Travel basics
Tap water safety by country
A quick reference for whether tap water is generally safe, variable or not recommended for drinking.
Generally safe
15 countriesUse caution
1 countryUse bottled water
1 countryHow to read tap water safety
"Generally safe" means tap water meets drinking-water standards in most populated areas, though taste and local plumbing can still vary. "Use caution" means quality is inconsistent — water may be safe in major cities but risky elsewhere, so bottled or filtered water is the safer default. "Use bottled water" means tap water is not recommended for drinking, including for brushing teeth and making ice in many cases.
These notes are general guidance for healthy travelers. Infants, pregnant travelers and people with weakened immune systems should be more cautious, and conditions can change after flooding or infrastructure work. When in doubt, choose sealed bottled water or use a reliable filter.
Open any country page for its specific tap water note and sources.