Where to buy medicine in Hurghada and how to avoid pharmacy overcharging?
Based on 2 discussions with 3 participants · Last activity: 35 days ago
Based on 2 discussions with 3 participants · Last activity: 35 days ago
TL;DR
Hurghada has a pharmacy called 'Russkaya Apteka' (Russian Pharmacy) with an online store offering much lower prices than tourist-targeted pharmacies. Pay in Egyptian pounds, always get a receipt, and verify quantities.
The 'Russian Pharmacy' offers delivery straight to your hotel, same-day, with prices matching the website exactly; delivery is free for orders over 1500 Egyptian pounds.
At Hurghada mall (about a 20-minute walk right from the hotel), there's a large pharmacy on the first floor right at the entrance with a Russian-speaking pharmacist, wide selection, and fair prices (unchanged over the past year); they issue a proper fiscal receipt.
There's a pharmacy near the Palacio hotel (turn left, entrance with steps) that marks up prices by $1–1.5 per item; if you tell the pharmacist the real price, they'll agree to lower it, but such deals only come with an invoice, not an official fiscal receipt.
In the area with small shops there are two pharmacies side by side — skip the first one and go to the second one a bit further, prices are noticeably lower. Bring Egyptian pounds (you can exchange from $5 at the front desk downstairs). Dollars are also accepted.
Guides and drivers often take tourists to so-called 'government' pharmacies with 'fixed prices', earning a kickback. Prices there can be three times higher than at regular local pharmacies. Check approximate prices online before buying.
A pharmacy in Hurghada known as 'Russkaya Apteka' (Russian Pharmacy) accepts online orders and delivers with a receipt. Prices match the website. Paying in Egyptian pounds is more cost-effective, but USD and EUR are also accepted.