No, generally the tap water in the Philippines isn’t safe to drink. Water in the Manila Metropolitan Area meets international safety standards for drinking water but there’s no guarantee that the pipes in your building are still in good condition. It’s better to be safe and only drink tap water if it’s been filtered or boiled. Outside the Manilla Metropolitan Area, tap water should be avoided.
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Can I Brush My Teeth With Tap Water in the Philippines?
Tap water in the Philippines is not considered safe for brushing your teeth unless it’s been filtered or boiled.
Can I Wash My Face With Tap Water in the Philippines?
Yes, you can wash your face with tap water in the Philippines. Just be sure not to swallow any water or get it in your eyes.
Do Locals in the Philippines Drink Tap Water?
Locals in most of the Philippines only drink tap water that’s been filtered or boiled.
Is Ice in the Philippines Safe?
Ice in the Philippines, like much of Southeast Asia, tends to be made in factories using only clean water. This means most ice in the country is safe to consume. If you’re concerned about where your ice has come from, you can always ask the person serving it to you. They’ll be able to tell you if it’s made in-house or purchased from a factory.
Are There Water Dispensers in the Philippines?
There are some water dispensers in Manila and other big cities throughout the Philippines. However, don’t expect to find them in more rural towns or on smaller islands. Most accommodation providers offer clean drinking water dispensers for the guests to use, so ensure you refill before you go out for the day!
Bottled Water in the Philippines
Bottled water is ubiquitous throughout the Philippines. Expect to pay around 40-80PHP ($0.60-$1.20USD) for 1.5 litres.
Can I Use a Filtered Water Bottle in the Philippines?
Yes, you can use a filtered water bottle in the Philippines. We recommend using a purifier, like the Grayl UltraPress, instead of a standard filter. Purifiers remove more badness from your water ensuring it is safe to drink!
Tap Water in the Philippines – Is It Drinkable?
Tap water in the Philippines isn’t considered safe to drink. The area around Manila officially has safe tap water but only a small percentage of locals drink it without boiling or filtering it. To stay safe, you should avoid drinking tap water unless it’s been filtered or boiled first!