In Thailand, paracetamol is sold at 7-Elevens, but codeine-based cough syrups are strictly controlled. In Dubai, even over-the-counter sleeping pills can be suspect if they contain sedatives. A quick search for “over-the-counter medication restrictions in [country]” takes 30 seconds and saves you two hours of explaining yourself at the airport.
Little known fact: Some airports sell travel-size OTC meds in vending machines—I’ve seen them in Singapore Changi and Seoul Incheon. It’s not a plan A, but a comforting backup.
