Question 1

What is the safest water to drink when travelling internationally?

Accepted Answer

Sealed commercially bottled water is the safest option in high-risk destinations. Boiling water for 1 minute (3 minutes above 2,000m altitude) is highly effective. Chemical disinfection with iodine or chlorine tablets kills most pathogens but not Cryptosporidium. Portable water filters (with 0.1–0.2 micron absolute filters) or UV purifiers (SteriPen) are effective for outdoor travel. Avoid tap water, well water, ice cubes, and beverages made with tap water in moderate-to-high risk countries.

Question 2

Is it safe to eat street food when travelling?

Accepted Answer

Street food can be safe if you apply basic principles: eat food that is served piping hot and freshly cooked in front of you. Avoid pre-cooked foods left at room temperature, raw vegetables washed in tap water, and raw shellfish. High-traffic street stalls with visible turnover are generally safer than those with food sitting out. The rule "boil it, cook it, peel it, or forget it" remains a practical guide.

Question 3

Are fruits and vegetables safe to eat in developing countries?

Accepted Answer

Fruits you peel yourself (bananas, oranges, mangoes) are generally safe. Avoid raw leafy vegetables, salads, and fruit that has been pre-cut or pre-peeled, as these are typically washed in local water. In high-risk destinations, stick to cooked vegetables and fruits with intact peels that you peel yourself. Avoid fresh fruit juices unless you can confirm they are made from bottled water.

Question 4

What is Dukoral and should I take it before travel?

Accepted Answer

Dukoral is an oral vaccine that provides protection against cholera and some strains of E. coli (ETEC), which causes travellers' diarrhea. It is taken as 2 doses, 1–6 weeks apart, at least 1 week before travel. It provides approximately 60–85% protection against ETEC-caused travellers' diarrhea for 3 months, and 2 years of protection against cholera. It is recommended for travel to areas with poor sanitation, especially South Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, and Central America. Ask about Dukoral at your pre-travel consultation.

Question 5

What should I do if I get travellers' diarrhea abroad?

Accepted Answer

Mild diarrhea (no fever, no blood): oral rehydration salts + wait it out. Loperamide (Imodium) can reduce frequency for short periods. Moderate-severe diarrhea or if you have fever or blood in stool: use standby antibiotic as directed by your physician. Azithromycin is most commonly prescribed. Ciprofloxacin is less effective due to resistance in many regions. Stay well hydrated — dehydration is the main risk. Seek medical care if symptoms are severe, lasting >72 hours, or if you have high fever.

Method	Effectiveness	Kills Crypto?	Best For
Boiling (1 min; 3 min at altitude)	Excellent — kills all pathogens	Yes	All destinations; no equipment cost
Commercial bottled water (sealed)	Excellent if seal intact	Yes	Urban travel; verify seal before opening
Iodine / chlorine tablets	Good — kills bacteria & viruses	No	Backup; not for pregnant women or thyroid conditions
Portable filter (0.1 micron absolute)	Good — removes bacteria & protozoa	Yes	Outdoor/camping; does not kill viruses
UV purifier (SteriPen)	Excellent — kills all pathogens	Yes	Best portable option; requires clear water & batteries
Tap water	Safe in Canada, USA, Western Europe, Australia/NZ, Japan	—	Avoid in most of Asia, Africa, Latin America, Middle East

Food & Water Safety for International Travel

Water Safety by Method

Food Safety Rules

Generally Safe to Eat

Avoid in High-Risk Destinations

Food & Water Risk by Destination

Prevention: Vaccines & Medications

Hepatitis A Vaccine

Typhoid Vaccine

Dukoral (Oral Vaccine)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the safest water to drink when travelling internationally?

Is it safe to eat street food when travelling?

Are fruits and vegetables safe to eat in developing countries?

What is Dukoral and should I take it before travel?

What should I do if I get travellers' diarrhea abroad?

Protect Yourself from Food & Water Illness

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