Pharmacies (eczane — pronounced "ej-ah-neh") are everywhere in Turkey — there is typically one every few hundred metres in urban areas. They operate on a rotation system to ensure 24-hour access through designated duty pharmacies (nöbetçi eczane). Understanding how the system works will save you time, stress, and money as an expat.
The 24-Hour Duty Pharmacy System (Nöbetçi Eczane)
Not all pharmacies in Turkey are open 24 hours. Instead, they work in a rotation: each day, one pharmacy per district is designated as the "nöbetçi eczane" (duty pharmacy) and stays open around the clock. Every other pharmacy displays this duty pharmacy's address on their door when closed.
SMS
Text "NOBETCI" to the short code 5258 from a Turkish mobile number. You will receive the address of the nearest duty pharmacy by return SMS.
Pharmacy door notice
Every closed pharmacy displays a printed sign in the window showing the current duty pharmacy address. Always check nearby pharmacies first.
eczaneler.com
Website and mobile-optimized — search your city and district for the current nöbetçi eczane.
Google Maps search
Search "nöbetçi eczane [district name]" — often shows Google-verified open pharmacies.
Hospital pharmacy
Private hospital pharmacies often operate until midnight or 24 hours and are open to the public — not just hospital patients.
Common Medications Available OTC in Turkey
Some medications that require a prescription in the UK, Germany, or Netherlands are available over the counter (OTC) in Turkey.
| Medication (Turkish brand) | Category | Rx in Europe? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ibuprofen (Brufen, Dolgit) | Pain/Inflammation | Varies | Freely available OTC in Turkey in standard doses. Higher doses may need prescription. |
| Paracetamol (Parol, Gripin) | Pain/Fever | No | Available everywhere, very cheap — €0.50–2 for a pack. |
| Antihistamines (Claritine, Aerius) | Allergy | Varies | Most antihistamines available OTC. Stronger versions may still need prescription. |
| Antifungal creams (Canesten-equivalent) | Topical | OTC | Available OTC at all pharmacies. |
| Some antibiotics (Amoxicillin, Augmentin) | Antibiotics | Prescription | Historically available OTC in Turkey. Regulations have tightened — prescription now officially required but pharmacist discretion varies. |
| Proton pump inhibitors (Nexium-equivalent) | Digestive | Prescription (UK) | Omeprazole and similar available OTC or with easy prescription. |
| Cortisone creams (mild) | Topical steroid | Prescription | Mild hydrocortisone available OTC; stronger versions need prescription. |
| Sleeping aids (mild) | Sleep | Varies | Antihistamine-based sleep aids available OTC. Benzodiazepines are prescription-only. |
OTC availability can vary by pharmacist and region. Turkey has been tightening antibiotic OTC access since 2020 — expect prescription to be requested more often than in previous years.
How Insurance Works at the Pharmacy
- With Turkish private health insurance, you typically present your insurance card and get medications at a reduced co-pay (usually 20–30% of cost).
- SGK (public insurance) cardholders pay heavily subsidized prices — often €0.50–3 for a month's supply of common medications.
- For insurance reimbursement, keep all pharmacy receipts (fatura) with the medication name, quantity, and price clearly shown.
- Not all medications are covered by all insurance plans — "positive list" medications are covered; others require pre-authorization or are excluded.
- International insurance (Cigna, Bupa) may require you to pay first and claim back — check your specific plan.
Pharmacist Consultation Culture in Turkey
- Turkish pharmacists (eczacı) are highly trained professionals and are culturally expected to provide medical advice beyond just dispensing.
- It is normal and accepted to walk into a pharmacy and describe symptoms to get a recommendation without seeing a doctor first.
- Pharmacists often speak basic English in tourist areas and major cities — use gestures and show them written symptoms if needed.
- You can ask for generic alternatives — say "generic var mı?" (is there a generic?) — Turkish generics are significantly cheaper.
- Pharmacists will check for drug interactions if you show them a list of your current medications.
Bringing Medications from Abroad
- !You may bring up to a 3-month personal supply of any medication into Turkey for personal use.
- !Carry your original prescription or a doctor's letter explaining the medication — especially for controlled substances.
- !Narcotics, strong opioids, and some benzodiazepines require a special import permit from Turkish health authorities before arrival.
- !Medications must be in original packaging with your name where possible.
- !There is no customs duty on personal medication supplies within the 3-month limit.
- !For insulin and other refrigerated medications, declare them at customs and ask for a medical refrigeration facility on long-haul flights.