Toilets of the World
Welcome to the Toilets of the World
Are you wondering why people hoard toilet paper? Wondering how to use a bidet, or even what a bidet is? Curious about what the toilets are like in other countries? Toilets from ancient history? Do you wonder who invented the flush toilet? (It wasn't Thomas Crapper!) You've come to the right place!
Toilets around the world:Belgium Bulgaria China France Greek Islands Japan Turkey Trinidad Russia and many others
Toilets from throughout history:
The Stone Age Ancient Greece Ancient Rome Bible era King Arthur's England Invention of the flush toilet To the toilets of the future
Only 4 days until Thomas Crapper's birthday!
63 days until World Toilet Day
Wipe or Wash?
Paper or Water?
"Squat or sit?" is probably the biggest toilet question for international travelers, especially for Americans. That may be the case partly because Americans don't even know that they need to also ask this question: What do the locals use to clean themselves, and therefore what will they provide for me: Toilet paper or water?
Imagine that you are an American traveling overseas.
You check into a hotel, only to discover that you don't have a shower or tub in your room. Nor is there one down the hallway.
Quickly, you go back downstairs to the front desk.
You inquire at the front desk about where you should take a shower, and the desk clerk is horrified that you would want to do such a thing.
You are told that what you should do is rub dry paper all over your body. That is the very best way of getting clean. Spraying water on your body would be a dirty practice! Don't behave that way in our hotel!
OK, now you know how everyone else feels when they hear an American say that toilet paper is extremely clean but using water is a filthy practice.
Read more about cleaning yourself with toilet paper and water »
Did you know that many people argue that squat toilets are better for your health? They certainly are easier to clean!
See the dedicated page for both sides of the question: Squat or Sit?
Who is the Toilet Guru? Is he obsessed? What is it like to be the Toilet Guru? Why does this site exist?
Read more