This trip to Europe will not be like the others; we will be very, very, very frugal with our anemic little dollars. What is the best way to be sure that we order tap water in Spain and Italy? Can some of you give me the slang expressions (in Italian and in Spanish) that won't leave any room for confusion? Thanks so much--
kawh

in madrid.. "un vaso de agua de madrid" or agua del grifo.

i would not drink the barcelona tap water. madrid´s has fine flavor, but unless it has improved.. bcn´s is not as fine.

be prepared for some strange looks at times.

if you like beer.. it is as cheap or sometimes cheaper than water, so enjoy. probably even with the exchange cheaper than the USA.

also, sit at the bar in the cafés and you will save.

the outdoor terraces are the most expensive.

In Spain:
tap water = agua del grifo
sparkling water = agua con gas
still water = agua sin gas

Lincasanova & Revulgo-- May I ask how to pronounce "grifo" properly? (not sure abour the "gr" . thanks so much, fodorites!
kawh

Grifo is pronounced greefo, with a hard g, like in 'Greece'.