The US is urging Americans not to drink the tap water in these five popular destinations

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We talk a lot about safety in terms of crime or scams, but the fastest way to ruin a vacation is not a pickpocket, but tap water. Believe me, I made this mistake ONCE in Mexico and vowed never to let it happen again.

The US Department of State And CDC maintain active warnings for some of the world’s most popular destinations, and 2026 is no exception.

Nothing kills your vacation faster than losing three days of your trip to a bathroom floor. Even if the locals drink it, your microbiome probably can’t handle it.

This is why the US is warning American travelers to avoid the tap water in these five popular destinations.

1.Mexico

Let’s start with the big one.

Mexico is the number one international destination for Americans, period. Whether you are in Tulum, Cabo or Mexico City, the rule is absolute: Don’t drink the tap water.

I made the mistake in Mexico City and lost 2 days of my vacation time, making the bathroom of my Airbnb my new home. Not worth it!

The CDC explicitly advises travelers to avoid tap water and the ice made from it (which I’m pretty sure hurt me). The risk here isn’t just stomach ache; it is Hepatitis A, Typhoid and parasites.

• The trap: Usually it’s not the glass of water that gets you, but the ice. In luxury resorts, the ice is usually filtered (ask if it is “purified” or not). water purifying), but at street stalls or smaller restaurants, the ice cube in your margarita may be made from pure tap water.
• The solution: Stick to sealed bottles. If you brush your teeth at a budget hotel or Airbnb, use bottled water for that too.

2. Dominican Republic

The DR is currently shattering tourism records, with Punta Cana and the new Miches developments raking in millions. But the infrastructure hasn’t quite caught up with the crowds.

Although the huge all-inclusive resorts have industrial filtration systems, you are in the danger zone as soon as you leave the premises. The CDC notes that tap water is not drinkable in many areas.

I’ve been to the DR many times and have never had a problem using the water to brush my teeth, but I would never risk it as a drinking water source. Better safe than sorry!

• The trap: Salads and unpeeled fruit. If that lettuce was washed in tap water, you’re taking a gamble.
• The solution: You are generally safe at the resort. Drink beer, wine or bottled soft drinks outside the resort. Avoid the fresh juices unless you are 100% sure of the water source.

3. Indonesia (Bali)

“Bali Belly” is famous for a reason. It’s practically a rite of passage for backpackers, but it doesn’t have to be that way.

Indonesian tap water is not safe to drink, even in the luxury villas of Uluwatu or Seminyak. The local infrastructure is struggling with bacterial contamination, and the tropical heat is accelerating this.

• The trap: Brushing teeth and shower water. I know people who drank bottled water rigorously, but swallowed a mouthful in the shower and paid the price.
• The solution: Many hotels now offer glass bottles of purified water in the bathroom for brushing your teeth. Use them. If you’re ordering a mixed drink, check to see if the ice comes from a factory (it usually does – look for the uniform cylindrical shape with a hole in the middle).

4. Colombia

This one is tricky because the government will tell you that the water in big cities like Bogota and Medellin is treated and safe. And personally, I’ve used the tap water in Medellin to make coffee and brush my teeth, and I had no problems.

Technically, the water in the big cities is safe. But here’s the catch: the water leaving the factory may be clean, but the pipes it flows through to get to your Airbnb may be 50 years old and cracked. The U.S. advisory points out that rural areas pose a high risk, but in cities many travelers still get sick because of the different mineral and bacteria levels that their bodies are not used to.

• The trap: The “City vs. Country” switch. You may be fine drinking tap water at a luxury hotel in Bogota, but if you go to Guatapé or Salento for a weekend, that water will destroy you.
• The solution: Don’t risk it. You are on vacation. Just buy the 5 liter jug ​​for your room and keep your stomach happy.

5. Cuba

Cuba is a unique case. The problem of water security here is compounded by infrastructure challenges and occasional shortages.

The CDC warns of occasional cholera outbreaks and common waterborne illnesses. But the bigger problem in 2026 is often scarcity. There are times when bottled water is difficult to find in stores due to supply chain issues.

• The trap: Mojitos in the countryside. Cane sugar hides many flavors, including bad water.
• The solution: If you go to Cuba, take one LifeStraw or a filtered water bottle (like a Grayl). It is the best investment you can make for this trip. It means that you can turn tap water into safe drinking water when the shops run out of bottles.

Tyler Fox

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Tyler is our editor-in-chief and writer. After years of reading, writing, and obsessing about travel (while traveling as often as possible, of course!), he wants to give readers the best and most balanced experience possible when exploring the site.