FlyerTalk Forums - View Single Post - Chinese Restroom Facilities at EXPO and Shanghai
Old Jul 24, 2010 | 8:33 pm
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Originally Posted by maltasr

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and that it is unsafe to drink the tapwater or use the ice. Everyone I've talked to says he/she will get a case of the runs sometime during their trip. Message: Take lots of Immodium along.
Look I KNOW this is just setting me up to get sick but... 18 visits to China and not once have I got any tummy upset

There has been a tremendous amount of work to prepare Shanghai for foreginers and the wc facilities are fine in most restaurants and fast food chains like macdonalds, KFC etc etc. Same applies to bars and clubs. All have western toilets (and TP). In fact any place a westener is likely to eat or be there seems to be suitable facilities.

Without exception, everyone has to drink bottled/purified water in China. A local friend of mine (living there for years) says that even if you ask for a glass of 'tap' water in a restaurant you will be given purified water. They don't serve anyone with actual tap water. I was a little sceptical at first but have tried it recently an no problems. (This is also a good way to save lots of money as actual bottled watr can be expensive depending on where you eat.)

I've also had more drinks in bars and clubs made with ice than I care to count - and none of those has made me sick either - I suspect the ice too is made with the purified water. But again - YMMV - and I guess you need to consider the type of place you are eating.

Happy travelling! (and let's hope this doesn't jinx me!!)
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