Many countries around the world have tap water that is acceptable for human consumption by the locals because they become accustomed to it. However, tourists can drink the same water and end up in the hospital.
Getting sick is bad enough. It is even worse when you are away from home. So, you need to know where you can and cannot drink the local water. You can prevent illness in these places by drinking bottled water from a trusted source. Or, you can pack a portable water purifier if you are unsure about getting bottled water while you are vacationing.
Tourists Should Not Drink The Water In Mexico
Many locals drink the water in Mexico. However, tourists should not drink it. There is even a name for the illness caused by local water, Montezuma's revenge, also known as Traveler's Diarrhea. E. coli in the water supply causes the sickness, and it can make you violently ill. Locals do not get sick because they build immunity to the bacteria.
Due to the effect on tourists, many resorts provide guests with bottled water. If you do not have access to water while in Mexico, opt for a bottled beverage instead. Just make sure you drink the beverage directly out of the bottle. If you pour it over contaminated ice, you will get sick.
Despite the potential for illness, you do need to drink plenty of fluids in Mexico because it is hot and you can easily get dehydrated.
Locals Drink The Water In Cuba But You Should Not
Like Mexico, the climate in Cuba is hot, so you need to drink plenty of water. However, you do not want to drink the tap water. It will almost certainly upset your stomach. You should be able to get bottled water at many restaurants, though.
You can also find bottled water at many stores and at resorts. However, the prices for bottled water will vary depending on where you purchase them from. Grocery stores might be your best bet for finding bottled water at a good price while you are visiting Cuba.
If you see a decent deal go ahead and stock up before you get back to your hotel so you have plenty of water when you arrive back to your room.
Related: Everything You Need To Know About Traveling To Cuba
You Are Advised To Drink Bottled Water When You Visit Fiji
Bottled Fiji water is some of the purest water you can buy, but the water in Fiji is not. Do not fall victim to the poor water quality if you visit the islands. When you plan a trip to Fiji either bring your own water with you or purchase bottles when you arrive.
Clean water sources on the islands are scarce. There is plenty of salt water, but freshwater is another story. So, there are often shortages of water and the water that is available might contain microbes the locals are accustom to, but they can make you sick.
Russia's Water Can Make You Sick
The Russian government stands behind the water there. However, you are wise not to drink tap water while you are visiting. The quality differs depending on where you are. Many of the pipes and systems are outdated. So, it is better to be safe than sorry.
Opting to drink bottled water is much safer and it can save you from getting sick in a foreign country because while there is plenty of fresh water in Russia there might also be heavy metals and other harmful contaminants.
Even some higher-end hotels have water that comes out of the tap cloudy or discolored. Some of the problems with the water in Russia were brought to light during the Winter Olympics in Sochi when guests in the country tweeted about the water in their rooms looking like juice.
You Should Opt For Bottled Water In Egypt
Egypt is a fascinating place to visit with thousands of years of history and exquisite monuments. However, while you are there, you need to be careful about the food and water you consume. The danger with the water also affects the food in the area.
Even ex-pats receive warnings about consuming the food and water before they move to Egypt. In fact, if you choose to eat fruits and vegetables while you are there, you have to peel everything and make sure everything is thoroughly cooked. Any drinking water or water used to prepare food should be bottled.
Even when you boil the water there is still a chance that it will contain heavy metals that could be harmful to your health. Heavy metals like iron, cadmium, chromium, and lead are found in Egyptian tap water. It is not possible to remove heavy metals by boiling water.
To remove heavy metals you need an expensive water filter, so bottled water is usually a better option.
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