william 님의 블로그 · 작성일: 2026-04-06
This article was written directly by william. This blog covers practical travel information related to UK prescription costs for travelers.
Email: jjlovingyou@gmail.com
Quick summary
UK prescription cost for tourists is one of those small travel details that can quickly turn into a budget question. In England, the standard NHS prescription charge is £9.90 per item, not per visit or per paper prescription. That means one prescription with three chargeable medicines can cost three separate charges. Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland do not follow the exact same charging structure, so travelers should not assume the whole UK works like England. For minor illnesses, buying medicine directly from a pharmacy can sometimes be cheaper than paying the standard NHS prescription charge. The smartest travel approach is simple: know the England charge, understand what “per item” means, use pharmacies wisely, and keep travel insurance because prescriptions are only one part of UK health costs.
- England NHS prescription charge: £9.90 per item.
- “Per item” means you may pay multiple times on one prescription.
- Some items are always free, including contraception and medicines given to hospital inpatients.
- Tourists may face the usual prescription charges if using NHS prescriptions in England.
- Over-the-counter medicines can be cheaper for minor issues.
- Insurance still matters because prescriptions are only part of total medical costs.
Table of contents
- Quick answer: how much do prescriptions cost in the UK?
- How prescription pricing works for travelers in the UK
- How to plan before your trip
- Prescription cost vs pharmacy cost vs wider travel health cost
- Common mistakes and what to know first
- Best advice by traveler type
- Practical checklist before you go
- FAQ
If you are searching for UK prescription cost for tourists, you are probably not looking for a general economics article. You are asking a very practical travel question: if you get sick in England or elsewhere in the UK, how much will medicine actually cost, and how should that affect your travel budget? That is exactly the right question to ask before a trip, because medicine expenses are rarely huge in isolation, but they often appear together with GP visits, urgent care, taxis, extra accommodation nights, or travel insurance claims. In other words, prescription cost is not only about the medicine itself. It is part of the wider cost of getting sick while abroad.
Here is the direct definition most travelers need first. In England, the current NHS prescription charge is £9.90 per item. That means the fee applies to each chargeable item on the prescription, not just once per doctor visit. So if you receive three chargeable items, you may pay the charge three times. This is one of the most important details to understand, because many visitors assume one prescription equals one fixed payment. It does not. [oai_citation:3‡nhs.uk](https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/prescriptions/nhs-prescription-charges/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
At the same time, travelers should not treat “the UK” as one perfectly identical pricing zone. England charges most NHS prescriptions, while Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland have different prescription arrangements and are often known for free prescriptions within their own systems. That distinction matters if your trip includes London and Edinburgh, or Manchester and Belfast, because the rules you read for England should not automatically be applied to every part of the UK. [oai_citation:4‡nhs.uk](https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/prescriptions/nhs-prescription-charges/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
There is also a second layer that many global readers miss: the cheapest option for a traveler is not always a prescription. For minor illnesses such as a cold, sore throat, seasonal allergy, or simple stomach upset, buying over-the-counter medicine from a pharmacy can sometimes cost less than the standard NHS prescription charge in England. That makes the UK different from systems where a prescription is always the financially obvious path. Travelers who understand this early make better decisions and waste less time. [oai_citation:5‡nhs.uk](https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/prescriptions/nhs-prescription-charges/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
Another reason this topic matters is that people often confuse prescription cost with total health cost. A prescription charge of £9.90 may sound manageable, and in many cases it is. But the prescription itself might come after a GP consultation, an urgent treatment centre visit, or a hospital episode. For overseas visitors, hospital treatment rules can be more complicated than many travelers expect, because the NHS is a residence-based system and some hospital treatment may be chargeable to people who are not ordinarily resident in the UK. That is exactly why a prescription article still needs to mention insurance. Even if the medicine cost feels small, the wider episode may not be. [oai_citation:6‡GOV.UK](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/nhs-cost-recovery-overseas-visitors/charging-overseas-visitors-in-england-guidance-for-providers-of-nhs-services?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
This guide is built for travelers, not residents navigating long-term NHS benefits. That means the focus is on questions real visitors type into search: How much is a prescription in England? Is medicine expensive in the UK? Can tourists use UK pharmacies? Is it cheaper to buy medicine directly? Do tourists pay the same charge? Should I bring my own medicines instead? You will get direct answers, practical budgeting guidance, and a clearer idea of when this is a small issue and when it becomes part of a bigger travel health cost.
Just as importantly, this topic works well as part of a broader UK travel planning cluster. Prescription costs connect naturally to UK healthcare for tourists, emergency room use, hospital costs, travel insurance, and even London travel budgeting. That makes this article useful not only for answering a single question, but also for guiding readers deeper into related trip-planning content. For an AdSense travel blog, that is exactly the kind of practical hub-and-spoke structure that improves both reader experience and site depth.
By the end of this guide, you should know five things clearly. First, the current NHS prescription charge in England. Second, how “per item” changes what you may actually pay. Third, why over-the-counter medicine can sometimes be the cheaper route. Fourth, why tourists still need insurance even when prescription charges look manageable. And fifth, what to pack or prepare before flying so a simple medical issue does not become an annoying and expensive travel disruption. ▲ UK prescription costs are usually manageable, but the rules matter more than many travelers expect.
Quick answer: how much do prescriptions cost in the UK?
Quick answer: In England, the NHS prescription charge is £9.90 per item. Tourists using NHS prescriptions generally face the usual prescription charges and exemptions in the same way as ordinary residents. In Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, prescription rules differ, so do not assume one England price applies everywhere. [oai_citation:7‡nhs.uk](https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/prescriptions/nhs-prescription-charges/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
If you only remember one number from this page, make it £9.90. That is the current NHS prescription charge in England, and it has been frozen for the 2026/27 year. But the more important phrase is “per item.” This is what changes the real cost travelers pay. One prescription document can still contain multiple separately charged medicines. A visitor expecting one flat payment may therefore underestimate the final amount. [oai_citation:8‡NHS Business Service Authority (NHSBSA)](https://media.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/press-releases/41826c4d-888e-452f-88e9-be7477addf5a/nhs-prescription-charges-frozen-for-2026-27?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
It is also useful to know that some items are always free, including contraception and medicines supplied to hospital inpatients. Those exceptions are small but important, because they show that UK prescription pricing is not a simple universal paywall. It is a rule-based system with specific exemptions and regional differences. [oai_citation:9‡nhs.uk](https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/prescriptions/nhs-prescription-charges/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
Key takeaway: The key England number is £9.90 per item, not per visit. That one detail explains most traveler confusion around UK prescription costs. [oai_citation:10‡nhs.uk](https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/prescriptions/nhs-prescription-charges/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
Continue your travel planning
- UK healthcare for tourists: what the NHS covers and what it does not
- Is the UK emergency room free for tourists?
- UK hospital costs for tourists explained
- Best travel insurance for UK trips by traveler type
How prescription pricing works for travelers in the UK
The first thing to understand is that the NHS prescription charge most travelers read about is an England-specific rule. If your trip is entirely in London, Oxford, Bath, Manchester, Liverpool, or the Cotswolds, England guidance is highly relevant. But if your trip crosses into Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland, the visitor experience may look different. This is why articles that say “UK prescriptions cost £9.90” without qualification are only partially correct. The precise and internationally useful wording is: in England, the NHS prescription charge is £9.90 per item. [oai_citation:11‡nhs.uk](https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/prescriptions/nhs-prescription-charges/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
Travelers also need to know that there is a difference between NHS prescriptions and medicines bought directly from a pharmacy shelf or counter. NHS prescriptions are linked to a clinician’s prescription and follow NHS charging rules. Over-the-counter medicines are standard retail purchases. For minor conditions, these retail pharmacy options can sometimes cost less than the NHS prescription charge, which means asking a pharmacist before assuming you need a doctor can be a smart move. The UK pharmacy system is more useful for travelers than many first-time visitors expect. [oai_citation:12‡nhsbsa.nhs.uk](https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/nhs-prescription-services?utm_source=chatgpt.com) ▲ Pharmacies in the UK can often help with minor illnesses before you ever need a prescription.
Do tourists pay the same prescription charge in England?
For NHS prescriptions in England, the official overseas visitor guidance says the usual prescription charges and exemptions apply to overseas visitors in the same way as they do for ordinary residents. That is a very important line for travel planning because it means visitors should not assume there is a special tourist surcharge for ordinary NHS prescription items. At the same time, this does not mean all related treatment is free. A prescription may be only one small part of a wider episode of care. [oai_citation:13‡GOV.UK](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/nhs-cost-recovery-overseas-visitors/charging-overseas-visitors-in-england-guidance-for-providers-of-nhs-services?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
Why “per item” matters so much
Imagine you visit a clinician in England for a chest infection and leave with three medicines: an antibiotic, an inhaler, and pain relief. If all three are chargeable items, you are not paying £9.90 total. You are paying that charge three times. This is one of the most misunderstood parts of the system, especially for travelers from countries where one prescription slip equals one dispensing fee. In England, the fee applies to each item. [oai_citation:14‡nhs.uk](https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/prescriptions/nhs-prescription-charges/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
What is always free?
Not everything is chargeable. NHS guidance states that some prescribed items are always free, including contraception and medicines given to hospital inpatients. That does not remove the need for planning, but it helps readers understand that UK prescription pricing is a structured system with defined exceptions rather than a blanket charge for every possible case. [oai_citation:15‡nhs.uk](https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/prescriptions/nhs-prescription-charges/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
Traveler-friendly rule: In England, think in units, not slips. Count the number of chargeable prescription items, not the number of papers or appointments. [oai_citation:16‡nhs.uk](https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/prescriptions/nhs-prescription-charges/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
Key takeaway: The most accurate travel summary is this: England has a standard NHS prescription charge of £9.90 per item, tourists generally face the usual prescription charge rules, and pharmacy retail medicine can sometimes be a cheaper option for minor issues. [oai_citation:17‡GOV.UK](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/nhs-cost-recovery-overseas-visitors/charging-overseas-visitors-in-england-guidance-for-providers-of-nhs-services?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
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How to plan before your trip so medicine costs do not surprise you
The easiest way to keep UK prescription costs low is not actually about finding cheaper medicine after you land. It is about preparation before departure. Many travelers only think about medicine after they get sick, but the cheapest and least stressful strategy is usually to bring enough of your usual medications, carry a copy of the prescription, and know the generic drug name. Brand names vary across countries, but generic names travel much better. This one habit saves time, confusion, and often money.
If you take regular medication, pack enough for the entire trip plus a small buffer for delays. A three-day delay or missed connection is a travel problem; it should not become a medication crisis. Keep important medicines in your carry-on, not only in checked luggage. It is also useful to save a photo of the prescription and a short note explaining what each medication is for, especially if you manage a chronic condition. ▲ Bringing enough medicine from home is often the easiest way to control UK travel health costs.
You should also treat travel insurance as part of prescription planning. Prescription charges themselves may not be huge, but the path to getting them can involve consultations, urgent care, or hospital treatment. For overseas visitors, hospital care can involve more serious charging questions because the NHS is residence-based and some hospital treatment may be chargeable. Insurance protects the bigger picture, not just the pill bottle. [oai_citation:18‡UHB](https://www.uhb.nhs.uk/patients/overseas-patients/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
Another smart move is learning when you may not need a prescription at all. In the UK, pharmacies are often a very good first stop for mild pain, a cold, seasonal allergies, stomach upset, hay fever, motion sickness, and some skin issues. For a short city break, that can be more convenient and cheaper than navigating appointments. Travelers from countries with a more doctor-first culture often underestimate how practical UK pharmacies can be.
Pro tip: Save one note in your phone called “UK medicine info.” Add your generic medication names, daily dosage, travel insurance number, and accommodation postcode. That turns a stressful pharmacy conversation into a much easier one.
Key takeaway: The cheapest prescription is often the one you never need to replace on the road. Bring enough medication, know the generic names, and use pharmacies intelligently for minor issues.
Continue your travel planning
- What to do if you get sick in London as a tourist
- Best travel insurance for UK trips by traveler type
- Best UK eSIMs for travelers in 2026
- London travel budget breakdown for first-time visitors
Prescription cost vs pharmacy cost vs wider travel health cost
One reason travelers misjudge UK medicine pricing is that they compare only one number. They hear “£9.90 per item” and stop there. But smart travel planning compares three different layers: the prescription fee itself, the retail price of over-the-counter medicines, and the wider cost of getting unwell during the trip. A prescription fee can feel modest, yet the total episode can still become expensive once transport, lost time, appointments, or hospital charges enter the picture. ▲ A small prescription fee can still sit inside a much larger travel health expense. Option Typical use case Cost logic Best traveler takeaway NHS prescription in England Clinician-prescribed medicine £9.90 per chargeable item Good when you truly need prescribed treatment, but count items not visits Over-the-counter pharmacy medicine Mild cold, pain relief, allergies, stomach upset Retail price varies; sometimes cheaper than £9.90 Often the better first step for minor problems Private prescription route Private consultation or clinic pathway Prescription plus medicine price can vary more widely Can be faster, but not automatically cheaper Wider medical episode Urgent care, GP, hospital follow-up, travel disruption Can exceed the medicine cost by a wide margin Insurance matters more here than the prescription charge itself
For many common traveler issues, a pharmacy purchase may be enough. A packet of pain relief, cold medicine, or antihistamines may cost less than a standard NHS prescription charge in England, especially if you only need one simple product. This is why experienced travelers often start with the pharmacist for minor conditions. It is faster, simpler, and sometimes cheaper. But that does not mean prescriptions are unnecessary. When you actually need prescribed treatment, the NHS route can still be clear and predictable. [oai_citation:19‡nhs.uk](https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/prescriptions/nhs-prescription-charges/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
There is also a psychological cost angle. Travelers often worry so much about “what if I need expensive medicine?” that they ignore the more likely scenario: a small illness handled quickly with a pharmacy purchase. The bigger financial danger is usually not a single prescription charge. It is the delay, the missed day, the taxi across town, the rescheduled train, or the hospital treatment that comes after worsening symptoms. In travel budgeting, the medicine itself is often just one line item. ▲ For minor issues, a pharmacy shelf may solve the problem faster than the prescription route.
Best for budget-minded travelers: Treat pharmacy advice as your first option for minor illness, but keep insurance for anything that moves beyond simple self-care. This combination usually gives the best balance of cost control and safety.
Key takeaway: A prescription charge in England is predictable, but the smartest travel choice is comparing it against OTC pharmacy prices and the wider cost of getting sick during your trip.
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Common mistakes and what to know first
The most common traveler mistake is assuming that because the NHS exists, all medicine will be free or heavily subsidized in every case. That is not how visitors should think about the system. England has a standard prescription charge, hospital care for overseas visitors can involve separate charging rules, and other parts of the UK do not mirror England perfectly. A traveler who oversimplifies the system usually ends up more confused, not less. [oai_citation:20‡GOV.UK](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/nhs-cost-recovery-overseas-visitors/charging-overseas-visitors-in-england-guidance-for-providers-of-nhs-services?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
The second mistake is ignoring the phrase “per item.” This sounds like a small technical detail, but it changes the final cost. Many visitors think one clinician visit means one prescription payment. In England, it is the number of chargeable items that matters. A prescription containing multiple medicines can therefore cost much more than the traveler expected. [oai_citation:21‡nhs.uk](https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/prescriptions/nhs-prescription-charges/?utm_source=chatgpt.com) ▲ Most medicine-cost surprises come from assumptions, not from the price itself.
What to know first
- Do not assume “UK” always means “England rules.”
- Do not assume one prescription means one payment.
- Do not ignore pharmacies for mild conditions.
- Do not treat a small prescription charge as the full medical cost picture.
- Do not travel without enough of your usual medication.
The third mistake is not packing enough medication. This is often the biggest avoidable error. Travelers worry about UK prices, but the easiest cost control method is simply bringing enough of what you already know works for you. The fourth mistake is seeing insurance as unnecessary because a single prescription fee looks affordable. In real travel situations, the prescription may be cheap while the broader episode is not.
Key takeaway: Most UK medicine-cost frustration comes from false assumptions: assuming one rule fits the whole UK, assuming every minor illness needs a prescription, or assuming the prescription itself is the whole financial story.
Best advice by traveler type: first timers, budget travelers, solo travelers, and families
The best way to use this information depends on how you travel. A first-time visitor to London has different concerns from a family doing a multi-city UK trip, and both are different from a budget backpacker or a long-stay visitor. The price itself may be the same, but the planning priority is not. ▲ The same prescription rule can feel very different depending on your travel style.
Best for first-time visitors
Keep it simple. Learn that England’s NHS prescription charge is £9.90 per item, save your insurance details, and use a pharmacy first for small issues. First-time travelers do not need to memorize the whole NHS. They only need a practical decision tree.
Best for budget travelers
Your strongest move is prevention. Bring your normal medication, pack basic first-aid items, and know that OTC medicines may be cheaper than getting a chargeable NHS prescription for a very minor issue. Budget travel is about avoiding avoidable friction.
Best for solo travelers
Solo travelers should prioritize documentation. Keep the generic names of your medications, travel insurance details, and emergency contacts in a note on your phone. When you are alone, small bits of prep matter more because there may be no travel partner to fill in the gaps.
Best for families
Families should think in terms of speed and convenience. Children get sick at awkward times, and parents do not want to decode charging rules while looking for medicine late in the day. Know the nearest pharmacy to your hotel and keep common child-safe travel medicines ready if appropriate for your family.
Best for longer stays
If your stay is extended, look beyond the single prescription charge. Over weeks or months, repeated items, local GP arrangements, and regional rules matter more. This is the group most likely to benefit from understanding prepayment certificates too, although short-stay tourists often will not need them. NHS prescription prepayment certificate prices for England remain published alongside the standard charge. [oai_citation:22‡NHS Business Service Authority (NHSBSA)](https://media.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/press-releases/41826c4d-888e-452f-88e9-be7477addf5a/nhs-prescription-charges-frozen-for-2026-27?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
Key takeaway: The number itself does not change by traveler type, but the best strategy does. First-time visitors need clarity, budget travelers need prevention, solo travelers need documentation, and families need speed.
Practical checklist before you go
The easiest way to make all of this useful is to turn it into a practical pre-trip checklist. Prescription pricing is much less stressful when you treat it as one small part of travel readiness rather than as an emergency topic you only think about when sick. ▲ A simple medicine checklist prevents the most common travel-health mistakes.
UK medicine cost checklist for travelers
- Bring enough of your regular medicine for the full trip plus buffer days.
- Carry a copy of the prescription and the generic drug name.
- Save your travel insurance number and policy details.
- Know that England’s NHS prescription charge is £9.90 per item.
- Do not assume England rules are the same across the whole UK.
- Use a pharmacy first for many mild conditions.
- Budget for minor OTC purchases in GBP.
- Keep a card payment backup for unexpected health costs.
- Know your accommodation postcode for quick local pharmacy searches.
- Read local official guidance if your trip spans multiple UK nations.
This checklist may look simple, but it removes most of the pressure points travelers actually face. The goal is not to become an expert on UK healthcare pricing. The goal is to avoid being caught off guard by small but annoying details that could have been handled in advance.
Key takeaway: A few minutes of preparation usually save more money than trying to optimize medicine costs after you already feel ill.
Continue your travel planning
- Can tourists see a GP in England?
- What to do if you get sick in London as a tourist
- How much does a week in London cost?
- Best UK eSIMs for travelers in 2026
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FAQ
How much is an NHS prescription in England?
The NHS prescription charge in England is £9.90 per item. If a prescription contains more than one chargeable item, the fee applies to each item. [oai_citation:23‡nhs.uk](https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/prescriptions/nhs-prescription-charges/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
Do tourists pay the same NHS prescription charge in England?
Yes, the official guidance says the usual prescription charges and exemptions apply to overseas visitors in the same way as they do for ordinary residents for NHS prescriptions in England. [oai_citation:24‡GOV.UK](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/nhs-cost-recovery-overseas-visitors/charging-overseas-visitors-in-england-guidance-for-providers-of-nhs-services?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
Are prescriptions free everywhere in the UK?
No. England charges most NHS prescriptions, while other parts of the UK operate under different rules. Travelers should check local guidance if their trip includes Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland. [oai_citation:25‡nhs.uk](https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/prescriptions/nhs-prescription-charges/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
Are over-the-counter medicines sometimes cheaper than a prescription in England?
Yes. For simple illnesses, OTC pharmacy medicine can sometimes cost less than the standard England prescription charge, which is why pharmacies are often a good first stop for minor problems. [oai_citation:26‡nhs.uk](https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/prescriptions/nhs-prescription-charges/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
Can tourists buy medicine directly from a pharmacy in the UK?
Yes. UK pharmacies can sell many common over-the-counter medicines and provide advice on minor conditions. For everyday travel illnesses, that is often the simplest option. [oai_citation:27‡nhsbsa.nhs.uk](https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/nhs-prescription-services?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
Do I still need travel insurance if the prescription charge is only £9.90?
Yes. The prescription fee is only one part of travel health costs. The bigger financial risk usually comes from consultations, urgent care, hospital treatment, or trip disruption. [oai_citation:28‡UHB](https://www.uhb.nhs.uk/patients/overseas-patients/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
What should I bring if I may need medicine during a UK trip?
Bring enough medication for the trip, a copy of your prescription, the generic drug name, and your travel insurance details. This is the best way to reduce replacement stress and cost.
Final thoughts: treat prescription cost as part of travel planning, not as a separate problem
UK prescription pricing is not especially hard once you understand the key rules. In England, the NHS prescription charge is £9.90 per item. That one detail explains most of the confusion travelers face. The rest is about smart planning: knowing that the wider UK is not identical, understanding that pharmacy medicine can sometimes be cheaper for minor issues, and remembering that prescriptions are only one part of total health costs on a trip. [oai_citation:29‡nhs.uk](https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/prescriptions/nhs-prescription-charges/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
If you want the simplest strategy, it is this: bring enough of your regular medication, use pharmacies intelligently, keep insurance, and do not confuse a small medicine fee with the total cost of getting sick abroad. That approach works for first-time visitors, budget travelers, families, and almost anyone else heading to the UK.
Related reading: UK healthcare for tourists · UK hospital costs for tourists explained · Best travel insurance for UK trips by traveler type
Continue your travel planning
- UK healthcare for tourists: what the NHS covers and what it does not
- UK hospital costs for tourists explained
- Best travel insurance for UK trips by traveler type
- London travel budget breakdown for first-time visitors
References
NHSBSA Media Centre: NHS prescription charges frozen for 2026/27
GOV.UK: Charging overseas visitors in England guidance for providers of NHS services
NHSBSA: NHS Prescription Services
NHS: Check if you can get free prescriptions
University Hospitals Birmingham: Information for overseas patients
About the author
william 님의 블로그 · 작성일: 2026-04-06
william 님이 직접 작성한 글입니다. 이 블로그는 UK Prescription Costs for Travelers 관련 정보를 다룹니다.
Contact: jjlovingyou@gmail.com
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