A Global Guide to Public Restrooms: What to Expect Abroad

Finding a public restroom is a universal human need, but the experience can be surprisingly different depending on where you are in the world. If you’ve ever traveled abroad, you know that what’s a simple act at home can become a cultural adventure. This guide explores what happens when you look for a public restroom in different countries.

Key Differences You'll Encounter Around the World

Before we dive into specific countries, it’s helpful to understand the main variables you’ll face. The experience of using a public toilet can differ in four major ways: cost, toilet type, cleanliness, and the availability of supplies like toilet paper and soap. Being prepared for these variations can make your travels much smoother.

To Pay or Not to Pay?

In many parts of the world, particularly in Europe, using a public restroom isn’t free. You’ll often find a small fee is required to enter, typically ranging from about 50 cents to 2 euros. This fee usually pays for the cleaning and maintenance of the facility, which often means they are kept in good condition.

  • Coin-Operated Turnstiles: Many train stations and public squares have automated entry systems that require exact change.
  • Restroom Attendants: In other places, an attendant, sometimes called a “Toilettenfrau” in Germany, will be seated at the entrance to collect a small fee. It’s always a good idea to keep some local coins on hand for this reason.
  • Free in Businesses (Sometimes): In countries like the United States, restrooms in cafes, fast-food chains, and department stores are often free, but there’s a growing trend for them to be reserved for “customers only.”

The Great Divide: Sitting vs. Squatting

While most Western travelers are accustomed to sitting toilets, the squat toilet is common in large parts of Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. A squat toilet is essentially a porcelain pan or hole in the floor that you squat over. While it might seem intimidating at first, many cultures consider it more hygienic since your body doesn’t make contact with the seat.

If you encounter one, the general rule is to face the door and place your feet on the designated grooved areas for grip. It’s a different experience, but one you can quickly get used to. Many modern facilities in tourist areas will offer both a sitting and a squat toilet option.

A Tour of Toilets: Country by Country

Let’s look at what you can expect in a few specific countries, highlighting the unique quirks and customs of each.

Japan: The Gold Standard of Public Toilets

Japan is famous for its incredibly clean, widely available, and technologically advanced public restrooms. Finding a toilet is rarely a problem, as they are located in every train station, convenience store (like 7-Eleven or FamilyMart), park, and department store.

  • High-Tech Features: Many Japanese toilets are “washlets,” which feature heated seats, built-in bidets with adjustable water pressure and temperature, and even sound features to mask any noise.
  • Cleanliness: Public restrooms in Japan are almost universally spotless. This is a point of national pride, and users are expected to leave the facility as clean as they found it.
  • Availability: They are almost always free to use.

Germany: The Efficient, Pay-to-Use Model

Germany and many of its European neighbors operate on a system where you often have to pay for quality. While you might find free restrooms in museums or large stores, many public facilities, especially at train stations and tourist sites, require a fee.

  • The “WC”: The common sign for a toilet is “WC,” which stands for “Water Closet.”
  • The Attendant: As mentioned, a “Toilettenfrau” or “Toilettenmann” (restroom lady or man) often maintains the facility. You pay them directly, and it’s good etiquette to do so even if there isn’t a fixed price, as this is their livelihood.
  • Sanifair System: On the Autobahn (highway), you’ll find the Sanifair system at rest stops. You pay a fee (e.g., 70 cents) to enter and receive a voucher of a similar value (e.g., 50 cents) that you can use toward a purchase in the shop.

United States: A Highly Variable Experience

The public restroom situation in the U.S. is inconsistent. While you can find facilities in many places, their condition and accessibility can vary dramatically.

  • Customer-Only Policies: Many gas stations, coffee shops like Starbucks, and fast-food restaurants like McDonald’s have restrooms, but they may be locked and require a key or code from the cashier, reserved for paying customers.
  • Public Parks and Buildings: National parks, public libraries, and government buildings usually have free public restrooms, but their cleanliness can be unpredictable.
  • Lack of City Toilets: Unlike in Europe or Japan, it’s rare to find standalone public toilet blocks in the downtown areas of most American cities.

Turkey: A Blend of Old and New

Turkey offers a mix of Western-style sitting toilets and traditional squat toilets, often called “alaturka” toilets. In major cities and tourist areas, you’ll usually find modern, clean facilities.

  • Pay to Use: Many public restrooms, especially at mosques and historical sites, charge a small fee.
  • Bidet Sprayers: Most toilets, both sitting and squatting, will have a small nozzle or hose next to them for cleaning, known as a “şattaf.” Toilet paper is sometimes available but may be intended for drying.
  • Bring Your Own Paper: In more rural areas, it’s wise to carry your own toilet paper and hand sanitizer, as they may not be provided.

China: Be Prepared

The public restroom experience in China has improved significantly in major cities like Beijing and Shanghai, but it can still be a challenge for foreign visitors, especially in rural areas.

  • Squat Toilets are the Norm: Outside of international hotels and major airports, squat toilets are overwhelmingly the standard.
  • Bring Your Own Toilet Paper (BYOTP): This is the most important rule. Toilet paper is very rarely supplied. Always carry a pack of tissues with you. The same goes for soap or hand sanitizer.
  • Shared Spaces: In some older facilities, you might find “trough” style toilets with very low or no partitions between them, offering little privacy.

Australia: Accessible and Well-Maintained

Australia has an excellent network of public restrooms, particularly in cities, along highways, and near popular beaches and parks.

  • The National Public Toilet Map: The Australian government actually maintains an official website and app that shows the location of over 19,000 public toilets nationwide, including details on accessibility and opening hours.
  • Free and Clean: The vast majority of these facilities are free to use and are generally kept clean and well-stocked.
  • Barbecues and Toilets: It’s very common to find a public toilet block located next to free public barbecue areas in parks, which is a key part of Australian outdoor culture.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best apps for finding public toilets? Some popular and useful apps include Flush, Toilet Finder, and Where is Public Toilet. In Australia, the official National Public Toilet Map is your best resource.

What should I always carry with me when traveling? It’s a smart idea to always have a small pack of tissues or toilet paper, a travel-sized bottle of hand sanitizer, and some local coins in your bag. This will prepare you for almost any restroom situation you might encounter.

Is it rude to use a restroom in a cafe without buying anything? This depends on the country. In the U.S., it’s often expected that you make a small purchase. In many parts of Europe, it’s better to find a designated public toilet. When in doubt, it’s always polite to buy a small item like a bottle of water or a coffee.