Shopping at pharmacies in Andorra

Shopping in Andorra’s pharmacies catches the attention of many visitors. There are more pharmacies per resident than in Spain or France, and many products tend to cost less. There are also a few misconceptions, so here is what is worth knowing before you step inside.

Buying from pharmacies in Andorra

Andorra has 57 pharmacies for 89,058 residents, about 70 per 100,000 people, compared with 47 in Spain and 31 in France. Most are concentrated in Andorra la Vella and Escaldes-Engordany, so you will have no trouble finding one.

• French and Spanish medicines: the Andorran health system’s catalogue covers around 30,000 medicines, mainly French and Spanish. That makes it easy to find familiar products from both countries.
• Prices: Andorra’s general indirect tax is 4.5%, and that usually shows in health and beauty items and many over-the-counter products. The difference depends on the product and the pharmacy, so compare before you buy.
• Opening hours: usual hours are 9 am to 1 pm and 3 pm to 7.30 pm, Monday to Saturday, although some pharmacies in tourist areas close later. Check the hours of the one you plan to visit. The on-duty rota is posted on the door of each pharmacy and on the website of the Col·legi de Farmacèutics.

Do you need a prescription in Andorra?

Yes. This is one of the most common misconceptions. Prescriptions do exist in Andorra, and the country is rolling out electronic prescriptions. Medicines such as opioids, benzodiazepines and insulin still require one. If you are unsure about a product, ask the pharmacist, who decides whether it can be dispensed to you. And do not change or start a treatment just because a medicine is cheaper: that decision is for your doctor to make.

Going home with medicines

If you are returning to Spain, remember that medicines in quantities beyond personal use must be declared at customs. The Spanish Tax Agency recommends carrying a copy of your prescription or a medical report and checking any permits you need in advance. Your purchases as a whole must also stay within the general allowance of €900 per person (€450 for under-15s).

Buying online from Andorran pharmacies

Some Andorran pharmacies sell online, mainly health and beauty items and non-prescription products. Always check the conditions, delivery times and shipping costs on the pharmacy’s own website, as they vary. A bill presented in 2026 proposes limiting online sales to non-prescription medicines and penalising unauthorised sales, so these rules may change.

If someone offers you a prescription medicine online without asking for a prescription, be wary. The safest option is to go in person and speak to the pharmacist.

What to buy at a pharmacy if you are coming to ski

Winter, from November to April, is Andorra’s high season, and a day on the Grandvalira ski slopes calls for some forethought. Snow reflects the sun and the cold dries out your skin, so sunscreen, lip balm and moisturiser are all useful buys. If you are injured on the slopes, see a doctor rather than trying to treat it yourself.

Make the most of your trip

Pharmacies fit nicely into an afternoon of shopping. If you are heading down to the shopping area, you can also buy perfume and take a look at our guide to shopping in Andorra. If you enjoy tobacco, see how much tobacco you can take through customs too. For the rest of your stay, you will find plenty of ideas in things to do in Andorra.