'i'm a british expat in tenerife - here are some crucial pharmacy rules you must know'

'i'm a british expat in tenerife - here are some crucial pharmacy rules you must know'


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UK TOURISTS IN TENERIFE HAVE BEEN URGED TO BE AWARE OF THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN 'PARAPHARMACIES' AND PHARMACIES IN THE COUNTRY, BY A BRITISH EXPAT 08:21, 30 May 2025 UK tourists have


been urged to be aware of the difference between pharmacies in Tenerife. Andrew Knight, a British expat who has lived on the island for many years, shared how some tourists may not know


there are two types of pharmacies in the country - pharmacies and parapharmacies. The bar and car-hire owner explained how parapharmacies tend to offer more herbal substitutes instead of the


usual medication which might be expected in the UK. He said: "A lot of people are strolling into parapharmacies, asking for the likes of paracetamol and being sold some plant based


equivalent of paracetamol, they're not being told clearly this is not paracetamol, this is a herbal version. READ MORE: SPAIN'S FIRST IKEA HOTEL UK TOURISTS ARE CALLING


'BEAUTIFUL' "And they're getting charged like €15 for a box of 'herbalcetamol'" Article continues below Andrew added there are standard pharmacies all over


Tenerife you can visit, but it is essential you know how to tell the difference. He said the key trick to knowing whether you're at a traditional pharmacy is by making sure there is a


"proper F" on the sign. The Brit added you need to bear in mind all of the variations of pharmacy have a large green cross sign, and they all do look very similar. However, he did


add that some people may want to find herbal remedies, and if so that is also "absolutely fine." Andrew said he only wished to flag this due to the number of people who have


complained about not realising the store was a parapharmacy. READ MORE: SPAIN HEATWAVE WARNING WITH TEMPERATURES SET TO SOAR TO 40 DEGREES At a parapharmacy you will be able to find typical


products such as vitamins, sun creams, beauty products and more, but what you need to be aware of is that prescription medications will not be available there. In the TikToker, who goes by


@theknightstrider1's, comment section, UK tourists were quick to thank Andrew for his advice. A British mum said: "I sent my other half to go and get Calpol for my son with a ear


infection. I wondered why he came back with huge herbal pills for him to swallow. Article continues below "I thought surely you can get Calpol in Tenerife." One person added:


"Got sold turmeric tablets as paracetamol once, and I was charged €20. I took it back and they gave me my money back."