Toilet etiquette around the world 

Tourists have been urged to brush up on toilet etiquette around the world before jetting off on holiday. 

The luxury bathroom experts at Posh.co.uk have revealed six destinations where travellers may have to pay to use the bathroom and avoid flushing toilet paper. 

Tourists should respect and follow local customs and rules when visiting a new country, even in the bathroom.

Toilet etiquette varies worldwide and in some locations, toilet paper should not be flushed due to weak and thin pipes. 

In China, tourists should travel with their own toilet paper supply as not all places offer it, while it is often necessary to have to pay to use the toilet around Europe. 

Andy Ellis, bathroom expert at Posh.co.uk, said: “There are a lot of rules regarding toilet etiquette around the world, but people don’t generally talk about their bathroom business as it can feel a bit taboo. 

“Before jetting off on holiday it’s worth seeing what toilet etiquette is like in your chosen destination. 

“In some countries, the sewage systems are not built to handle flushed toilet paper, so people there must put it in a bin instead. 

“Tourists should carry loose change if heading to Europe as many public toilets there are pay-to-use, and pack some bathroom  slippers if heading to Japan”

Here is Posh.co.uk guide for toilet etiquette around the world: 

1. Greece – No flushing toilet paper

If heading to Greece, tourists will become accustomed to signs warning against flushing toilet paper down the loo and instead advising to put it in the bin. It may feel uncomfortable, but it is necessary. The pipes in Greece are too thin and flushing toilet paper down them could lead to blockages. 

2. Europe – Pay to go

Many public restrooms in Europe require payment for using the toilet. On some occasions, the toilet may be free but visitors will still have to pay for toilet roll Although tap-to-pay is becoming more common, it is recommended that holidaymakers pack small coins in the local currency just in case of an emergency. 

3. Japan- slippers 

Purity and cleanliness are important values in Japan, so hosts usually provide separate toilet slippers for inside the bathroom. These special slippers should be worn in the toilet only, and are placed at the entrance. 

4. China – travel with toilet paper

In China, it is highly recommended that people travel with their own toilet paper because there is a short supply available compared to the population. It is also advisable to travel with soap for the same reasons. 

5. South America – Bin Loo roll 

The drainage system in South America means that toilet paper should not be flushed down the loo. Instead, it should be disposed of in separate trash cans that will be in all public bathrooms. 

6. Asia – Squat toilets

In many Asian countries, including India, Thailand and Singapore, the toilets are designed for squatting. Squat toilets often strike fear in unsuspecting travellers, and they can be a big cultural adjustment, but they are still the default in many places. Rules for squat toilets include not throwing toilet paper down them, washing away waste with a bucket of water and refilling it for the next person for good karma.