Drinking Water — DO NOT drink!
Tap water in Mexico is NOT drinkable! This is the most important health rule for travelers to Mexico. Even Mexicans do not drink tap water — every household has Garrafones (20-liter jugs) of purified water.
What does this mean in practice?
- Never drink tap water — not even for brushing teeth (use bottled water instead).
- Ice (Hielo): In good restaurants and bars, ice is industrially made (from purified water) and safe. In very simple food stalls in rural areas: be cautious.
- Bottled water: Available everywhere. 1.5L from 10 MXN in OXXO or supermarkets.
- Agua Fresca: Usually made with purified water — safe at busy stalls.
- Fruits & Salad: Washed with tap water can be problematic. No problem in tourist restaurants, be more cautious in rural areas.
Achtung
NEVER drink tap water — not even for brushing teeth! Water quality varies greatly, and even short-term contact can lead to diarrhea. Always use bottled water (agua purificada).
