Source: Pinterest
Know before you go. In every sense of the word.
It’s a good idea to study up on what to do when nature calls when you’re out and about. Before you start packing for your next trip, here are some bathroom etiquette know-how for the next time you travel to a foreign country.
Now, you can be on the go like a local.
London, Paris, and Amsterdam
You pay-to-pee
Source: Guide London
In these large European cities, in particular, it’s common to pay to use public restrooms, even if they appear to be free. If there’s no cost to enter, there is likely a cost for toilet paper or a tip dish for the bathroom attendant.
A word of warning: Sometimes the attendants will put big bills in the tip jars to confuse tourists, but don’t worry, a small tip equivalent to between $.50 and $1 is sufficient. But of course, it’s always better to use local currency.
Singapore, Thailand, and China
Get ready to squat
Source: TripSavvy
Squatting to use the restroom has been shown to be healthier and more natural for the body, which might be why some countries use in-ground toilets. If there is a pedal to start running water or a bucket to wash down any waste, be sure to use it. These types of toilets are common in many Asian countries.
Do not flush if you’re going to these countries.
Source: Daily Express
Some countries do not have systems that can break down toilet paper easily, so it’s customary not to flush.
If you are used to flushing the used toilet paper down the pipe, you must break that habit when traveling to some European countries. Restrooms will have special waste bins to place used toilet paper.
China or Korea
BYOTP (Bring Your Own Toilet Paper)
Source: Foundation for Economic Education
There are a lot of countries where bringing your own toilet paper is a custom, particularly in China or Korea. It’s often customary to bring your own since public restrooms may not always be well stocked. It’s just good thinking ahead to bring a pocket-sized pack just in case.
In these countries, every day is a bidet.
Source: Taringa
A bidet, which features water jets for personal hygiene after using the toilet is often used in France. The personal cleansing method is also common in any place that has limited availability of paper products, and societies choose water for safer and better cleaning.
Some places where the bidet is most popular include Italy and Portugal, Japan, Argentina, and Venezuela.
Know the lingo
Source: Gifer
When you got to go, you got to go, so there's no time for a language barrier. Familiarize yourself with local lingo when asking for the bathroom.
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In European countries like France, Germany, and the Netherlands, ask for the "water closet" or the "toilette". In Australia, it’s called a "dunny". In the U.K., look for the "loo". And in Japan, find the "ben-jo".
Source: TravelandLeisure
