10 Toilets from Around the World

Appliances

Toilets may seem like a universal fixture, but they can actually vary greatly depending on where you are. The way a society defines a toilet is influenced by culture, custom, habit, and convenience. Despite being a household item that is often taken for granted, encountering a foreign toilet can be quite a shock for many people. Here are some examples of international toilets that may surprise you, whether they are privately maintained or public facilities that are open to the public.

Every country has its own unique cultural traditions, and this is reflected in the way toilets have evolved to meet specific needs. The availability of disposable paper and water, as well as concepts of hygiene, have all contributed to the variety of toilets found around the world.

If you think the bathrooms on airplanes are bad, you may be in for a rude awakening when you travel internationally. But don’t worry, there are plenty of options for getting down to business. Here are ten examples of international toilets:

10: The Porcelain Throne — Like Apple Pie and Baseball

This is a standard American toilet, complete with a fresh roll of toilet paper and a clean, white porcelain surface. Despite all the different nicknames Americans have for their toilets, most people expect to see a basic design when they enter a bathroom. This usually includes a raised, porcelain commode with a rim, seat, and flusher that is easy to locate. Even rural outhouses in the United States tend to have raised seats and a magazine or two for reading. Portable toilets, which are commonly used on construction sites and other work areas, may be chemical toilets and can have unpleasant odors, but they are still familiar to most Westerners. However, some people may object to sitting on an unknown rim or seat for hygienic reasons. Additionally, the bowl is filled with water until the flush, which can lead to splash-back.

9: Squat Toilets — Essential Rest Stops

Squat toilets are common worldwide and are often the only option available when traveling to places without Western-style toilets. The concept is simple: you squat over a hole, with only your feet touching the surface. This makes them more hygienic than traditional toilets as your body does not come into contact with anything. However, in some places like Peru, you may need to keep an eye out for sloths. They have been known to frequent squatting spots and feast on leftovers [source: Walker].

When it comes to toilet paper, availability depends on where the squat toilet leads to. It could be a train track, a pigpen, the ocean, sewage pipes, a pressurized flush system, or a deep hole. Toilet paper may be provided, but outside of Europe and the United States, it can be of poor quality and may come at a cost [source: Style]. If there is no toilet paper, look for a hose, spigot, or bucket [source: Whitehorn]. The squat toilet may not be ideal for activities like crossword puzzles, but it is just as good for your digestive system [source: Rane and Corstiaans].

8: Bidets — Water for Hygiene

Don’t be surprised to find water faucets next to toilets when traveling internationally. Many countries use bidets for cleanliness and to reduce paper waste. There are three common types of bidets:

• Standard bidet toilets are similar to Western-style toilets and feature a nozzle or button built into the bowl. Simply lean forward to use it, then flush as usual.
• Shower/toilet combos are common in Eastern countries and save water. The water nozzle is usually built into the wall above a squatter toilet. Direct the water to the drain-like hole in the floor.
• Spigot and bucket bidets are found in rural areas and require a red bucket to be filled from a spigot and poured over oneself.

It’s important not to use toilet paper if it’s not provided, as plumbing and waste management are different around the world [source: Style].

7: Pay Toilets — Bring Change

In European cities such as Paris, pay toilets are common and require a small fee (usually less than $1) to use. In Finland, you may need to send a text message to remotely open a pay toilet [source: Cellular-News]. It’s best to have change on hand when traveling to avoid any inconvenience.

The pay toilets are generally clean and are sanitized automatically after each use. They are often on timers and will spray disinfectant if you linger too long or try to use a stall that has just been vacated. The toilets are Western style, but with the water tank above the head or built into the wall. The flusher can be hard to find and is often closer to the sink than the toilet. In Asia, there is a serious investment in toilet culture, with Japan being the leader in luxury toilets that feature body scans, warmed seats, and remote-controlled seats. Open-air urinals are becoming more common in Europe and are free to use. They are also more sanitary and help keep the streets clean and dry. Additionally, there is an open-air toilet facility in Beijing that showcases Chinese urinals, Eastern squatters, and Western toilets all in one communal place.

4: Toilets in Remote Areas

At times, finding a toilet can be quite a challenge, especially in remote locations.
iStockphoto/Thinkstock

There are different types of toilets designed for various purposes, including speed, utility, profit, and comfort. Some toilets, however, are built for no apparent reason, except to prevent tourists from urinating into pristine water or off mountain sides – which is a good enough reason. These toilets are located in remote areas, serving as a reminder of the risks associated with certain bodily functions.

Examples of such toilets include the stilt toilets of San Bias, Panama, and the bamboo toilets in Papua, New Guinea, which are rickety but make perfect sense, considering the ocean tides. On the other hand, the port-o-john in the Swiss Alps appears more of a practical joke than a practical facility. Australia boasts of the world’s highest toilet, while in France, there’s a toilet at the top of Mont Blanc due to uncalled-for calling cards. These toilets are not for the faint-hearted, those with a fear of heights, or anyone travelling with pranksters – they can be quite scary.

3: Toilets On-board – Movements

Airplane lavatories may not be luxurious, but they are convenient when the need arises.
iStockphoto/Thinkstock

If you’re travelling, it’s important to know what to expect when using the bathroom on the go. Buses, trains, and airlines usually have bathrooms, but the type of toilet varies depending on your location and the mode of transportation. For instance, most airplanes have an American-style toilet built into the back wall of the restroom, which flushes using a vacuum instead of water.

Trains are still a popular mode of transportation globally, and while most have toilets, the type of toilet available may differ depending on the local tradition. For example, when travelling through India or rural Thailand, squat toilets are common, and some offer an exhilarating view of the tracks flying by. However, some first-class tickets provide nicer toilets. Subways aren’t exactly like traditional trains, so the toilet facilities are usually available in the stations. Unfortunately, the cleanliness of these facilities in many parts of Europe and Asia is questionable, and they may cost money. Therefore, it’s advisable to plan ahead. Lastly, older trains may not have toilets on board, so it’s essential to use the bathroom before a long journey.

2: Piggy Potties — A Sustainable Solution

If you want to reduce your consumption of bacon, pig toilets might just be the answer. In many parts of Asia, these toilets have a clever chute that leads to a pen of pigs, making it an environmentally friendly option. This toilet minimizes the use of toilet paper and water while also eliminating the need to purchase or grow food for the pigs. The pigs even take care of the waste, so there’s no messy clean-up involved. However, it’s important to note that you should still avoid ham sandwiches.

Looking for a bathroom? Here are some common phrases to use:

• England and India: “WC”
• Scotland and Ireland: “Loo”
• Germany: “toilette” (toy-LET-ta)
• France: “toilet” (twa-let)
• India: “WV” (vee-cheeu)
• Italy: “latrina”
• Spain: “cervicio”
• Russia: “toal-YET”
• Japan: “Ben-Jo”

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1: Shelf Toilets — A Philosophical Approach

Sigmund Freud once said, “A man should not strive to eliminate his complexes but to get into accord with them.” The shelf toilet, popular in Germany, Austria, Denmark, and the Netherlands, is a perfect embodiment of this philosophy. This toilet features a small porcelain shelf above the water level, which allows for contemplation of one’s elimination process. The shelf toilet doesn’t save water, as the same amount of water is needed for flushing as with non-shelf toilets.

Though it may be surprising to see your waste sitting on a shelf, a single flush will send it down the drain. If you enjoy self-examination and reflection, this toilet might be right up your alley.

To learn more about toilets, plumbing, and related topics, visit the next page.

The article titled “Lots More Information” provides additional resources and related articles about toilets. The related articles include “How Toilets Work,” “How Dual Flush Toilets Work,” “How green is a self-contained composting toilet?,” “What if everybody in the United States flushed the toilet at the same time?,” and “What the most expensive toilet in the world?” The section titled “More Great Links” includes links to articles on the Orlando Sentinel and the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show. Finally, there is a list of sources for the information in the article, including articles from The Independent, MSNBC, and USA Today, among others.

The International Center for Bathroom Etiquette has an article on international bathrooms. The article discusses the differences in bathroom etiquette around the world. Time Magazine has an article on a unique restaurant in Taiwan that serves food in the shape of excrement. TVNZ.com has an article about a hotel with unique toilets that turn heads. The UN News Service has an article about mobile phones being more common than toilets in India. Daily News and Analysis has an article on the failure of toilets in India. South America.me has an article on the unique features of Chilean toilets. BBC Earth News has an article on the bizarre “toilet habit” of sloths in Peru. World Press Review has an article on the differences in bathroom culture in Europe. World Watch has an article on the power of toilets.

FAQ

1. What are the most unique international toilets?

There are many unique international toilets, including the ones in Japan that have built-in bidets and warm air dryers, the ones in France that often have a separate small sink on top of the toilet tank for hand washing, and the ones in India that are often just a hole in the ground.

2. What is a squat toilet?

A squat toilet, also known as a hole-in-the-ground toilet, is a type of toilet that is commonly found in many countries, especially in Asia and Africa. It consists of a toilet bowl or pan, usually made of ceramic or concrete, which is set into the floor. The user squats over the bowl to use it.

3. What are some tips for using a squat toilet?

When using a squat toilet, it is important to wear shoes with good grip to prevent slipping. It is also a good idea to carry tissues or toilet paper with you, as many squat toilets do not have any provided. Additionally, be sure to aim properly and keep your balance to avoid making a mess.

4. How do bidet toilets work?

Bidet toilets, commonly found in Japan and other parts of Asia, have a built-in cleaning system that uses water to clean the user after they have finished using the toilet. The user can adjust the temperature and pressure of the water, and there is often a warm air dryer built in as well.

5. What are composting toilets?

Composting toilets are a type of toilet that uses little to no water and relies on natural processes to break down and decompose human waste. The waste is stored in a container with added organic matter, such as sawdust or coconut coir, which helps to speed up the composting process.

6. Are there any toilets with special features for people with disabilities?

Yes, there are many toilets with special features for people with disabilities, including grab bars, raised toilet seats, and wider stalls to accommodate wheelchairs. Some toilets also have automatic flushing and cleaning systems, as well as Braille instructions for visually impaired users.

7. What are some common problems with public toilets?

Some common problems with public toilets include clogged toilets or drains, inadequate cleaning or maintenance, and a lack of toilet paper or soap. Additionally, some public toilets may not have proper ventilation, which can lead to unpleasant odors or the spread of germs.

8. Can toilets be eco-friendly?

Yes, there are many eco-friendly toilets available, including composting toilets, dual-flush toilets that use less water, and toilets that use recycled water. Additionally, some toilets have built-in filtration systems that clean the water before it is released into the sewage system or used for irrigation.

9. What are some unusual materials used to make toilets?

While most toilets are made of ceramic or porcelain, there are some unusual materials used to make toilets, including glass, wood, and even gold. These toilets are often very expensive and are more for show than for practical use.