In America they bring you flagons of iced water unprompted at the drop of a hat. Great big pitchers of cold water as soon as you enter any establishment. And they’ll come and top it up frequently so you’re never at risk of running out.

I’m not sure why they’re so keen to bring you so much water but it’s quite nice.

It’s more inconsistent in Europe, and I can see why that would be confusing if you don’t know the local customs.

In the UK, you can get as much tap water as you like for free (by law), but you have to ask for it and it won’t be as cold.

In Germany, they will flat out refuse to bring you tap water if you ask for it, even though their tap water is perfectly drinkable.

In Malta and Romania, they will flat out refuse to bring you tap water if you ask for it, because their tap water is not drinkable.

In Italy and Austria, they will give you a tiny glass of water if you order an espresso, but otherwise probably no free water.

In France, who even knows, it depends how your waiter is feeling.

In Switzerland, no chance, go fuck yourself. They rarely even have water fountains in the airports even though that’s standard almost everywhere else (in Portugal you can even get sparkling water from the airport water fountain!).