Free Beer, Costly Water: How Some Countries Flip the Script on Hotel Minibars

• In several countries, beer is cheaper than bottled water and often offered free in hotel rooms, contrasting global pricing norms.
• Vietnam exemplifies this: local 'bia hoi' costs Rs 18-35, while bottled water is Rs 102, driven by low beer taxes and high water packaging costs.
• Hotels in Vietnam, Mexico, Jamaica, Dominican Republic, Germany, Czech Republic, and Japan provide complimentary beer in mini-bars or during social hours.
• Low taxation on locally produced draft beer, high consumption, and cheap production methods contribute to beer's affordability in these regions.
• Conversely, Qatar, Iceland, Norway, and Dubai feature highly expensive beer due to "sin taxes" and strict alcohol regulations.

Why It Matters: Global hotel mini-bar trends show beer can be cheaper or free than water, influenced by taxes and culture.