Job Discussion Forums

[Corey Walker]

Hello there:

I am in the process of narrowing down countries and specific postings in these countries to apply for? What I am wondering is the following:

Who are the best people to contact to find out if my prescription meds are legal either for purchase in another country, or for taking across their border. I know some of the South East Asian countries are very strict with narcotics and I have a prescription for Ritallin. Would the embassies in Ottawa or the consulates in Vancouver be able to answer these questions?
Perhaps this question is best posed to fellow Canadians.

Also are there any particular countries which people would advise me to stay away from if I am going to need to purchase regular prescriptions while working there?

Thank you kindly for your assistance.

Corey Walker

[elainenatal]

I guess that it depends on which countries you intend to go to and what the medication contains and what it is used for. I use a regular medication and I always carry a letter from my Doctor verifying this whenever I travel overseas together with a current prescription.
You need to do some research to see if the medications are going to be available in those countries that you intend to visit.
I would like to make the following suggestions - on my first trip overseas to take up a new job, I was unsure about the availability of my medication so I was able to go to my doctor and get a supply that lasted me for 12 months. I carried the Doctor's letter with me but wasn't questioned at customs/immigration upon arrival but if could be different in other countries.
Also, on another occasion, I did some research and checked the ingredients of my medication and noted them. I took this list to a chemist/pharmacy in the country where I was working. Although, they didn't stock my usual brand, they did have an alternative with the same ingredients that I was able to use.
Hope this helps.