Tap water in all urban areas of the country is officially classified as safe to drink but people typically drink bottled mineral water – as a taste preference. Standards in medical care aren't as high as in Western European countries, and you may find hospitals to have cramped and less than hygienic conditions.
You may also find that you’re required to pay for prescription medicines when you receive them, so it’s a good idea to have the proper insurance coverage and keep all receipts of payment. Private health care providers are more easily found in the country now and may be a better choice for Western visitors. If an emergency should occur, it is probably a good idea to call the 24-hour hotline of one of these clinics rather than calling for ambulance service directly.
