We are going to Poland and Hungary and have been told to avoid the water even for brushing your teeth and to not use ice in your drinks.Others have told us the water is fine and as good as in Western Europe.We even read an article that said avoid raw foods and salad in the Eatern countries. Is this all a bunch of old folk lore or is there some truth in the rumors.
Posted by
Manchester
497 posts
I would say you'll get no decent answers if you try an generalise about the "east."
I don't know about Hungary but I've just returned from Poland. The advice I found in guide books was that the municipal supply was fine but here could be some issue with older plumbing in some buildings. My hotel looked fine so I drank their water and used it for brushing my teeth; I don't tend to drink tap water in restaurants anyway so no experience there.
I am still alive - make of that what you will.
Posted by
dallas, tx, usa
1358 posts
I have been to all Eastern countries, including Russia and never been told not to drink the water. This question has been answered several times on this page recently. Take a look through recent pages in all the categories where it might be including the archives.
Posted by
OH, OH, USA
1158 posts
Lee,
I don't know why some people would avoid raw food in eastern Europe or water. IT's as good as anywhere else in Europe, in my opinion. I've never had a problem.
Now it you have a sensitive stomach, you might get into trouble. I have a friend in Canada who got a sort of eye infectiona nd some stomach problems while in Romania. Well, that happened long time ago about 12 years ago or so.
But some people can get sick anywhere, even here in the US, like myself.
Posted by
Prague
65 posts
Lee, I would imagine that the folks who gave you the advice have probably never travelled much. Water is fine to drink & raw vegetables fine to eat.
FYI: Central/ Eastern Europeans don't eat green salads like Western Europeans; instead, they might soak vegetables in a vinegar solution to "preserve" them, much like a cole slaw.
Have a great trip! Hungarians especially eat rather well! If you're visiting Budapest, swing by Paprika's Restaurant (few blocks from Heroes' Square.)
Posted by
Philadelphia
655 posts
GO! ENJOY! DRINK! BRUSH! You'll be fine.