BUYER BEWARE - Pharmacy Pricing in Tourist Areas

Although I am composing this blog post from Mexico, the contents may be applicable to any tourist area.  




I have visited several pharmacies in the marina (tourist) area of Puerto Aventuras, Mexico and found that their prices for some medications are significantly higher than at the local pharmacy in the grocery store or in the poblado.  For example, I recently priced an expectorant at the Pharmacy Emergency 911 at the marina. They were asking for $30.00 USD (equivalent to $570.00 pesos with a $1 USD = $19 pesos exchange rate).  

At the pharmacy, located inside the local grocery store (Chedraui),

the price was $81 pesos (equivalent to $4.25 USD).  As you can see, there is a huge price difference. When I inquired at the Pharmacy Emergency 911 about the higher pricing, I was told that since this is a tourist area, they can charge more.

I can certainly understand that if a person is in dire need and/or unfamiliar with the area, they would purchase medication from the tourist area pharmacy.  However, if you can take the time to go to other pharmacies, you can save a lot of money.  In fact, I was referred by a medical doctor to use the YZA Pharmacy in the poblado.  They typically have all medications (OTC and prescription), and their pricing is extremely fair.

Pharmacy in the Poblado with fair
pricing and most medications.

BUYER BEWARE. Like anything else, as consumers, we need to be careful and practice due diligence in making any type of purchase. 

Pharmacy Emergency 911 at marina with higher prices.

Mini Market Fantasy at the marina with higher prices.

Libra Pharmacy at the marina with higher prices.

Pharmacy next door to Chedraui shopping complex.
 Some of their prices are higher than at the marina.

Pharmacy next door to Chedraui shopping complex.
 Some of their prices are higher than at the marina.

Chedraui Shopping Complex.  I recommend that you use
the pharmacy inside the Chedraui Grocery store.