Travel

Food and Water Safety Around the World

Updated Jan 7, 2024·5 min read
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Traveler examining fresh produce at a bustling international street food market.

In This Article

Key Takeaways

Tap water safety varies significantly by country and even by city — never assume it's drinkable.
Foodborne illness is the most common travel health complaint among American tourists abroad.
Simple habits like choosing cooked foods and sealed beverages dramatically reduce your risk.
Consult a travel medicine specialist before departing for higher-risk regions.
Official sources like the CDC and State Department publish regularly updated destination health guidance.

Why Food and Water Safety Is a Serious Travel Concern

An upset stomach might sound like a minor inconvenience, but travelers' diarrhea — the umbrella term for foodborne and waterborne gastrointestinal illness — affects an estimated 30–70% of international travelers depending on destination, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In some cases, illness can be severe enough to require hospitalization or cut a trip short entirely.

The risk isn't uniform. Destinations in parts of South Asia, sub-Saharan Africa, Central America, and Southeast Asia tend to carry higher exposure risk due to differences in water infrastructure, food handling standards, and sanitation systems. That said, even travelers to developed countries can fall ill if they're not paying attention — especially at street food stalls or in rural areas where standards may differ from city centers.

Before you go, review the CDC's Travelers' Health destination pages and check the U.S. Department of State travel advisories. It's also worth scheduling a visit to a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure. See our pre-trip health and safety checklist for a broader look at what to prepare before you board.

“Travelers' diarrhea is the most predictable travel-related illness, yet it remains largely preventable through informed food and water choices.”

— CDC Travelers' Health Division, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Best Practices for Safe Eating and Drinking Abroad

The good news: a handful of consistent habits go a long way toward protecting your health while still letting you enjoy local cuisine.

1

Stick to bottled, boiled, or otherwise treated water in regions with unreliable tap water.

Tap water in many countries may contain bacteria, viruses, or parasites that are not adequately filtered or treated. Even short-term exposure can cause illness lasting days or weeks. This also applies to ice cubes and water used to rinse raw produce.

Example: In many parts of Mexico and India, travelers routinely use bottled water even for brushing teeth — a simple step that significantly reduces exposure to contaminated municipal water.
2

Eat foods that are freshly cooked and served hot.

Heat kills most pathogens responsible for foodborne illness. Food that has been sitting out at room temperature — especially in hot climates — can allow bacterial growth to reach dangerous levels within hours.

Example: Choosing a bowl of freshly grilled street meat over a pre-made room-temperature dish at a buffet counter is a practical, lower-risk option in high-exposure environments.
3

Peel fruits and vegetables yourself, or avoid raw produce you can't peel.

Raw produce may be washed with contaminated tap water or handled without proper sanitation. Peeling removes the outer layer most likely to carry pathogens.

Example: Bananas, oranges, and avocados are generally safer choices than pre-cut fruit salads or salad greens that have been rinsed and assembled in an unfamiliar kitchen.
4

Opt for sealed, commercially packaged beverages when in doubt.

Canned sodas, factory-sealed water bottles, and pasteurized juices carry a lower contamination risk than fountain drinks, freshly squeezed juices, or beverages mixed with tap water or unsterilized ice.

Example: Requesting a sealed bottle of water at a restaurant, rather than accepting a glass poured from an unknown source, is a consistent habit among experienced international travelers.
5

Wash hands thoroughly and frequently — especially before eating.

Hand-to-mouth transmission is one of the most common pathways for gastrointestinal illness. Soap and water for at least 20 seconds is effective; alcohol-based hand sanitizer (at least 60% alcohol) is a reliable alternative when facilities aren't available.

Example: Keeping a small bottle of hand sanitizer in your day bag and using it before every meal or snack is one of the simplest and most proven risk-reduction habits on the road.
6

Be cautious with shellfish and raw or undercooked animal products.

Shellfish are filter feeders and can concentrate pathogens from their environment. Raw or undercooked eggs, poultry, and meat also carry elevated risk, particularly in regions with varying cold-chain standards.

Example: Skipping raw oysters or ceviche prepared in a coastal area with unknown water quality — and choosing a cooked seafood dish instead — is a practical risk-reduction choice.

Quick Actions You Can Take Before and During Travel

Some of the most effective protections require almost no effort once you know what to do. Whether you're two weeks out or already at your destination, these actions can meaningfully reduce your risk.

high Download the CDC's Traveler's Health app or bookmark their destination-specific health pages before your trip.
high Pack a travel-sized hand sanitizer (60%+ alcohol) and commit to using it before every meal.
medium Ask your hotel front desk or a trusted local source which tap water and ice practices are standard in that specific city or region.
medium Pack oral rehydration salts (ORS) packets — widely available at pharmacies — to manage fluid loss if illness does occur.

When to Seek Medical Attention Abroad

Most cases of travelers' diarrhea are uncomfortable but self-limiting. However, symptoms including high fever, blood in stool, signs of severe dehydration, or illness lasting more than 72 hours warrant prompt medical evaluation. Research medical facilities at your destination before you arrive, and consider travel health insurance that covers emergency care abroad. Consult a healthcare professional for personalized guidance on managing illness while traveling.

This article provides general travel health information only and is not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before traveling, particularly for destinations with elevated health risks or if you have underlying medical conditions.

Travel Editorial Team is the collective byline for our editorial team and contributor network. Articles published under this byline or an editorial pen name are researched, written, and reviewed according to our editorial standards for clarity, consistency, and independence before publication.

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