The availability of pads, tampons and other feminine hygiene products is an important factor for female travelers to consider. And yet even though half of the people on the planet will have a period at one time or another, travel guidebook writers rarely seem to include information about the availability of pads and tampons in the destinations that they’re writing about.
In 2013, I set out to collect the best, most accurate and most thorough directory of information about the availability of pads and tampons around the world. My directory was based on my own travels to 70+ countries as a solo female traveler, and it was supported by more than 200 girls, women and female travel supporters who wrote to me with information about feminine hygiene products in the places they live and travel.
And then, in 2018, someone hacked my former website and I lost access to the information that I’d worked so hard to collect. In early 2023 I managed to recover a draft version of my directory, and based on the feedback I received at the time I believe it’s important to get this page back online and to get this information out to female travelers everywhere. So, I invite you to read the information below and to use the form (linked here and at the bottom of the page) to send me an update if there’s new information that female travelers should know.
If you would like to share information about pads, tampons and other feminine hygiene products in your country, or a country you know well, please use the form here.
To find a country on the list, you can use Control+F to find the country name, or click below for a link to each continent:
Africa • Asia • Oceania • Europe • North America • South America
Pads & Tampons in Africa
Egypt – Pads can be found easily, but tampons in Egypt are rare outside of Metro Supermarket (where they come in packs of twelve with cardboard applicators for regular absorbancy, and cost about 45 Egyptian pounds).
Ethiopia – Pads are available in most grocery stores in Addis Ababa. In rural areas it is difficult to find any feminine hygiene products.
Kenya – Pads and tampons-can be found at major supermarket chains like Nakumatt. Common brands include Always, Kotex and OB, and products are available with and without applicators. Stock up in larger towns before visiting smaller villages. Birth control pills can be purchased over the counter in Kenya.
Madagascar – In major cities you will find pads and tampons. In rural areas, only pads are available. In very remote areas there are no feminine hygiene products for sale. Stores with the best variety include Jumbo Score supermarkets and Shoprite.
Mali – In Bamako and other large cities, pads and tampons are sold in most grocery stores and pharmacies. In large villages only pads are available. In small villages feminine hygiene products are not sold.
Morocco – Tampons are primarily sold at large stores in areas that see many foreign visitors. Otherwise, the supermarket Marjane is your best bet for finding tampons in Morocco. Pads are available everywhere. If you’re using a menstrual cup, nearly all washroom facilities will have some kind of water you can use for washing and rinsing.
Nigeria – Both pads (often by Always) and reusable cotton pads are widely available in convenience stores. For tampons, head to bigger supermarkets like ShopRite or Spar, or to a pharmacy like Med Plus.
Rwanda – Pads can usually be found in cities, towns and villages, but tampons are difficult to find outside the Nakumatt store in Kigali.
Senegal – In the capital (Dakar) and other major cities, both tampons and pads are available at grocery stores and pharmacies. Small villages will have either pads or no products at all.
South Africa – A full range of pads and tampons (with a variety of applicators) is widely available.
Tanzania – A source writes, “No pantyliners, no tampons with applicators, no tampons without applicators, and lots of maxi pads.”
Uganda – A user wrote in to let us know that pads are widely available but tampons are not. Another reader mentioned that in Kampala, you will mostly likely find Tampax tampons at the Game store in Lugogo, and other brands may be available at Shoprite and Nakumatt.
Zambia – There is a good selection of pads, pantyliners, and tampons (with and without applicators) at most supermarkets.
Zimbabwe – Of the area near Victoria Falls, a source writes, “no pantyliners, no tampons with applicators, lots of tampons without applicators, and lots of maxi pads.” This is consistent with a second report describing most urban centers; that reader also noted that pads are usually available in rural areas, too.
Pads & Tampons in Asia
Generally speaking, tampons in Asia are more difficult to find than pads. Consider packing your own tampons if you use a heavier absorbency. Pads in Asia are easy to find, but the quality can vary. Again, consider packing your own if you’re a female traveler going to Asia.
Bahrain – There is a wide range of pads and tampons available in supermarkets and pharmacies.
Bangladesh – Pads are available in most cities and towns, but they are quite bulky and ineffective. Tampons are virtually impossible to find. You will need to bring your own toilet paper into most bathrooms. You should also look around in advance for places where you can dispose of used products, as bathroom stalls may not have trash bins.
Brunei – Find your pads at the supermarket, not the pharmacy. Tampons are not common, but may be purchased at the NAAFI store (serving UK military families).
Cambodia – Pads are very common in supermarkets and mini-marts in cities, and sometimes at markets in small villages. Tampons are very difficult to find, but check at major supermarkets in big cities and stock up if you find them! Reusable menstrual cups can be found at Western Pharmacy in Phnom Penh, Peace Cafe in Siem Reap, and Bantreay’s Women’s Spa in Kampot.
China – Most local women prefer pads, which are measured by length in millimeters. Tampons (including Chinese and foreign brands) may be available in some places (especially at Watson’s and Auchan). If you can’t find the tampons in China, look up! They might be on a higher shelf to appeal to taller, foreign women.
India – Pads are available, though they are often big, bulky and designed for overnight wear (you know what we mean!). If you’re looking for a thin pad, brand names include Whisper Ultra Thin or Stayfree Dry Max, and you might have good luck shopping for them at Health & Glow. OB tampons without applicators can be found, but not everywhere. In major stores in urban areas it is possible to buy Carefree pantyliners.
Indonesia – In most cities you are likely to find a variety of pads in most shops, with tampons being sold at high-end grocery stores. Also look at Japanese supermarkets. In small towns it may be harder to find pads (look for Laurier or Charm brands), and it’s unlikely you’ll find tampons.
Iran – Pads are widely available. The availability of tampons may be on the decline; several years ago they could be found in big-city pharmacies, but a recent report suggests that they are now difficult to find even in big cities.
Israel – Pads and tampons (without applicators) are easily found. Brands such as Kotex, Tampax and Always are widely available. Menstrual cups in Israel are uncommon.
Japan – Tampons with applicators (in limited sizes) and pads are widely available in Japan. Pads tend to be bulky, long and wide, with “wings” that wrap under the panties for adhesion. Pantyliners are available as well. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, ask a shop assistant as they might be kept behind the counter.
Jordan – Pads are widely available, while a limited range of tampons can often be found at high-end drugstores like Cosmo.
Kuwait –Pads are available at all large supermarkets, but tampons are limited and pricey. Tampons with applicators can usually be found at Sultan Center and Saveco. Both of these stores usually carry Tampax Regular and Super Plus. At times, Boots Pharmacy carries Regular and Super varieties of its own brand in select locations.
Malaysia – Pads are sold in supermarkets, not pharmacies. In major urban centers tampons with and without applicators are available as well, though they are expensive. * We have received conflicting reports about the availability of birth control pill over-the-counter in Malaysia. One reader reports that it is available without a prescription, while another says it isn’t. Please plan accordingly.
Myanmar – Pads are widely available in supermarkets, while tampons are difficult to find. We could not find any near Inle Lake, but heard they can be tracked down in Yangon and Mandalay.
Nepal – Pads are easy to find, while tampons (without applicators) are sold in shops that target foreign tourists.
Oman – Wide range of pads and tampons available in supermarkets and pharmacies.
Pakistan – Sanitary pads are widely available. Tampons in Pakistan are almost impossible to find, even in drugstores, so pack your own. One reader reported that she has never seen a female working in a Pakistani pharmacy, and many men in the country don’t understand menstruation. In major cities you may find tampons with applicators in bigger supermarkets, but expect little variety.
Philippines – While pads are definitely more common, it sounds like it’s getting easier to find tampons as well. For tampons, look in stores like Rustan’s Supermarket, Watson’s, Mercury Drugstore, S&R and the SM department stores in Manila.
Qatar – There is a wide range of pads and tampons available in the supermarkets and pharmacies of Doha. Another reader reports that tampons are “a rare commodity and astonishingly expensive when you can buy them”, so if you’re leaving Doha you’ll probably want to pack your own!
Saudi Arabia – Tampons are rarely available.
Singapore – Singapore is a great place to get your period! Pads from Chinese, Japanese, American and European brands are widely available. Tampons with applicators can be found in many places as well; for applicator-free tampons look in supermarkets and drugstores.
South Korea – Pads are available at convenience stores, though many brands are “bulky”. Tampons with applicators are often available as well, but there are limited brands and sizes as most women only wear them for swimming.
Sri Lanka – Tampons are still not widely available as of 2016. Pads are widely available, but consider bringing your own as reports state available pads are “terrible quality” and may be “bulky”, “leaky” and “odiferous”. I strongly recommend packing a Tampax Multi-Pack before you go.
Taiwan – Tampons with and without applicators, as well as pads, are widely sold. Western, Japanese and local brands are available. One of our readers noted that you can also buy small papers bags into which you can put feminine hygiene products (used, I assume?), which is the first time we’ve heard of such a thing here!
Thailand – Pads are widely available, and tampons are increasingly available at stores including Big C, Lotus’s and even 7-11.
Turkey – Pads can be found in any supermarket or pharmacy. Yes, you can find tampons in Turkey, but you’ll need to go to a major supermarket or pharmacy (Watsons is a good bet). Expect to find a limited range of tampons (likely just regular and super) without applicators.
United Arab Emirates (including Dubai and Abu Dhabi) – Wide range of pads and tampons available in supermarkets and pharmacies.
Vietnam – Pads are widely available. Tampons without applicators (mainly OB brand) are found mostly in big cities, but even then you might have to check a few supermarkets.
Yemen – Pads are widely available. Tampons are not.
Pads & Tampons in Oceania
Australia – Pads and tampons without applicators are available everywhere (supermarkets, convenience stores, etc.). De Jour tampons with applicators available less commonly but at many major supermarkets and shopping malls. U by Kotex have recently introduced their applicator-free line to Australia as well.
New Zealand – Pads, and tampons with and without applicators, are available at supermarkets, pharmacies and convenience stores. One visitor noted that she could not find “light” absorbancy tampons with applicators, though it was easy to find them without. Common brands include Libra and Carefree.
Pads & Tampons in Europe
Tampons in Europe are generally easy to find and available in several different sizes. However, most European tampons do not use an applicator, so you may need to visit a few shops before you find a brand with an applicator. Pads are easily available across the continent.
Austria – It’s easy to find pads and OB tampons (without applicators, most often in regular absorbancy). Recently, OB has introduced tampons with applicators in two sizes, and menstrual cups are available at chain pharmacies.
Belgium – Pads and tampons (with and without applicators) are widely available.
Bosnia and Herzegovina – Pads and tampons without applicators are widely available. I recommend checking DM, a chain of drug stores. A limited selection of tampons with applicators was available as well, but not in heavy absorbancies.
Bulgaria – Pads and tampons without applicators are widely available.
Croatia – Pads and tampons (with and without applicators) are widely available in drugstores and supermarkets.
Czech Republic – It’s easy to find pads and OB tampons (without applicators) in Czechia.
Denmark – Pads and tampons (with and without applicators) are widely available. I found Tampax Super Plus at the first beauty supply store I visited in Copenhagen.
Finland – Pads and tampons (with and without applicators) are widely available at any store that sells food, and at kiosks. OB’s applicator-free tampons and Always pads are the most common brands, though Vuokkoset is a Finnish company making 100% cotton products that are also widely available.
France – Pads and tampons without applicators are widely available. Tampons with cardboard applicators available in major cities; few or no tampons with plastic applicators for sale. 100% organic cotton products are available in French health food stores, but are expensive.
Germany – Pads and OB tampons without applicators widely available. The best selection would be at a store like DM, Rewe or Rossman. Tampons with applicators, and menstrual cups, are difficult to find in Germany. When buying pads, check carefully to see if they have wings or not.
Greece – Pads and OB tampons (without applicators) are easy to find. Many pharmacies in Greece carry Tampax (with applicators).
Hungary – Pads are widely available. Tampons with applicators available in very few shops in Budapest only. Otherwise, it’s OB.
Ireland – Pads are widely available in Ireland. Tampons with and without applicators widely available as well. Menstrual cups can be found in major pharmacy chains like Boots. Emergency contraception is available over the counter.
Italy – Wondering where to buy tampons in Italy? Fortunately, both pads and tampons in Italy are widely available. While the variety of pads is extensive, Italian tampons are primarily limited to OB (without applicator) and Tampax (with applicator). I recommend that you shop at large supermarkets (like Carrefour) instead of pharmacies for the best price on pads and tampons in Italy.
Latvia – Pads and a wide range of tampons are widely available.
Lithuania – Pads and tampons (with and without applicators) can be easily found in supermarkets and pharmacies across Lithuania.
Montenegro – In Montenegro, it’s easy to find a wide variety of pads and some tampons (usually without applicators).
The Netherlands – Tampons with and without applicators are widely available. Pads are available too, but they’re called maandverband, which translates to “month pads”! Too cute!
Norway – Pads, pantyliners and tampons can be found in all Norwegian supermarkets.
Poland – In Warsaw, Carrefour carries the best range of pads and tampons. Throughout the rest of the country, most supermarkets and pharmacies will also have a good range of pads and tampons.
Portugal – Where to find tampons in Portugal? Personally, I saw the widest variety of tampons at big supermarkets like Continente and Pingo Doce. At those Portugese supermarkets, there were usually several sizes of tampon (mini, normal and super), usually without an applicator. Pads of all sizes are widely available, and hypoallergenic pads are becoming more common.
Romania – Pads are widely available. Many mini-markets have open packages of (wrapped) pads and you can buy individual pads if you don’t need the whole package. If you’re wondering where to buy OB tampons, check upscale pharmacies. OB-style tampons are much easier to find than the elusive tampon with cardboard or plastic applicator.
Russia – Pads and tampons are widely available, with the best selection being in supermarkets. In major Russian cities you will often find Tampax Compact (with a plastic applicator) as well as a range of tampons without applicators (including OB). In towns and villages the availability of tampons with applicators is limited.
Slovakia – Pads and tampons (especially OB and Kotex) are widely available.
Spain – Pads are widely available. Tampons with and without applicators have become more widely available in the past few years; look in major supermarkets and pharmacies. 100% organic cotton products can be found in some pharmacies, for the health-minded.
Sweden – Pads and OB tampons without applicators are widely available at supermarkets, pharmacies, convenience stores, etc. Look for brands including OB, Libresse and Lil-Lets.
Switzerland – Pads, tampons with applicators, and tampons without applicators are widely available.
United Kingdom – Pads, liners and tampons with and without applicators are widely available. For the best price, look at a chain chemist (chain pharmacy) such as Boots or Superdrug. Unlike much of North America, don’t expect to find vending machines selling pads and tampons in public washrooms.
Pads & Tampons in North America
Canada – Pads and tampons are widely available at supermarkets and pharmacies (“drug stores”). Tampons available with applicator (cardboard or plastic), or without (OB). “Ultra” absorbancy tampons are available in some shops – check Shoppers Drug Mart or Safeway. In Canada, menstrual cups are also available at many drugstores and health food stores.
Costa Rica – Pads are easily available. Tampons in Costa Rica are very expensive and limited in variety.
Cuba – It is rare to find a supermarket that sells pads or tampons, and hotels don’t have extra stock if you’re taken by surprise. If you’re able to find pads, they tend to be thick and bulky. Pack your own pads and tampons if you’re going to Cuba, and consider bringing extras for local women.
El Salvador – Pads are easily available in cities like Santa Ana, San Salvador, and San Miguel. Tampons are nearly impossible to find.
Guatemala – Tampons and pads are easy to find in Guatemala City, but variety may be very limited. Check supermarkets like La Torre or Paiz. In rural areas it can be difficult to find any feminine hygiene products, but you might get lucky and find Kotex pads.
Honduras – Pads are widely available in urban and rural areas, and it is becoming increasingly more common to see tampons with applicators in major supermarkets.
Mexico – Pads in Mexico are widely available. Tampons in Mexico available at most major supermarkets (especially in touristy destinations on both coasts), with and without applicators. It is easier to find lower-absorbancy tampons, though “Super Plus” were available at Mega supermarkets during my last trip.
Nicaragua – Sanitary pads are widely available, but it is difficult to find tampons in Nicaragua. Your best bet for tampons is a pharmacy in a larger town.
Panama – Pads are widely available. Tampons are available in large cities (Panama City and David, mainly), at supermarkets and pharmacies. Thong pantyliners are very hard to find. One writer reports that a local teacher asked her to teach her female health class students about tampons, because the teacher was unfamiliar with them!
Trinidad – Pads, and tampons with and without applicators, are widely available.
United States – Pads, and tampons with and without applicators, are widely available. Reusable menstrual cups are also available, most often at health food stores or on Amazon.
Pads & Tampons in South America
Argentina – Pads are available in every supermarket, pharmacy and corner store. It’s more common to find tampons without applicators in Argentina.
Bolivia – Pads are everywhere in Bolivia, in all different shapes and sizes. Occasionally you might find tampons (without applicators) in a major supermarket, or if you ask at a pharmacy, but don’t expect to find a variety of brands or sizes.
Brazil – Pads are widely available in Brazil. It is also easy to find tampons without applicators at supermarkets and pharmacies, but you might have to ask at a few different pharmacies to find tampons with applicators.
Chile – Most women in Chile wear pads, so you’re likely to find them anywhere you need them. Tampons with applicators are becoming more common, though it’s nearly impossible to find applicator-free tampons.
Ecuador – It is easy to find many kinds of pads in Ecuador. Very few women use tampons, so while you can find OB-style tampons (no applicator) in a supermarket or pharmacy, you might get some weird looks. If you want tampons with applicators bring them from home!
Peru – Major Peruvian supermarkets like Plaza Vea have a wide assortment of pads, and a limited variety of tampons. Smaller supermarkets, pharmacies and even corner stores have fewer pads and may also sell one or two types of tampons.
If you have updated information about pads, tampons and other feminine hygiene products in your country, or a country you know well, please use the form here.
Looking for more female travel tips?
Follow Fearless Female Travels on Facebook for actually-useful tips on solo female travel, secret travel destinations, staying safe and healthy abroad, and more!
Share this article with other female travelers on Pinterest: