Pharmacy Opening Hours in Poland – What Foreign Workers Should

Pharmacy Opening Hours in Poland: Pharmacies are everywhere in Poland. But do you really know when they’re open, how they work, and what you can buy without a prescription? If you’re visiting Poland from abroad, you might be surprised by how things work – for example, not all pharmacies are open on weekends, and inside, you usually won’t find shelves where you can browse the medications yourself. In this article, you’ll learn exactly how pharmacies operate in Poland, where to find them, and how to save time, money, and stress.

Where Can You Find a Pharmacy in Poland?

You’ll have no problem finding a pharmacy in Poland – especially in larger cities like Kraków, Warsaw, Wrocław, or Gdańsk. Pharmacies are located in nearly every district, often on main streets, in shopping malls, at train stations, and next to medical clinics.

In smaller towns, there may be fewer options, but usually, at least one or two pharmacies are available. If you’re not sure, just type “pharmacy + city name” or “pharmacy near me” into Google, and you’ll quickly find a nearby location.

What Are Typical Pharmacy Opening Hours?

Most pharmacies in Poland are open Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. or 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. On Saturdays, they usually close earlier – around 2:00 or 3:00 p.m. On Sundays, most pharmacies are closed, unless they’re 24-hour pharmacies.

Key facts:

• Pharmacies in shopping malls often stay open later – sometimes until 9:00 p.m.
• Only a limited number of pharmacies are open 24/7.
• On public holidays (like Christmas or Easter), only duty pharmacies operate – it’s smart to check in advance.

What Is a 24-Hour Pharmacy and How to Find One?

24-hour pharmacies (“apteka całodobowa”) are open all day and night, every day. They operate mainly in larger cities and are a real lifesaver if you need medication late at night or during a holiday.

To find one:

• Google “apteka całodobowa + [city name]”.
• Use Google Maps and apply the “open now” filter.
• Call a local hospital or the national health hotline – they often have up-to-date information on duty pharmacies.

What Can You Buy Without a Prescription?

In Polish pharmacies, you can easily buy over-the-counter (OTC) products such as:

• pain relievers (e.g., ibuprofen, paracetamol),
• cold and flu remedies,
• vitamins and dietary supplements,
• personal hygiene and care items,
• dermocosmetics and cosmetic products,
• allergy, digestion, and sleep aids.

These items are available immediately without a doctor’s prescription. You can also ask the pharmacist for a cheaper alternative – most are happy to help you choose the right product and offer useful information.

How Does Service Work in Polish Pharmacies?

Most Polish pharmacies don’t allow self-service. You walk up to the counter and describe what you need. The pharmacist will then bring the medicine from storage or grab it from behind the counter.

Here’s how it works:

• You don’t need the exact product name – just describe your symptoms.
• You can ask whether the medication requires a prescription.
• Some medications may require your PESEL number or an electronic prescription.

If you’re a foreign visitor, don’t worry – in larger cities, many pharmacists speak English, especially in central locations.

Can I Use a Foreign Prescription?

Yes – in many cases, you can use a prescription issued in another EU country. It must be clearly written and meet certain formal requirements, including the doctor’s details, patient information, drug name, and dosage.

In practice:

• Prescriptions from EU countries are generally accepted.
• Prescriptions from non-EU countries may need to be verified.
• You can also consult a local doctor in Poland to have a prescription reissued.

How Much Do Medicines and Supplements Cost?

Poland is known for low medication prices compared to many Western countries. For example:

• paracetamol: 5–10 PLN (about €1–2),
• basic cold medicine: 10–15 PLN,
• vitamins and supplements: from 10 PLN,
• subsidized prescriptions: sometimes just a few zlotys.

Cost depends on the product, dosage, and whether you’re buying a brand-name or generic version. You can always ask for a cheaper alternative – often, it’s just as effective and much more affordable.

Do I Need a Prescription for Everything?

Not at all. Many useful medications are available over the counter in Poland, but there are some exceptions:

• antibiotics – always require a prescription,
• strong painkillers – like those containing codeine – need a prescription,
• some hormonal or psychiatric drugs – also prescription-only.

If you’re unsure, ask a pharmacist. They will let you know whether a drug requires a prescription and suggest alternatives if needed.

Read more about Health insurance

Can I Ask the Pharmacist for Advice?

Absolutely – and you should! Polish pharmacists are trained professionals who don’t just sell medicine; they also:

• explain how to take your medication correctly,
• warn about side effects or interactions,
• help you combine treatments safely,
• suggest appropriate supplements or skincare solutions.

Don’t hesitate to ask – their help can be incredibly valuable, especially if you haven’t seen a doctor yet.

Are There Alternatives to Traditional Pharmacies?

Yes – Poland also has many online pharmacies where you can:

• compare prices of medications,
• order OTC products for home delivery or pickup,
• buy cosmetics, supplements, and care items without leaving home.

Note: Prescription drugs can’t be shipped by courier. However, you can order them online and pick them up in person after showing your prescription.

How to Prepare for a Pharmacy Visit?

Some quick tips:

✅ Always check opening hours, especially on weekends.
✅ Bring your prescription or its digital version (e.g., SMS code).
✅ If you don’t speak Polish, write down the drug name or your symptoms in English.
✅ If you live in Poland, have your PESEL number ready – it may be needed.
✅ Don’t be afraid to ask – pharmacists are ready to help and explain everything.

Key Takeaways

• Pharmacies in Poland are easy to find – especially in cities and near clinics.
• Standard opening hours: 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. on weekdays, shorter on Saturdays, usually closed on Sundays.
• 24-hour pharmacies are available in larger cities – good to know in emergencies.
• You can buy painkillers, cold medicine, supplements, and cosmetics without a prescription.
• Medicine prices are competitive – ask for generics to save money.
• Pharmacists are helpful and often speak English.
• Prescriptions from the EU are usually accepted.
• Online pharmacies are convenient for browsing and comparing prices.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Pharmacy Opening Hours in Poland

Are pharmacies in Poland open on Sundays?

In general, most pharmacies in Poland are closed on Sundays. However, in larger cities like Kraków, Warsaw, or Gdańsk, you can still find 24-hour or duty pharmacies (“apteka całodobowa”) that remain open on Sundays and public holidays. These pharmacies are strategically located near hospitals, transport hubs, or central areas to ensure emergency access. If you need medicine on a Sunday, check online or ask a hotel receptionist or local resident — they can usually point you to the closest one.

How can I find a 24-hour pharmacy?

Finding a 24-hour pharmacy is fairly easy if you’re in a larger city. You can search in Google Maps using phrases like “apteka całodobowa” or “24h pharmacy Kraków”. Maps will show you pharmacies near you and indicate if they are open now. You can also check websites of major pharmacy chains like Ziko Apteka or Gemini, which allow you to filter by location and opening hours. In emergencies, local hospitals often have information about duty pharmacies that are open overnight or on holidays.

Can I buy medicine without a prescription?

Yes, many common medications in Poland are available over the counter (OTC). This includes:

• pain relievers like paracetamol and ibuprofen,
• flu and cold remedies,
• antihistamines for allergies,
• vitamins and dietary supplements,
• basic digestive aids, sleep aids, and some topical creams.

However, stronger medications, such as antibiotics, opioids, or hormonal drugs, require a valid prescription. When in doubt, simply ask the pharmacist — they will tell you if the product you need is OTC or prescription-only and may even suggest a suitable alternative.

Do Polish pharmacists speak English?

In most urban areas, yes. Especially in cities with high tourist traffic such as Kraków or Warsaw, many pharmacists have at least basic English skills. They are used to helping international customers and will do their best to understand your needs. If you’re concerned about communication, consider writing down your symptoms or the name of the medication in advance. Alternatively, show the product name on your phone — pharmacists are often very accommodating and professional.

What documents do I need at the pharmacy?

If you’re buying over-the-counter products, you usually don’t need any documents. For prescription medications, you’ll need:

• a valid prescription (paper or electronic),
• and in some cases, a PESEL number (Polish national ID number), especially if you’re using public health insurance or seeking a subsidized price.

Foreigners can also present an EU prescription, provided it includes the full name of the patient, doctor’s details, and drug information. If you’re unsure, bring a photo or digital copy — the pharmacist will guide you through the process.

Can I use a prescription from another country?

Yes, especially if the prescription was issued in an EU country. Polish pharmacies accept cross-border prescriptions as long as they are:

• clearly written,
• contain the patient’s and doctor’s details,
• list the name of the medication, dosage, and instructions.

That said, some non-EU prescriptions may not be accepted or may require additional verification. If needed, you can also consult a local doctor in Poland to reissue a prescription based on the original. It’s a simple process and often faster than you might think.

Are online pharmacies legal in Poland?

Yes, online pharmacies are completely legal and widely used in Poland. You can browse and compare prices, read product descriptions, and order items like:

• supplements,
• skincare and cosmetics,
• OTC medications.

However, prescription drugs cannot be delivered to your home. If you order them online, you’ll need to pick them up in person at the designated pharmacy and present your prescription (either paper or digital). This ensures patient safety and proper dispensing practices.

Can I ask for a cheaper version of the medicine?

Absolutely – and in fact, pharmacists are legally required to inform you if a cheaper generic version is available. Generic medications in Poland are usually just as effective as branded ones, and they can be significantly less expensive. If cost is a concern, don’t hesitate to ask, “Is there a cheaper alternative?” or “Do you have a generic version of this?” Pharmacists are happy to help you save money without compromising on quality.