Getting sick is one of the biggest worries for any traveler. A sudden fever or an upset stomach can feel much worse when you don't know how to ask for help. This guide is here to make that stressful situation easier. In many Spanish-speaking countries, the local pharmacy is your first stop for minor health problems. Pharmacists are highly respected and can often give you advice and sell you medicine for common issues like a cold, a headache, or an upset stomach. Knowing just a few key phrases can make all the difference. You can explain how you feel, understand the instructions for your medicine, and get back to enjoying your trip. We will focus on simple, clear sentences that are easy to remember and use. This guide will help you feel more confident and prepared for any small health issue you might face on your travels in Latin America or Spain.
I need a doctor.
Use this fundamental phrase in an urgent situation to ask for medical help. You can say it to your hotel receptionist, a police officer, or anyone nearby.
Where is there a pharmacy nearby?
The most direct way to ask for the location of the nearest pharmacy. 'Farmacia' is the universal word.
I feel sick.
A general and very useful phrase to start the conversation with a doctor or pharmacist. It opens the door for them to ask you for more details.
My head / stomach hurts.
Use 'Me duele...' followed by a part of the body. 'La cabeza' (head), 'el estómago' (stomach), and 'la garganta' (throat) are the most common.
I have a fever / a cough / nausea.
Use 'Tengo...' to describe specific symptoms. This pattern is essential for explaining your condition clearly.
I am allergic to penicillin.
Crucial for safety. Use 'Soy alérgico a...' (for males) or 'Soy alérgica a...' (for females) followed by the substance. Always state your allergies.
I need something for the pain / the flu.
A key phrase at the pharmacy. Use 'Necesito algo para...' followed by your ailment. 'El dolor' (pain), 'la gripe' (flu), 'la tos' (cough).
Do you have pills for motion sickness?
Use this structure, '¿Tiene [medicine] para [problem]?', to ask for a specific type of product for a specific issue.
I would like to buy painkillers.
'Quisiera...' is a polite way to say 'I would like...'. 'Analgésicos' (painkillers) and 'antiácidos' (antacids) are useful words.
Does this need a prescription?
Important question before you try to buy medication. 'Receta' is the word for a doctor's prescription.
Can I buy just one pill?
In many Latin American countries, you can buy medication 'por unidad' (individually) instead of the whole box. This is useful for saving money or just trying a small amount.
How much does it cost?
The essential phrase for asking the price of the medicine before you pay.
How should I take this?
Ask this to get instructions on dosage and frequency after you have been given medicine.
How many times a day?
A direct follow-up question to clarify the frequency of the dosage.
One pill every eight hours.
This is a typical response you will hear from a pharmacist. 'Cada ocho horas' (every 8 hours) or 'cada doce horas' (every 12 hours) are common instructions.
With or without food?
An important question to ask about your medication to avoid stomach issues.
A traveler, feeling unwell, walks into a small 'farmacia de barrio' (neighborhood pharmacy) in Medellín, Colombia, during the afternoon.
Buenas tardes.
Good afternoon.
Buenas tardes. ¿En qué le puedo ayudar?
Good afternoon. How can I help you?
Me siento un poco mal. Me duele mucho la garganta y tengo tos.
I feel a bit sick. My throat hurts a lot and I have a cough.
Entiendo. ¿Tiene fiebre o dolor de cabeza?
I understand. Do you have a fever or a headache?
No, fiebre no. Un poco de dolor de cabeza, sí.
No, no fever. A bit of a headache, yes.
Ok. ¿Es alérgico a algún medicamento?
Okay. Are you allergic to any medication?
No, no soy alérgico a nada.
No, I'm not allergic to anything.
Bueno, para el dolor de garganta puede tomar estas pastillas. Son muy buenas.
Well, for the sore throat you can take these pills. They are very good.
Perfecto. ¿Y cómo debo tomarlas?
Perfect. And how should I take them?
Una pastilla cada ocho horas, después de comer. Con comida.
One pill every eight hours, after eating. With food.
Muy bien. ¿Cuánto cuestan?
Very good. How much do they cost?
Son quince mil pesos.
That's fifteen thousand pesos.
Ok, gracias. Aquí tiene.
Okay, thank you. Here you go.
Gracias. Que se mejore.
Thank you. Get well soon.
In many Latin American countries, the pharmacist is a trusted community health advisor. It is completely normal and expected to describe your symptoms to them for minor ailments like colds, stomach aches, or rashes. They will recommend a product and explain how to use it. This often saves you the time and expense of a doctor's visit.
If you need a pharmacy after normal business hours, look for a 'farmacia de turno' or 'farmacia 24 horas'. In smaller towns, pharmacies take turns ('turnos') staying open all night. A sign on the door of any closed pharmacy will list the address of the one that is currently on duty. In large cities, major chains often have 24/7 locations.
Don't be surprised if you can buy medications over the counter that require a prescription in your home country. It's also very common to buy pills individually ('por unidad' or 'al detalle') instead of a full package. If you want to save money, always ask for the 'medicamento genérico' (generic medicine), which has the same active ingredients as the brand-name version but is much cheaper.
Especially in Mexico, it's very common to find a small doctor's office, called a 'consultorio', attached to large chain pharmacies. For a very small fee (often just a few dollars), you can have a quick consultation with a general practitioner who can then give you a diagnosis and a 'receta' (prescription) if needed. This is an incredibly convenient and affordable option for travelers.
The term 'gripa' is used universally for a cold or flu. Look for large chains like 'Farmacias del Ahorro' or 'Farmacias Similares,' which often have a 'consultorio' (doctor's office) right next door for cheap, quick consultations.
A cold is a 'resfriado' or 'catarro,' while the flu is 'gripe.' Pharmacists ('farmacéuticos') are professional but generally do not diagnose to the extent they might in Latin America. You will need a prescription ('receta') for more medications here. The public health system requires a 'tarjeta sanitaria,' so as a tourist, you will likely use private clinics ('clínicas privadas').
You will see both 'farmacias' and 'droguerías.' Technically, a 'droguería' also sells cosmetics and sundries, but in practice, the terms are used interchangeably for a place that sells medicine. Home delivery ('servicio a domicilio') from pharmacies is extremely common and efficient, even for small orders.
The word 'remedio' is a very common synonym for 'medicamento' (medicine). A cold is a 'resfrío.' Pharmacists are helpful, and like in other countries, can recommend solutions for minor issues. You will often see the logo for 'PAMI,' which is the national health service for retirees, but this is not for tourist use.
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