Everything you need to know about contraception and pregnancy termination options during your working holiday

Chapter 5 of 7

What if you don’t take the pill? Can you get your preferred birth control method abroad? Let’s take a look at 15 popular countries to see if IUDs, contraceptive implants, birth control patches and vaginal rings are easily available.

As with all contraceptive methods, we recommend that you “test” your preferred option before your long adventure abroad. That way, your body will be used to your birth control method, and you’ll be able to leave with greater peace of mind.

Stock up on birth control patches before leaving home if this is your preferred option. Keep in mind that the vaginal ring (NuvaRing) can only be kept at room temperature for up to four months—after that, it should be kept in the fridge, which makes travelling around tricky.

Argentina

IUDs (“dispositivos intrauterinos”) and the pill are free of charge in Argentine public hospitals. Pregnancy tests are also available.

Diaphragms, vaginal rings, contraceptive patches and contraceptive implants are not used in Argentina. They may be hard to find and local doctors may not be able to offer any follow-up care if you’re using one of these methods.

Australia

IUDs are a common and widely used method of contraception in Australia. Getting follow-up care for yours won’t be an issue. It’s still preferable to have it inserted before leaving your country, but it’s doable to do so in Australia. A hormonal IUD costs around AU$35, while a copper IUD costs around AU$150.

Diaphragms are also used in Australia. You will have to see a doctor to get a prescription.

Hormonal contraceptive patches are not available in Australia.

Contraceptive implants are common and widely used. The costs may be covered if follow-up care is required for yours. It’s still best to have the implant inserted before leaving home but you can also have it done in Australia.

Vaginal rings are available under the brand name NuvaRing. A prescription is required and a ring costs around $30 (1 cycle).

To find out more about prices and options in Australia, check out How to find the best contraception for you.

Brazil

IUDs (“dispositivo intrauterine”) are available in Brazil but are not widely used because they are relatively expensive. The hormonal IUD costs around R$800 (€180), which is a lot for local wages. The copper IUD is less expensive (around R$100). It’s best to leave home with your IUD in place.

Diaphragms, contraceptive patches (hard to find except in specialized clinics), contraceptive implants and vaginal rings are either not available, expensive or hard to find. Note that the NuvaRing is available in certain pharmacies without a prescription for R$80 each.

Canada

IUDs, contraceptive patches, birth control pills, contraceptive implants and vaginal rings are readily available and commonly used by Canadian women. All these contraception methods require a consultation with a doctor and a prescription.

Chile

IUDs (“T”), contraceptive patches (“parche transdérmico”), vaginal rings (“anillo vaginal”), and implants (“implante”) are available. The latter three will be more difficult to find.

Colombia

The various birth control methods available in Colombia are presented on ProFamilia, the local Planned Parenthood. You can also contact their offices for a medical consultation to get a prescription for the pill or any other contraceptive.

Ecuador

IUDs and contraceptive implants are available in Ecuador.

Hong Kong

IUDs are the only alternative to the pill in Hong Kong. They can be prescribed at a local family planning clinic.

Japan

Both copper and hormonal IUDs (“子宮内避妊器具” or “shikyuunai hininkigu”) are used in Japan. You can get a check-up or have one fitted—note that they are most commonly prescribed for women who have already had children, but technically any woman can choose this contraceptive. The insertion will cost between ¥30,000 and ¥100,000 depending on the clinic, plus the cost of several appointments and preliminary tests.

Diaphragms are almost impossible to find in stores but can be purchased on Rakuten (Amazon’s competitor in Japan). They cost ¥1,500- ¥2,000 for a box of 6. Spermicides can be bought on the same site (around ¥1,000).

Contraceptive patches and implants as well as vaginal rings are very difficult to find.

Mexico

IUDs, implants and contraceptive patches (“parche anticonceptivo”) are the only alternatives to the pill in Mexico. You will need a prescription.

New Zealand

IUDs are a widely used contraceptive method in New Zealand. Getting follow-up care won’t be an issue. It’s always best to have yours inserted in your home country, but you can technically have it done in New Zealand by a GP or a nurse. You’ll need to factor in the cost of the consultation, insertion and IUD.

You will also need a prescription for a diaphragm.

Contraceptive patches are not available.

However, contraceptive implants are available in New Zealand (read this article from Family Planning). Costs could be covered if you have one and need to see a doctor (to remove it, for example). A contraceptive implant costs around NZ$ 50 plus the appointment fee (around NZ$ 100).

You will need a prescription for vaginal rings. NuvaRing has only been available since 2013 and costs around NZ$ 75 for 3 months.

Family Planning offers a full range of services, from screening to contraception—check out the fees for non-residents.

Peru

IUDs and contraceptive implants are available.

South Korea

IUDs are used in South Korea, so healthcare professionals can provide both insertion (around 120,000 won) and follow-up visits. You can read the blog post How to get an IUD in South Korea for an idea of what to expect.

Diaphragms, vaginal rings, contraceptive patches and implants as well as cervical caps are also available, but not always easy to find.

Taiwan

IUDs seem to be the only alternative to the pill, and they seem to be regularly out of stock.

Uruguay

IUDs (“dispositivo Intrauterino”), contraceptive patches and implants are available in Uruguay.