India
In some countries, toilet paper or even bidets are not an option. Rather than using a toilet paper, in certain Muslim countries, it is required that you used a small pot of water to cleanse yourself. You use the water in the pot to rinse your…ummm…hindquarters.
This isn’t the most sanitary way to take care of business but it’s the rules of the Muslim and Hindu faith in certain parts of the world. In India, they touch the waste with their fingers and wash their hands subsequently. This circles back to why you don’t shake hands with your left, with the reasons being obvious.
Russia
Don’t expect the same ADA compliance everywhere you go as it just doesn’t exist everywhere, especially places like Russia where you’ll find not only is cleanliness an issue, but toilets won’t even be handicap accessible either. Often you’ll find toilets in Russia on a raised platform.
On top of this, bathrooms in Russia also don’t have amenities like baby changing stations or spaces for women to breastfeed their children. In the Dominican Republic, men and womens bathrooms are not even separated – they just have one bathroom with separate toilet areas.
Europe
A bidet is an object of schoolyard legend in America and very little more than that. But in a lot of countries, they've realized, "hey, we clean ourselves at the end of the day with water, why not apply that principle to the restroom, too?" Whether you're comfortable with that or not, you'll want to get used to seeing it around.
The bidet is a more effective and efficient method for cleaning your backside. Instead of using wads of paper, the bidet is like a shower for your backside. In Europe it's often its own separate bowl next to the actual toilet. And it's actually now required by law in several countries to be present wherever there is a toilet.
In many countries, making small talk in the bathroom can be taboo and should be avoided at all cost. You may get away with a small greeting like a simple, “hello,” but don’t go beyond that because even that can be dicey. People don’t want to be bothered in the bathroom. In Buddhist rules, it’s customary to cough when entering a public restroom and monks are expected to cough in response.
Islam forbids both chit-chat and reading in the bathroom. And that also goes for eating. In Judaism, reading is permitted but only if it’s a newspaper or the Torah. Reading in the bathroom general is just a bad idea though because you are getting germs on anything you bring in there and you are also taking up more time in the bathroom.
United States
This article is supposed to be for overseas travelers, but apparently not enough people know this. American restrooms are not for small talk. Keep your eyes level and straight ahead. If at all possible, leave a spare urinal between you and the next person. If there are three urinals, don't take the middle one.
It's not exactly against the law or anything but the bathroom is just an awkward place, in general, to hang around, particularly a public restroom. So avoid the urge to be too friendly. Everyone hates you if you do this. Do not talk—at maximum, grunt in acknowledgement of a person you know.
The seat rules are pretty much international but everyone seems to fudge them up anyway. If you are going to pee standing up, for the love of all things good and holy, please lift the seat up so you aren’t getting urine drops on it or missing entirely and covering up the seat with it.
And on that same note, be sure to put the seat back down when you are done. That is just plain courteous! And if there is a lid on that toilet, be sure to put the lid down as well when you flush, so that you aren't spraying germs everywhere.
Africa, India, and China
Not every part of the world bears the same expectation of privacy that we do. In some rural areas, you might have to turn to a travel umbrella or a poncho if you're looking to evade prying eyes. The above urinal, for instance, can accommodate as many men as can squeeze in shoulder to shoulder.
In contrast, it's pretty customary to avoid people at all costs. If you have plenty of options where the urinals are, you want to leave some space and not go straight next to the urinal that's already in-use. That's where things get weird and awkward but don't expect that same kind of personal space.
Japan
Cleanliness being the cultural force that it is in Japan, it's important to remember that bathroom occurrences stay in the bathroom and are never spoken of again. Leave your house slippers at the door and step into a nice pair of toilet slippers to use the restroom. And whatever you do, don't take the toilet slippers outside of the restroom. That's just horrible. Why would you do that?
The point of the toilet slippers is to promote purity in the home. It really makes sense when you think about it. The bathroom is one of the germiest places in your home, so why would you want to spread all of the germs from your bathroom floor around the rest of your home.
In the West, most don’t really think twice about tattoos. However, in Japan, there is a cultural apprehension surrounding tattoos — mostly by the older generation. Traditionally, tattoos have been associated with criminals and the Yakuza, which has led to a general distrust towards visible body art.
Consequently, Japanese natives suggest for anyone with tattoos to consider covering them in public settings, especially when visiting more conservative places such as traditional hot springs, public bathrooms, or certain workplaces. In fact, there are still some places to this day that will refuse service to ANYONE that has a tattoo that isn’t covered up. This includes locals and foreigners, so it’s not just us that has to stay on our toes when visiting Japan.
Taiwan
Pay toilets in Taiwan don't carry a fee for the bowl itself, but rather for the paper. And even if you don't find yourself paying for TP, you may wind up needing to grab a handful of toilet "tissues" outside the door before you even go into the restroom. Just pray that you have enough to see you through.
Not cleaning up after yourself is just gross, so that's not really an option. But since you are paying for toilet paper, you may want to stock up on some Cottonelle wipes or something. But on the bright side, it's free to pee!
China
In China, some places don't even offer toilet paper at all, which means you may need to bring your own. Due to the heavy population, it can be difficult for many places to be able to sustain the toilet paper supply. Because of this, conservation of toilet paper is highly encouraged.
Some places might provide it for you, but you don't necessarily want to count on it. Buy your own and fill your pockets, or be ready to get creative. Its always good to be prepared for anything when you go to China, because things just aren't the way they are here.
Germany
German toilets have a "shelf." If you're a person who likes to admire your handiwork, then this country is pretty much tailor-made for you. The problem is that not every shelf toilet actually has sufficient suction to clean the shelf under its own power, which is why every German bathroom includes a brush that you are expected to use.
In Germany, the toilet brush is almost a religious ritual. You are bound to upset a German if your bathroom is not equipped with a toilet brush. For all of us Americans, however, the German toilet is just plain alarming and disgusting to be quite frank.
Japan
If there's any culture that can rival the U.S. for the role shame plays in society, it's Japan. Naturally, they were the ones who solved the "I'm not going until you go" problem. The princess button makes noise intended to drown out the sound of whatever it is you're doing, so anxious toilet-goers can use the facility in peace.
Because using the restroom is decidedly unladylike, according to Japanese customs, the princess button allows you to retain your dignity and grace unspoiled by the unscrupulous sounds of you relieving your lower extremities of excreta. That being said, there have definitely been times I could use a princess button.
Japan
The princess button isn't the only way the Japanese have used their engineering prowess in the bathroom. Their feats in toilet technology are the stuff of legend. Japanese toilets can analyze your urine content to check for illness, automatically lower the lid, warm the seat—on a schedule that learns your daily habits—and even reconfigure themselves for easier cleaning.
These toilets are so high-tech, you'll feel like you are living in a third-world country when you go back home. Who doesn't want a toilet that cleans itself? Its usually equipped with a bidet as well, which you'll also learn to love. Once you've experienced the awe and majesty that is a Japanese toilet, there's really no going back.
South America
Not every country's sewage system is built to handle everything people try to throw at it. Just as you're not supposed to flush feminine hygiene products in the U.S., you're also not supposed to flush toilet paper in many parts of the world. Instead, there will be a bin provided.
Odds are, if it's a TP bin, you'll be able to figure it out. This isn't, of course, the most sanitary way to get rid of your toilet paper but it's definitely the most disgusting way. It also comes with obvious odor problems. It's definitely gross and we don't want to talk about it anymore, so let's move on.
Europe
In America, there aren't really any pay toilets left. That's actually due to the work of a political advocacy group called the Committee to End Pay Toilets in America that wiped (pun intended) them out in the '0s. But fear not, these pay toilets only require a few coins.
Nowadays, we're on the honor system where shame (or a "customers only" sign) compels us to buy a small fry or a candy bar wherever we stop to pee. Other countries never had such enterprising citizens, and pay toilets are still a thing in many parts of the world. Save your coins.
South Korea
In South Korea, it’s a matter of choice, it seems, whether or not you should flush. You’ll find that even though you can flush wads of paper down the toilet, many locals don’t do it anyway, since many of the sewer pipes were not made to accommodate toilet paper until the ‘80s.
And since old habits die hard, you’ll find older generations not flushing paper down the toilet, electing to throw it away instead. That being said, feel free to flush it. It’s much more sanitary that way anyway. And just be sure if you are putting toilet paper into the toilet that you for sure flush it.
In some places, in particular Singapore, it’s actually against the law to not flush. Making public cleanliness a top priority in their country, Singapore has sought to punish the non-flushers in a way they won’t forget, imposing a hefty fine of over $150. And this isn’t a ticket you can ignore.
If you fail to pay the ticket, you could wind up in jail! That seems a huge price to pay for forgetting to flush, so perhaps its best to just get into the habit of flushing every time before you go to Singapore. The last thing you want is to go to jail over a bowel movement.
Australia
According to the International Center for Bathroom Etiquette, which collects bathroom usability tips from around the world, you should be ready to listen to music while you're in the loo. Specifically, an instrumental version of Burt Bacharach's "What the World Needs Now" is apparently omnipresent.
Our love of Bacharach notwithstanding, this seems a bit much. You should also be ready for severe water conservation methods, from low-flush and no-flush toilets to "using" a tree out back. Australia may be down under, but they are always looking for the most efficient ways to get on top of the rest of the world.
Australia complicates things a bit with their two-flush system, but in an effort to conserve water, it’s actually a pretty good idea. On public toilets in Australia, you’ll find two buttons or levers for flushing that each flush a different amount of water. One flushes more and the other flushes less.
The idea is that the one button or lever that uses less water is for liquid waste, while the other that flushes more water is for solid waste. This system not only conserves water but also allows for reduced running costs, despite the fact that the initial cost is higher than with a single-flush system.
If you are going abroad, you might want to be somewhat familiar with the many terms used in reference to the bathroom, because they vary from country to country. In the United States, you often hear bathroom or restroom, and in some places it might be referred to as the washroom, especially closer to Canada.
In Japan, the bathroom is referred to as “ben-jo.” In Australia and New Zealand, dunny is a common term for bathroom but they also just say “toilet” sometimes too. “Loo” is used in Australian, but even more in the United Kingdom and Ireland. If you want to sound a little posher, you might ask the Brits where the “lavatory” is.
China and the Middle East
There's a big contingent of people right now saying that squatting to use the toilet is actually better for you, easing pressure on your various bodily systems and leading to faster, healthier potty-times. The squatting position is also said to make for easier bowl movements.
You may as well buy into it because odds are you won't have a choice but to use a "squatty potty" when you visit China and the Middle East. You might as well choose to believe you're getting something out of it. When you gotta go, you gotta go!
India and the Middle East
As the world flattens, more and more people realize that no insult is meant by this. Still, there are many parts of the world—particularly in India and the Middle East—where shaking hands, eating, or doing much of anything with your left hand is considered unclean or insulting.
If you're left-handed, well...have fun! (Do we seriously need to go over why this particular rule of etiquette is on this list?) We'd rather not think about it too much and unfortunately we'll be going into a little more detail later on but we'll just say, some people don't have bidets or toilet paper...
If you are traveling about, just as with places here in the United States, you’ll find some bathrooms are much cleaner than others. Places you’ll want to go include libraries, malls, department stores, and high-end supermarkets. Best of all, you can get into these bathrooms for free.
You can also get into restaurant or café bathrooms, but generally, you’ll want to buy something before you use these facilities. In other facilities, you may find that the bathroom cleanliness is not quite up to standard, particularly American standards.
Bathrooms overseas don’t always quite have the same sanitation standards as we have here in the states. That being said, you want to come prepared no matter where you are going to be. Carrying hand sanitizer and bacterial wipes is a good idea for a number of reasons.
You can use antibacterial wipes for the seats and handle to eliminate germs from those areas. And for your hands where soap is not available, you can use your wipes or hand sanitizer. It’s just a good idea to come prepared and do what you can to avoid getting sick during or after your trip.
The Mariana Islands
A simple yet efficient water-saving slogan on the Mariana Islands, including Guam and Saipan, is "If it's yellow, let it mellow; if it's brown, flush it down." Signs are posted in many bathrooms across the islands to remind visitors. This catchy reminder encourages residents and visitors to conserve water by only flushing the toilet only when necessary.
This practise helps conserve water on the islands due to their limited freshwater supplies and reliance on imported water. Such a conscious approach shows the communities' commitment to sustainable living and environmental preservation, considering their unique geographical challenges. This effort saves water and takes a tiny but significant step towards ecological sustainability on the islands.
Japan
Japan's cultural norms place a premium on tidiness and public decorum. This is seen in the commonplace action of brushing one's teeth in the bathroom, a space closely associated with hygienic practises. In order to maintain hygiene and not be a nuisance to others, eating is sometimes confined to specific areas.
Brushing teeth after each meal corresponds to the emphasis on cleanliness and oral health. As a result, brushing teeth in the bathroom is not only convenient, but also a caring practise in a society that values cleanliness and peace. This cultural environment emphasises the importance of little actions in improving both personal well-being and communal respect. So remeber next time you're in a Japanese bathroom, Brush your teeth!
Nepal
Due to space constraints that restrict the development of new gender-specific facilities, Nepal has implemented an innovative technique for lavatory provision. This method largely entails the usage of gender-neutral restrooms. This wise decision was taken with the purpose of satisfying a wide range of tastes and requirements within the constraints of a small space.
Nepal is able to efficiently address the issue of limited space while emphasising its commitment to respecting individual preferences by implementing gender neutral toilets. This design choice reflects a progressive attitude towards lavatory arrangements, emphasising accessibility and choice, which is especially relevant in a circumstance when expanding physical infrastructure could be logistically challenging.
Iran
In Iran, a unique bathroom fixture known as a "toilet hose" or "shatafa" is commonly found adjacent to toilets. This handheld shower head provides a cleansing option after using the toilet, serving as a more hygienic alternative to toilet paper. This practice aligns with cultural and religious considerations, as Islam emphasizes cleanliness.
The toilet hose offers both practicality and adherence to these values, allowing individuals to maintain personal hygiene in a culturally sensitive manner. This distinctive feature reflects Iran's commitment to combining tradition with modern amenities, enhancing the overall restroom experience and demonstrating the importance of cultural practices even in everyday routines.
Romania
In Romania, it is normal practise for many bathrooms to not provide soap, most people are expected to bring their own. This independence emphasises a practical commitment to personal hygiene. Hand sanitizer is freely available in a variety of venues, demonstrating the culture's openness to modern hygiene practises. This trend could be due to a combination of convenience and a desire to keep public spaces clean.
The widespread use of hand sanitizers reflects a broader trend of health awareness and readiness. While the lack of soap may be due to historical or practical reasons, the availability of hand sanitizers demonstrates Romania's willingness to embrace innovative solutions to maintain hygiene standards in the absence of traditional amenities.
Hungary
Cold water in lavatories is common in Hungary due to a feeling of cleanliness and practicality. Cold water has a lesser chance of bacterial growth than warm water, which can contribute to a cleaner atmosphere. This notion is consistent with a societal emphasis on sanitary standards. The widespread availability of hand sanitizer complements this technique by providing an alternative source of disinfection.
While modern hygiene practises recognise the necessity of warm water and soap for successful handwashing, Hungary's historical setting and cultural preferences may contribute to the usage of cold water. This practise strikes a compromise between tradition and evolving cleanliness requirements, encouraging adherence to hygiene in the absence of conventional amenities.
Scotland
In Scotland, the social tradition known as "The Knock Law" imparts a sense of duty that is frequently misinterpreted as a legal requirement. If a stranger knocks on someone's door and requests to use the loo, there is a strong cultural expectation that permission be granted. This practise derives from a sense of hospitality and community, representing Scotland's ideals of kindness and support to others.
Despite the fact that it is not a piece of legislation, it emphasises the country's commitment to neighbourliness and empathy. This little-known custom shows the Scots' willingness to provide a helping hand to anyone, even complete strangers, which contributes to the development of a sense of solidarity and camaraderie within their communities.
Okinawa
Okinawans follow some pretty precise cultural standards when it comes to using the restroom. Many people listen to music or leave the water running while going to the toilet to mask their shame. This is done out of respect for others and to avoid embarrassment, so it's not unexpected that it's also a matter of discretion.
It exhibits the Okinawan principle of minimising personal and social pain and reflects the island's culture of caring and peace. This technique illustrates how respectful a culture is of its members' privacy, and how much emphasis is placed on preserving an air of refinement and ease even in the most personal of settings.
Germany, Saudi Arabia
A shift in bathroom etiquette has led to men being expected to sit when using the toilet in both Germany and Saudi Arabia. This practise, which is based on hygiene and cleanliness, tries to limit the chance of splatters and messes while standing. In Germany, this shift is frequently coupled with a desire for improved lavatory hygiene.
It corresponds to cultural and religious ideals that emphasise cleanliness and orderliness in Saudi Arabia. This rising trend reflects a commitment to personal and communal well-being through a modern approach to restroom habits. The practise of sitting when using the lavatory emphasises a broader grasp of sanitation and respect for shared spaces, demonstrating how cultural norms may adapt to enhance cleanliness and comfort.
France
France has taken a hard position against public urinating, imposing large fines on anybody caught relieving themselves in the street. This project illustrates the country's dedication to maintaining public area cleanliness and attractiveness. The change addresses both environmental issues and the overall quality of life in cities. France hopes to discourage such behaviour and promote appropriate use of public spaces by enacting these punishments.
This strategy is consistent with the country's cultural appreciation for art, architecture, and well-kept surroundings. The emphasis on preventing public urinating not only helps to keep a more sanitary and pleasing environment, but it also highlights France's commitment to preserving the beauty and elegance of its national cities and villages.
Australia
Checking the toilet bowl before sitting down is a unique precaution that has become regular practise in Australia. This practise stems from the country's rich biodiversity, which includes spiders, snakes, frogs, and other critters that may seek refuge in toilets, creating significant hazards. The precautionary approach is consistent with Australia's diverse wildlife and the need to guarantee personal safety.
This practise displays Australians' sensitivity of coexisting with environment as well as their versatility in their everyday activities. Individuals protect themselves from unexpected encounters by inspecting the toilet bowl on a regular basis, demonstrating a pragmatic blend of environmental awareness and personal well-being that has been embedded in the society.
Belgium
Belgium has an unusual urban feature: public three-way urinals openly placed in the middle of its streets, renowned for their lack of partitions. These installations, known as "uritrottoirs," solve public sanitation issues in novel ways. While their design may defy traditional privacy conventions, they represent Belgium's dedication to creative urban planning and clean public places.
The carefully located three-way urinals provide convenience while reducing public urinating. This one-of-a-kind approach highlights the country's combination of usefulness and aesthetics. Belgium demonstrates its readiness to tackle current difficulties with imaginative solutions by smoothly integrating these utilitarian features into the urban fabric, changing the bounds of public infrastructure and adding to its own urban character.
New Zealand
New Zealand has gained the name 'Bathroom Mecca' due to the transformation of its bathrooms into creative exhibits filled with renowned artworks. This unusual approach exemplifies the country's unique blend of creativity and practicality. The inclusion of iconic paintings on toilet walls transforms these rooms into cultural experiences, showing New Zealand's commitment to integrating art into daily life.
This one-of-a-kind design option not only improves aesthetics but also fosters a sense of artistic appreciation among many visitors. New Zealand displays its own cultural identity and celebrates art in unexpected locations by transforming bathrooms into works of art as well. This forward-thinking trend reimagines traditional lavatory design, making each visit more memorable and adding to the country's distinct aesthetic landscape.
Europe
In Europe, the majority of toilet attendants are women. As a result, when using the lavatory, you may encounter female attendants cleaning right under your feet. This circumstance raises concerns regarding privacy and comfort. While these attendants are experts who keep the area clean, the circumstance may test cultural norms around personal boundaries. There has been many talks here about gender norms and personal space.
As society attitudes shift, there is a greater understanding of the importance of balancing hospitality with individual privacy. Recognising these relationships is critical in creating inclusive lavatory environments that respect both attendant roles and users' feeling of personal space. This evolving discourse reflects broader changes in cultural expectations and emphasises the significance of encouraging respectful and attentive interactions in public settings.
Switzerland
In Switzerland, a widely held but unofficial custom advocates not flushing toilets after 10 p.m. While not a legal obligation, this practise stems from a cultural emphasis on noise reduction throughout the night. The care for silence shows Switzerland's dedication to peaceful living and respect for neighbours' comfort. This unstated norm emphasises the country's priority for community well-being and commitment to gracious behaviour.
Although contemporary plumbing systems can reduce noise levels, the custom lives on as a monument to the Swiss value of peace and consideration. The "no-flush after 10 p.m." custom, while not legally enforceable, demonstrates how cultural norms may impact everyday behaviours, displaying the Swiss commitment to balancing convenience with social harmony.
Portugal
The seemingly amusing statement "Don't pee in the Sea" in Portugal has a shocking truth: it is a law. This legislation prohibits urinating in the ocean, reflecting the nation's commitment to environmental preservation. The statute emphasises Portugal's commitment to safeguarding the purity and integrity of its coastal waters that are used for drinking water.
The country's large coastline and healthy marine ecosystems are significant assets, and this legal mandate acts as a physical symbol of responsible citizenship. While initially amusing, the phrase emphasises a broader cultural awareness of environmental protection. By enforcing this rule, Portugal demonstrates its proactive approach to protecting its natural resources and fostering sustainable practises among both inhabitants and visitors.
