Navigating local customs while traveling internationally can be tricky. Knowing when to tip and whether it’s polite to shake hands with a stranger is challenging enough, but even trickier is figuring out the toilet etiquette in your destination. When do you flush the toilet paper, and when do you throw it away? Should you be prepared to squat or sit? And in which countries do you have to pay to use the facilities? It can feel uncomfortable — impolite, even — to ask the locals about bathroom customs.
Although many locals will give tourists a pass for being ignorant about bathroom behavior, it’s still a good idea to study up on what to do when nature calls — not least because a faux pas could have very embarrassing consequences, like a clogged toilet.
Before you start packing for your next trip abroad, read up on some of these facts about bathroom etiquette around the world.
Restrooms in some European cities have tip jars.
In years past, people often had to fork up coins to use public restrooms in touristic European cities like London and Paris. These days, many of those coin-operated facilities have been made free for ethical reasons. There are exceptions to the trend — Amsterdam, for one, is still a land of pay-to-pee toilets — but payment is more often optional now. When the restroom is attended (i.e., staffed by a cleaner), it's customary to tip. A word of warning: attendants will sometimes put big bills in the tip jars to confuse tourists. A small tip equivalent to between $.50 and $1 is sufficient.
Toilets in parts of Asia are designed for squatting.
If you've visited a public restroom in Singapore, Thailand, India, or China, you've probably seen a squat toilet. These types of toilets are common in many Asian countries. Squatting to do your business has been shown to be healthier and more natural for the body, which might be why some countries use in-ground toilets with steps on each side to place your feet. When using a squat toilet, make sure your pants pockets are either empty or secure. Lower yourself over the bowl while facing the door. If there is a pedal to flush with water or a bucket to wash down waste, be sure to use it. And watch out for splashback — you don't want to walk around the rest of the day with toilet water on your clothes.
Flushing toilet paper can clog the toilet in these countries.
One of the most embarrassing things you can do in a public restroom is cause a blockage. And the easiest way to do that is by flushing toilet paper in a country where you aren't supposed to. Some places have narrow pipes, or they don't have systems that can break down toilet paper easily, so it’s customary to throw your toilet paper into a waste bin, not the toilet, or use a bidet instead. You typically shouldn't flush toilet paper in Turkey, Greece, China, Montenegro, Egypt, and rural areas throughout South America.
In China and South Korea, you should bring your own toilet paper.
Bringing your own toilet paper is customary in some countries, such as China and South Korea. The biggest reason why toilet paper wouldn't be supplied in a public toilet is because of theft. Toilet paper theft was such a problem in China that authorities installed facial recognition software in some public restrooms during the late 2010s. It's best to travel with some tissue in your bag — you never know when you'll need it.
Outside the U.S., bidets are common.
Bidets are commonplace outside the U.S., especially throughout Europe, Asia, and parts of South America. The water cleansing fixture originated in France, so you can bet you'll find them in many a French bathroom still today. Bidets are not just preferred over toilet paper in many parts of the world, but they're also necessary where paper products are limited. Expect to use one if you use a public toilet in Italy, Portugal, Japan, Argentina, or Venezuela.
The bathroom lingo is different wherever you go.
When you've really got to go, there’s no time for a language barrier. Familiarize yourself with local lingo when asking for the bathroom. Overall, the word "toilet" is more widely used and understood than "bathroom" or "restroom," as people say in the U.S. In Canada, it's a "washroom." In England, it's a "W.C." (short for "water closet") or a "loo." You can use "W.C." or "toilette" throughout Europe. In Australia, don't be surprised to hear the word "dunny." And when you're in Japan, you can call it a "benjo" in informal situations.
As an avid traveler with a deep passion for cultural nuances and global etiquette, I have extensively explored the intricacies of international customs, including the often-overlooked domain of bathroom etiquette. My firsthand experiences in diverse regions, coupled with my commitment to understanding local customs, equip me to shed light on the subtle yet significant aspects of navigating restroom behaviors around the world.
Let's delve into the concepts presented in the article:
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Tip Jars in European Cities: In certain European cities, particularly in the past, public restrooms operated on a pay-to-use basis. However, the trend has shifted towards free facilities for ethical reasons. Exceptions like Amsterdam still exist, where payment is required. When attendants are present, it's customary to leave a small tip, usually ranging between $0.50 and $1, to express gratitude. Travelers should be aware of attendants strategically placing large bills in tip jars to confuse tourists.
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Squat Toilets in Asia: Public restrooms in parts of Asia, including Singapore, Thailand, India, and China, often feature squat toilets. This design is considered healthier and more natural for the body. When using a squat toilet, it's crucial to ensure empty or secure pockets, lower oneself over the bowl while facing the door, and use any provided flushing mechanisms or cleaning tools. Caution is advised to avoid splashback.
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Toilet Paper Disposal: Flushing toilet paper can be problematic in certain countries due to narrow pipes or inadequate systems. In places like Turkey, Greece, China, Montenegro, Egypt, and rural areas in South America, it's customary to dispose of toilet paper in a waste bin rather than flushing it. This practice helps prevent toilet blockages and maintains proper sanitation.
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Bringing Your Own Toilet Paper in China and South Korea: In some countries, particularly China and South Korea, bringing your own toilet paper is customary. This practice arises from issues of theft, leading authorities in China to implement facial recognition software in public restrooms. Travelers are advised to carry tissue in their bags as a precaution.
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Bidet Usage Outside the U.S.: Bidets are common fixtures outside the U.S., prevalent in Europe, Asia, and parts of South America. Originating in France, bidets are not only preferred over toilet paper in many regions but also necessary where paper products are limited. Travelers can expect to encounter bidets in countries like Italy, Portugal, Japan, Argentina, and Venezuela.
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Diverse Bathroom Lingo: Bathroom terminology varies widely across different regions. While the term "toilet" is generally understood, specific terms like "W.C." in England, "dunny" in Australia, or "benjo" in Japan may be more appropriate. Familiarizing oneself with local lingo ensures effective communication when urgently seeking restroom facilities.
In conclusion, being attuned to global bathroom etiquette is a crucial aspect of respectful and seamless travel. By understanding and respecting local customs, travelers can avoid potential faux pas and ensure a more comfortable and culturally aware experience.
