Something as universal as using the bathroom can have different rules, techniques, and caveats than what you are used to in your home country. To address these differences I have created a guide to “flushing” abroad.

Hawaii

My favorite toilet travel story comes from when I was on the Big Island of Hawaii. As of now, Hawaii is technically part of the United States, and typically their bathroom rules are the same as anywhere else in the country. However, I had the unique experience of living on a raw vegan farm where compost toilets were the method of choice.

The night I arrived at the farm, I was immediately introduced to the compost toilet. Jillian, who picked me up from the airport, lifted the makeshift top off of the hole and shined a light into it. We both acted like we didn’t see the two giant cockroaches having a toilet party, but it is an image that burned into my brain. She then demonstrated putting one foot on each side where the proper placement was marked and squatting down. The lid went back on after pouring wood chips down the dark abyss. “You’ll get used to it,” she claimed while shrugging her shoulders. I prayed I would never have to poop again.

So why a compost toilet? The short answer—it is better for the environment. The obvious reason for this is that it uses less water. Flushing your toilet five times a day will use 2,336 gallons of water per year, and contrary to popular belief, the world does not have an endless supply. In addition, composting produces soil that is more fertile—which was crucial in our setting where we were growing our own food.

Ecuador

Ecuador’s toilets were an upgrade to the hole I was using in Hawaii. However, one thing that took some getting used to was the, “no flushing toilet paper,” signs everywhere I went. I’m used to not flushing hygiene products in the US but toilet paper was a new one for me. Along with the sign, there was always a bin next to the toilet filled to the brim with used paper. I was only permitted to flush everything down while visiting my friend’s home in Quito. However, the overall consensus is toilet paper will destroy the sewer systems, and I wasn’t there to question it.

“I have a system with bathrooms. I spend a lot of time in them. They are sanctuaries, public places of peace spaced throughout the world for people like me.” – Ned Vizzini

 

Europe

Using the restroom in Europe was pretty standard, other than the fact that is cost money. In Amsterdam, Reykjavik, Florence, and really any major city that I have experienced in Europe, you have to pay the troll toll. Sometimes this just meant buying a beer at a bar to get into the stalls. However, street and tourist attraction washrooms often ask you to cough up some change. It is never more than the equivalent of a US dollar, but if you have a bladder like mine, it adds up!

Thailand

Before I got to Thailand I had this preconceived notion that I’d have to squat over every toilet. Per contra, everywhere I went, even off the beaten path had a western toilet option. The one piece of advice I will give is to carry a little bit of toilet paper with you. Most public restrooms supply it but there were a couple times I was left to the shake method.

I stayed at a Buddhist monastery for a couple of days and the confusion on their faces when I asked where the toilet paper was sent me into a panic. The friend who had accompanied me to the monastery managed to sneak away to go buy the paper but not without a stern talking to about leaving the property without asking for permission. I was sorry she got in trouble but so relieved to feel clean.