (Royal Phnom Penh, Sunrise Japan) are open 24/7.
Does my insurance reimburse pharmacy purchases?
With a CFE: yes, on invoice, at French social-security-equivalent rate. With international: generally yes on prescription, at approved chains. Keep invoices + prescriptions systematically.
How to find the Cambodian equivalent of a French medicine?
- Ask a French-speaking pharmacist (Pharmacie de la Gare/Poste in Phnom Penh, Naga Clinic).
- Give the INN (International Non-proprietary Name) on your box (e.g. “paracetamol” rather than “Doliprane”).
- Compare the active molecule + dosage, regardless of brand name.
Sources (2)
Every fact in this guide comes from official documents or government sites. An access date is recorded for each source.