Nicolos

Hi We are wondering if travelers drink the tap or restaurant water of just the bottled stuff. In itayl and Greece we carried water, the idea being that even though it is clean, our systems might not be so used to the microbes floating around. Since we will only be there two weeks we didn't want to take a chance and have even a minor problem. I am curious about others opinions and experiences.

Thanks

ribeirasacra

Never drink water. You never know what the fish have done in it.
Well they eat the plastic left over from water bottles that is for sure.





Sorry but I really cannot answer question with a straight face.

bilboburgler

You are kidding, well Portugal isn't Flint ;-)
On the other hand bottled water can carry microbes, especially around the open end. Of course plastic bottles are just an indicator of a wasteful society. I'd use tap water in the places you mention

Sassafrass

We have traveled to many countries in Europe and always drink the tap water. Since it has been treated and/or tested, I feel it is probably as safe or safer than bottled water. Can't say the same for some places in the US and other places. We have never been sick in Europe.

PalenQ

European water treatment systems are just as good as U.S. Same microbes so do what you would at home.

suze

I always drink bottled water when I travel. Seems a cheap price to pay to not take a chance.

hetismij2

What a waste of resouces. Did you put your plastic bottle to be recycled every time? Did you consider that much bottled water is actually identical to tap water in many places in Europe and the US? Some bottled waters actually have more nasties in them than tap water. Did you refuse to eat fruit and salad which would have been washed in tap water/ If not wy not if you were so worried about it?

Drink the tap water. You will not end up with the equivalent of Delhi Belly from tap water in Portugal.

memejs

I filled up a plastic water bottle out of the tap several times a day for 2.5 weeks and was completely fine. In restaurants you are given bottled water and charged for it...maybe you can ask for free tap water, but I never did. (Someone please let me know if this is a thing you can do in Europe because I'd be perfectly happy to drink tap water and save myself the ~25 euros I probably spent on water.)

ribeirasacra

what chance of what? I want to quote what Forrest said.
https://www.ricksteves.com/travel-ti...ike-a-european

There no controls with bottle water, unlike public water.

janisj

>>.maybe you can ask for free tap water, but I never did. (Someone please let me know if this is a thing you can do in Europe because I'd be perfectly happy to drink tap water and save myself the ~25 euros I probably spent on water.)<<

I always ask for tap water in restaurants unless I want sparkling/fizzy water

rialtogrl

Tap water is fine in Portugal, and it is served free in a lot of places, without even asking (unlike Italy where it is common to be served bottled water in a restaurant.)

or you could just drink wine, to be on the safe side.

PalenQ

IME learn the local term for tap water - if just ask for water may bring your auomatically bottled water and yes many want that but not for hygenic reasons.

suze

what chance of what?


A chance of getting sick of course.

StCirq

Honestly, this is like asking where you can use traveler's checks. 40-year old worries. I can't believe anyone is even asking this question in this day and age.

suze

You've never gotten sick when traveling?

Trophywife007

Ugh, this argument again... as if not drinking tap water is a personal affront. If you notice a difference after drinking it, switch to bottled. Simple. I've never gotten seriously ill from drinking tap water anywhere in Europe.

If you experience other symptoms, they should clear up pretty quickly.

Seamus

When in Portugal last month drank tap water quite freely, no problem at all for my American innards.

There ARE parts of the world (like Mexico - my in-laws who live there drink only filtered water) where municipal water may be iffy, but in Portugal you will be fine.

PalenQ

You've never gotten sick when traveling?>

Yes in India but not in Europe in zillions of trips there - have you? Chances of getting sick from tap water about same as traveling around U.S. or home state. Nil to none at least due to tap water.

suze

No, but I never drank tap water.

PalenQ

No, but I never drank tap water.>

So you seem to believe drinking tap water could be harmful in Europe?