Is it safe to eat street tacos in Mexico?

Yes, millions do every day! Look for stalls with long lines of locals, fresh hot meat cooked in front of you, and clean work areas. Avoid salsa that has been sitting out in the sun.

Can I drink the tap water in the USA?

Yes, tap water is safe to drink in 99% of the United States and Canada. In Mexico, stick to bottled water exclusively.

What should I do if I get food poisoning?

Stay hydrated with electrolytes. Take Imodium if you need to travel (but not if you have a fever/blood). If symptoms are severe or last >24 hours, seek medical attention.

Are salads safe to eat?

In USA/Canada, yes. In Mexico, only eat salads in reputable restaurants or hotels where they wash produce with purified water. When in doubt, stick to cooked vegetables.

Food & Water Safety: Dining Without Distress

Medical Disclaimer: This guide provides general travel advice, not medical diagnosis or treatment. Always consult a healthcare professional for vaccinations and medical concerns.

The Goal: To enjoy the diverse culinary delights of North America without missing a single match due to preventable illness.

Nothing ruins a World Cup trip faster than a bout of food poisoning. While hygiene standards in the USA and Canada are generally world-class, travelers' stomachs can still be sensitive to new bacteria.

In Mexico, the risk is higher, and specific precautions regarding water and street food are essential. This guide breaks down exactly how to eat like a local while keeping your gut game-ready.

Dining SafetyUNDERSTANDING RISKS

Medium

Food Poisoning

Unsafe

Mexico Tap Water

Cautious

Street Food

Variable

Hygiene Standards

The "Montezuma's Revenge" Reality

Traveler's diarrhea affects up to 50% of international travelers to developing regions. In Mexico, the bacteria in water and food can be different from what your body is used to.

Even in the USA and Canada, overindulgence in rich, spicy, or fried stadium foods combined with alcohol can cause distress. Pacing yourself is just as important as hygiene.

The Ice Cube Trap

In Mexico, ice cubes in budget establishments may be made from tap water.
Always ask 'Is the ice made with purified water?' (¿Es hielo de agua purificada?)
If in doubt, drink beverages without ice (sin hielo) or stick to sealed bottles/cans.

Dining SafetyPREVENTION FIRST

Your defense against stomach bugs starts before you board the plane. Packing a simple medical kit can save your trip.

The 'Tummy Kit' Checklist

Anti-diarrheal medication (e.g., Imodium/Loperamide) for emergency travel days.
Stomach relief tablets (e.g., Pepto-Bismol) for minor upset.
Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS) or electrolyte powder packets.
Hand sanitizer (alcohol-based) for use before every meal.

Vaccination Research

Consult your doctor 4-6 weeks before travel. Depending on your origin and destination (especially Mexico), vaccines for Hepatitis A and Typhoid might be recommended.

Check CDC Travel Advice

Dining SafetyWATER SAFETY RULES

Country	Tap Water Safety	Action Required
USA	Safe (99%)	Drink freely (unless local advisory)
Canada	Safe (99%)	Drink freely
Mexico	Unsafe	BOTTLED WATER ONLY

Brushing Your Teeth in Mexico

Do NOT use tap water to brush your teeth in Mexico if you have a sensitive stomach.
Use bottled water to rinse your toothbrush and mouth.
Keep a bottle of water next to the sink as a reminder.

Environmental Note: While bottled water is necessary in Mexico, try to buy large multi-liter jugs (garrafons) to refill a reusable bottle, reducing plastic waste.

Dining SafetyFOOD HYGIENE

Part of the World Cup experience is trying local food. You don't have to avoid street food entirely, but you must choose wisely.

Green Flags (Safe)

Food cooked fresh in front of you (piping hot).
Long lines of locals (high turnover = fresh food).
Clean workspace and staff wearing gloves/hairnets.

Red Flags (Avoid)

Food sitting in lukewarm buffets or under heat lamps.
Raw unpeeled fruit/vegetables (risk of tap water washing).
Empty restaurants during peak hours.

Dining SafetyILLNESS MANAGEMENT

If You Get Sick

Most traveler's diarrhea resolves on its own within 24-48 hours. The most dangerous side effect is dehydration.

Hydrate: Sip clear fluids or electrolyte drinks constantly.
Rest: Skip the sightseeing for a day. Your body needs energy to fight the bug.
Diet: Stick to the BRAT diet (Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, Toast) until you feel better.

When to See a Doctor

You have a high fever (>102°F / 39°C).
You see blood in your stool.
Symptoms persist for more than 48 hours.
You cannot keep fluids down and are showing signs of severe dehydration.

Dining SafetyFREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Is it safe to eat salads in Mexico?

It is risky in street stalls or budget eateries because raw vegetables may be washed with tap water. In high-end resorts and reputable restaurants, they typically use purified water, but if you want to be 100% safe, stick to cooked vegetables.

Can I bring my own food into the stadium?

Generally, no. FIFA stadiums have strict policies prohibiting outside food and drink. You will have to purchase food inside the venue, which is hygienic but expensive.

Are probiotics helpful?

Some travelers find that taking probiotics a week before and during their trip helps digestion, but they are not a substitute for safe eating habits.

What is the emergency number for an ambulance?

In USA, Canada, and Mexico, the emergency number is 911.

Stay Healthy, Enjoy the Match

Don't let a preventable illness sideline you. Follow these simple rules and focus on the football.

View Full Medical Guide

Medical Disclaimer: This guide provides general travel advice, not medical diagnosis or treatment. Always consult a healthcare professional for vaccinations and medical concerns.

The Goal: To enjoy the diverse culinary delights of North America without missing a single match due to preventable illness.

In Mexico, the risk is higher, and specific precautions regarding water and street food are essential. This guide breaks down exactly how to eat like a local while keeping your gut game-ready.

Dining SafetyUNDERSTANDING RISKS

Medium

Food Poisoning

Unsafe

Mexico Tap Water

Cautious

Street Food

Variable

Hygiene Standards

The "Montezuma's Revenge" Reality

Traveler's diarrhea affects up to 50% of international travelers to developing regions. In Mexico, the bacteria in water and food can be different from what your body is used to.

Even in the USA and Canada, overindulgence in rich, spicy, or fried stadium foods combined with alcohol can cause distress. Pacing yourself is just as important as hygiene.

The Ice Cube Trap

In Mexico, ice cubes in budget establishments may be made from tap water.
Always ask 'Is the ice made with purified water?' (¿Es hielo de agua purificada?)
If in doubt, drink beverages without ice (sin hielo) or stick to sealed bottles/cans.

Dining SafetyPREVENTION FIRST

Your defense against stomach bugs starts before you board the plane. Packing a simple medical kit can save your trip.

The 'Tummy Kit' Checklist

Anti-diarrheal medication (e.g., Imodium/Loperamide) for emergency travel days.
Stomach relief tablets (e.g., Pepto-Bismol) for minor upset.
Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS) or electrolyte powder packets.
Hand sanitizer (alcohol-based) for use before every meal.

Vaccination Research

Consult your doctor 4-6 weeks before travel. Depending on your origin and destination (especially Mexico), vaccines for Hepatitis A and Typhoid might be recommended.

Check CDC Travel Advice

Dining SafetyWATER SAFETY RULES

Country	Tap Water Safety	Action Required
USA	Safe (99%)	Drink freely (unless local advisory)
Canada	Safe (99%)	Drink freely
Mexico	Unsafe	BOTTLED WATER ONLY

Brushing Your Teeth in Mexico

Do NOT use tap water to brush your teeth in Mexico if you have a sensitive stomach.
Use bottled water to rinse your toothbrush and mouth.
Keep a bottle of water next to the sink as a reminder.

Environmental Note: While bottled water is necessary in Mexico, try to buy large multi-liter jugs (garrafons) to refill a reusable bottle, reducing plastic waste.

Dining SafetyFOOD HYGIENE

Part of the World Cup experience is trying local food. You don't have to avoid street food entirely, but you must choose wisely.

Green Flags (Safe)

Food cooked fresh in front of you (piping hot).
Long lines of locals (high turnover = fresh food).
Clean workspace and staff wearing gloves/hairnets.

Red Flags (Avoid)

Food sitting in lukewarm buffets or under heat lamps.
Raw unpeeled fruit/vegetables (risk of tap water washing).
Empty restaurants during peak hours.

Dining SafetyILLNESS MANAGEMENT

If You Get Sick

Most traveler's diarrhea resolves on its own within 24-48 hours. The most dangerous side effect is dehydration.

Hydrate: Sip clear fluids or electrolyte drinks constantly.
Rest: Skip the sightseeing for a day. Your body needs energy to fight the bug.
Diet: Stick to the BRAT diet (Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, Toast) until you feel better.

When to See a Doctor

You have a high fever (>102°F / 39°C).
You see blood in your stool.
Symptoms persist for more than 48 hours.
You cannot keep fluids down and are showing signs of severe dehydration.

Dining SafetyFREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Is it safe to eat salads in Mexico?

Can I bring my own food into the stadium?

Generally, no. FIFA stadiums have strict policies prohibiting outside food and drink. You will have to purchase food inside the venue, which is hygienic but expensive.

Are probiotics helpful?

Some travelers find that taking probiotics a week before and during their trip helps digestion, but they are not a substitute for safe eating habits.

What is the emergency number for an ambulance?

In USA, Canada, and Mexico, the emergency number is 911.

Stay Healthy, Enjoy the Match

Don't let a preventable illness sideline you. Follow these simple rules and focus on the football.

View Full Medical Guide

World Cup 2026 Food & Dining Safety

Dining SafetyUNDERSTANDING RISKS

Medium

Unsafe

Cautious

Variable

The "Montezuma's Revenge" Reality

The Ice Cube Trap

Dining SafetyPREVENTION FIRST

The 'Tummy Kit' Checklist

Vaccination Research

Dining SafetyWATER SAFETY RULES

Brushing Your Teeth in Mexico

Dining SafetyFOOD HYGIENE

Green Flags (Safe)

Red Flags (Avoid)

Dining SafetyILLNESS MANAGEMENT

If You Get Sick

When to See a Doctor

Dining SafetyFREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Is it safe to eat salads in Mexico?

Can I bring my own food into the stadium?

Are probiotics helpful?

What is the emergency number for an ambulance?

Stay Healthy, Enjoy the Match

World Cup 2026 Food & Dining Safety

Dining SafetyUNDERSTANDING RISKS

Medium

Unsafe

Cautious

Variable

The "Montezuma's Revenge" Reality

The Ice Cube Trap

Dining SafetyPREVENTION FIRST

The 'Tummy Kit' Checklist

Vaccination Research

Dining SafetyWATER SAFETY RULES

Brushing Your Teeth in Mexico

Dining SafetyFOOD HYGIENE

Green Flags (Safe)

Red Flags (Avoid)

Dining SafetyILLNESS MANAGEMENT

If You Get Sick

When to See a Doctor

Dining SafetyFREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Is it safe to eat salads in Mexico?

Can I bring my own food into the stadium?

Are probiotics helpful?

What is the emergency number for an ambulance?

Stay Healthy, Enjoy the Match