If you’re planning your “day-one survival kit”, start with: /first-time-checklist.

This page is about travel logistics (what most visitors actually do), not medical advice. If you have a medical condition that changes your risk tolerance, review /medical-disclaimer and consider asking a clinician before travel.

The 30-second answer (what most travelers do)

  • Don’t drink straight from the tap in most places.
  • Use sealed bottled water for drinking.
  • In hotels, use the electric kettle (or ask for hot water) if you want hot water/tea.
  • Use tap water for brushing teeth/showering if you’re comfortable, but avoid swallowing it.

Why “tap water” gets confusing in China

In many cities, tap water is treated for daily use, but potability expectations vary, and the “safe to drink” standard can be different from what international travelers are used to. As a visitor, it’s usually not worth gambling your trip on a stomach issue.

Practical takeaway: treat tap water as “not for drinking” unless a trusted host or hotel explicitly says otherwise.

Hotels: what to do with the tap, kettle, and bottled water

The tap in your room

  • Treat it as utility water (washing, rinsing, brushing).
  • If you’re cautious: use bottled water for brushing too.

The kettle

Most hotels provide an electric kettle. Common low-drama approach:

  1. Rinse the kettle once.
  2. Boil fresh water.
  3. Use it for tea/instant coffee, or let it cool for drinking.

Complimentary bottles

Many hotels provide free bottles daily. If not, bottled water is easy to buy at:

Buying bottled water: what to look for

  • Choose sealed bottles from reputable stores.
  • If you’re in a hurry, pick well-known brands rather than unlabelled bottles.
  • For long days out, buy a larger bottle in the morning and refill your day bottle from it.

Ordering drinks safely (tea, coffee, ice)

Hot drinks

Hot tea and hot coffee are usually low-risk because the water is boiled.

Cold drinks and ice

Ice and cold drinks are common in major cities. If you’re sensitive or already having stomach issues:

  • Prefer hot drinks for 24–48 hours.
  • Skip ice until you’re stable again.

Toothbrushing and mouth rinse: realistic options

Pick your comfort level:

  • Standard traveler mode: brush with tap water; don’t swallow.
  • Ultra-cautious mode: brush and rinse with bottled water.

If you’re on a tight itinerary (e.g., moving cities fast), “ultra-cautious mode” is a cheap insurance policy.

If you get stomach trouble anyway (non-medical logistics)

If your trip goes sideways, focus on logistics first:

  • Switch to sealed bottled water and plain foods for a day.
  • Keep receipts and packaging if you suspect a specific meal/drink (useful for translation and explaining what happened).
  • If you need help navigating care, start here: /medical-care.

For food-risk basics (especially if you’re trying new street foods early in the trip), see:

Quick checklist before you fly

  • Pack: a small bottle you like drinking from.
  • Assume: tap ≠ drinking water unless clearly confirmed.
  • Default: sealed bottled water + boiled water in hotels.
  • If you have higher medical risk: read /medical-disclaimer and plan ahead.

Last verified: 2026-06-12