Background: Antibiotic resistance is an international public health concern. Medical culture influences antibiotic use. Migrants, like Syrian refugees, are confronted with a different health care system in their new country and also with different culture regarding antibiotic prescription. The aim of this study is to get insight into the perspectives, knowledge and practices among Syrian refugees regarding antibiotic use and prescribing in Dutch primary care.Methods: A qualitative study using semi-structured interviews with 12 Syrian refugees living in the Netherlands was conducted. Results: participants stressed the easy access to antibiotics in Syria and reported storing antibiotics at home for emergencies. In the Netherlands, some of them still self-prescribed antibiotics while others adhered to the Dutch GP’s advice. Syrian refugees believed in having a weaker immunity compared to the Dutch inhabitants. For their young children, they adhered to the new health care system which resulted in not giving the children antibiotics without a prescription. Several complaints about the Dutch health care system were identified such as difficult access to the desired medication and lack of medical care for their complaints. Most respondents preferred the Syrian health care system.Conclusion: Syrian refugees experienced restricted access to antibiotics in Dutch primary care which was contrary to their experiences in Syria. As a reaction, they continued self-medicating with antibiotics. However, some of them adapted to the Dutch health care culture and accepted the alternative treatment proposal. For their children most participants adhered to the prescription policy of antibiotics in the Netherlands.