There are many aspects of our daily life that influence our culture as a whole: our cooking habits, music likes and dislikes, and even our toilet paper usage. While it might be hard for us to comprehend in America, there are some countries that actually don’t use toilet tissue after going number 1 or number 2. For most of us, this can be a little astonishing – how do people clean themselves after using the bathroom? If you intend to travel around the world, you might want to bring some travel toilet paper with you!
It can be difficult for us to understand how other cultures have other options when it comes to bathroom culture, and it is even more complicated for us to incorporate them since they are not common for us. As different as their customs may be in other countries, it’s important for us to honor and respect their ways. It is also important to consider that all of these choices have to do with a huge historical background that influences our habits to this day. It is also essential to comprehend that these changes are part of the cultural shock: you need to embrace them.
- Try A Kit: The Restroom Kit$1.99
- Try A Kit: The Restroom Kit Plus$1.99
- The Restroom Kit 3 PackRated 4.00 out of 5$5.95
Paper, Water, or Hand?
If other countries don’t use toilet paper to clean themselves, what do they use instead? For many cultures, bathroom habits come from what has been available, rather than what is easy. The washroom essential for many cultures is a container of water. Instead of wiping, they rinse themselves clean by pouring water over a bowl, or even a hole.
In other cultures, the common custom is to cook, eat, and greet with the right hand and the right hand only. This happens because the left hand is specifically used for bathroom usage. In these countries, you must never greet somebody with your left hand because this can be considered rude, impolite, or even disgusting. There are countries that have toilet tissue available, but the common preference is to take a jar of water along to the restroom. If you’ve ever taken a trip to India, you may have noticed this seemingly bizarre habit. While the Indian people have adapted to the toilet paper culture, many prefer to use water instead.
These habits are less likely to be seen in America unless perhaps you’re camping in the woods, at a rest stop that’s out of toilet paper, or have parents and grandparents that come from a country whose culture has different practices. However, if you’re planning to explore other countries, especially countries that do not have modern sanitation systems, it can save you a lot of confusion and stress to be prepared ahead of time by bringing some travel toilet paper with you.
- The Restroom Kit PLUS 60-Pack$89.00
- Toiletry Bag for travel+ 6 Pink Kits The Restroom Kit$21.99
- Sale!The Restroom Kit Carrier + 7 Blue Kits$27.99 $25.99
- The Restroom Kit Carrier$10.00
What Countries Do Not Use Toilet Paper?
When visiting another country, it’s polite to learn about their customs prior to arriving so you don’t accidentally offend or embarrass the locals. Studying a culture also helps you to assimilate, giving you a deeper, more enriching experience. If you are planning to visit any of the following countries, you may want to consider bringing a roll of toilet paper for your travels.
India: Tourists are often surprised to learn that toilet paper is not easily accessible here. While you may find toilet paper in hotels and some stores in tourist spots, most homes and public places don’t have them stocked. The people of this culture use water to clean themselves when necessary.
China, Singapore, Thailand, Korea, and Taiwan: In most Asian countries, it is very difficult to find toilet paper, even in stores. Some hotels may have it available in the guestrooms. If you need to use it, it is probably good for you to take your own to guarantee your stock. Considering that toilet paper originated in China, it is very peculiar that it is not exactly popular there.
Some of these Asian countries have a toilet bowl on the floor for you to do your business. Some studies suggest that if you squat, your bathroom activities will be healthier and easier because this position is more natural for the body. Therefore, if you ever visit one of these countries, be prepared, because you will probably need to squat and work your leg muscles to use the washroom.
France, Portugal, Italy, Japan, Argentina, Venezuela, and Spain: Instead of toilet paper, people from these countries (most of them from Europe) usually have a bidet in their washrooms. A bidet like a toilet, but also includes a spout that streams water like a water fountain to rinse you clean. You’re likely to find bidets in the hotels and people’s homes. Some bidets are separate from the toilet, while others have a toilet and bidet all in one. It is also common for people to use neutral soap with a bidet and ensure they are clean after using the restroom.
Big European cities: in big European cities, you are usually charged to use a public bathroom or even to have access to toilet paper. This happens because some people work to keep this service clean and usable. It is also important that you consider tipping the person that is responsible for this maintenance service.
Tunisia, Morocco, Egypt, and Jordan: These countries also use water for their cleaning needs while in the washroom, though the “restroom” isn’t so much a toilet, more of a “hole” in the floor. Much like the people of Asian cultures, you have to squat over the hole. They consider this option much safer, healthier, and more hygienic because you do not have to touch the toilet where many others have stayed before you. Some homes have a small shower that has running water for rinsing. However, most houses do not count on running water so they have mugs and cups that stay in the restroom for when somebody needs them.
Why America Uses Toilet Paper
The United States is the world leader in toilet paper usage. Nearly every American person uses a few feet of toilet paper in their daily life. Every American home bathroom and public restroom (hopefully) has toilet paper readily available. However, it is not like that for every country in the world. We’re exploring the countries that don’t use toilet paper, and w However, if you intend to travel around the world, you must understand how these habits work differently wherever you go that you can do if you find yourself visiting these countries.
If you commonly use toilet paper in your house, it’s probably because you grew up in a society that does the same. In America, we use toilet paper for our hygiene, like cleaning up after using the bathroom, cleaning and clearing our noses, and more. Toilet paper is cheap, useful, and practical in our culture. However, there are some theories about the effectiveness of toilet paper. There are those who claim that toilet paper is not a very “clean” option.
Some professionals say that toilet paper can be a little inefficient, mainly when it comes to number two.
According to their studies, many people still have some traces of poop on their bodies, even after cleaning “thoroughly” with toilet paper. They also point out that some conditions, such as hemorrhoids or infections, can happen because of improper toilet paper usage. However, our culture is very used to using toilet paper, and it’s less likely that we’ll change our washroom habits.
Travel with Toilet Paper and More!
Knowing some of these facts can make you feel grateful for the sanitation systems and plumbing we have today. But the Ugly Truth is, even if you travel 10 minutes from your home, public restrooms can be a filthy environment. That’s why we developed The Restroom Kit.
The Restroom Kit is not only about travel toilet paper. Each kit includes all of the valuable necessities that can be useful in your daily life and your bathroom routine. Each kit includes a toilet seat cover, a yard of toilet paper, an antibacterial wipe for your hands, and a wet wipe for your behind. The Restroom Kit also has spray and gel hand sanitizers separately available for sale online. We know that practicing good safe hygiene is more important than ever nowadays due to the Coronavirus pandemic. You can bring the discreet Restroom Kit, with all it’s useful resources, everywhere you go.
The Restroom Kit is specifically developed for you to feel safer and more comfortable during these times. You can find the original Restroom Kit or grab the Restroom Kit Plus that also includes a feminine liner. Both kits are very useful resources when it comes to answering the call of nature, no matter where you are. When you need to use public toilets or washrooms, whether you’re in a country that uses toilet paper or not, you can feel comfortable and confident that you’re using safe sanitary products. Order your Restroom Kit today by visiting our website at www.therestroomkit.com. The Restroom Kit is here to help make your restroom habits healthier and cleaner.
- Try A Kit: The Restroom Kit$1.99
- Try A Kit: The Restroom Kit Plus$1.99
- The Restroom Kit 3 PackRated 4.00 out of 5$5.95
- The Restroom Kit PLUS 3-Pack$6.30
- 5 Hand Mist Sprays$10.00
- The Restroom Kit Carrier$10.00
- 5 Hand Gels$11.10
- The Restroom Kit 3+3$11.10
- The Restroom Kit 3x3x3$17.50
- The Restroom Kit PLUS 10 Pack$18.00
- The Restroom Kit 12 Pack$21.99
- Toiletry Bag for travel+ 6 Pink Kits The Restroom Kit$21.99
- Sale!The Restroom Kit Carrier + 7 Blue Kits$27.99 $25.99
- The Restroom Kit 30 Pack$49.00
- The Restroom Kit PLUS 30-Pack$52.00
- The Restroom Kit 60 Pack$86.00
- The Restroom Kit PLUS 60-Pack$89.00
- The Restroom Kit 90 Pack$125.00
- The Restroom Kit PLUS 90-Pack$135.00
- The Restroom Kit 250 Pack$275.00
- The Restroom Kit PLUS 250-Pack$300.00
- The Restroom Kit 500 Pack$544.00
FAQs
Which countries don t use toilet paper? ›
Tunisia, Morocco, Egypt, and Jordan: These countries also use water for their cleaning needs while in the washroom, though the “restroom” isn't so much a toilet, more of a “hole” in the floor. Much like the people of Asian cultures, you have to squat over the hole.
Do Europeans not use toilet paper? ›While Europeans do use toilet paper, WCs may not always be well stocked. If you're averse to the occasional drip-dry, carry pocket-size tissue packs (easy to buy in Europe) for WCs sans TP.
Does Dubai use toilet paper? ›Middle East. It's standard practice in the Muslim world to wash yourself with water after having gone to the toilet, rather than using paper, which is why in the Middle East you'll find TP a rarity.
Do the Japanese use toilet paper? ›Toilet paper is used in Japan, even by those who own toilets with bidets and washlet functions (see below). In Japan, toilet paper is thrown directly into the toilet after use. However, please be sure to put just the toilet paper provided in the toilet.
Does Russia use toilet paper? ›"Sandpaper"-like toilet paper is still in use in some toilets in Russia and Eastern Europe. Yes, the soft stuff is available for general purchase. The gray-to-brownish Soviet-issue toilet paper is as bad as the stereotype - to varying degrees.
Does Mexico use toilet paper? ›Most public bathrooms don't have toilet paper. That means that you always want to make sure you have some toilet paper on you when you're traveling. In fact, traveling with out TP is one of our top things not to do in Mexico. This is especially true if you're on a road trip and stopping in lots of public places.
Do Italians not use toilet paper? ›But when faced with the prospect of a shortage, Italians knew there were alternatives. After pooping, Italians use toilet paper on their butt, but not obsessively so. The person will get themselves clean enough then slide themselves from the toilet seat to sit on the bidet and get extra-specially clean.
Do people in China use toilet paper? ›Unlike in developed countries, most public toilets in China do not provide toilet paper onsite and users must bring their toilet paper. Moreover, an open waste bin is placed in each user's cubicle to collect used toilet paper and tissues.
Do Germans use toilet paper? ›Unlike Americans, lo and behold, 60 % of Germans use toilet paper to wipe their noses. They also learned that 8% use TP to remove make up, 3% to clean children's faces and hands, and 7% to clean mirrors.
What countries use the most toilet paper? ›China uses over 4 billion miles of toilet paper each year – more than any other country. The average Portuguese person uses 643.36 miles of toilet paper in their lifetime – more than any other nationality.
How do you dry after a bidet? ›
Pat dry with toilet paper
Since you're already clean from your bidet, you won't need much toilet paper to do so–just enough to remove any excess water. Use a gentle pat-dry motion instead of a wipe to avoid any irritation. That's all there is to it.
In Indian culture this is considered a cleaner practice because of the use of water in order to wash the privates instead of toilet paper which may leave a residue.
Can you flush toilet paper in Egypt? ›While Americans in particular are used to flushing their used toilet paper down the pipe, they must break that habit if they are traveling to Turkey, Greece, Beijing, Macedonia, Montenegro, Morocco, Bulgaria, Egypt and the Ukraine in particular.
Can you flush toilet paper in France? ›Some higher class hotels have European-style flush toilets, but it should be fairly obvious which are which. France – Contrary to popular belief, many places in France have toilets that you can actually safely use and you'll be able to flush the paper. This isn't the 1980s you know.
Can you flush toilet paper in Greece? ›In most places throughout Greece you can't put toilet paper down the toilet. Instead, you must put your toilet paper in the bin beside the loo. So long as the bins are tightly closed and emptied daily, the health risks are minimal to anyone who uses this method.
Can you flush toilet paper in Rome? ›Can you flush toilet paper in Rome? Yes you can - there are European countries where this is still a no-go, but in Rome you can flush a small amount of toilet paper. Remember - never flush wet wipes!
Can you flush toilet paper in Vietnam? ›The same applies in Vietnam, where you'll often see a sign in toilets asking patrons not to flush toilet paper down the toilet. Primarily attributed to the inadequate plumbing systems and the threat of blockage, there will be a bidet shower (or bum gun) on hand to wash your derriere.
Can you flush toilet paper in Dominican Republic? ›Do not flush toilet paper down the toilet, remember to place toilet paper in trash. Communication: Cell phone service will be available in Santo Domingo. If you plan to use your cell phone service while abroad, we recommend contacting your cellular carrier about the global service plans offered.
Can you flush toilet paper in California? ›Toilets are not Trash Cans
Only human waste (urine and feces) and toilet paper should ever be flushed down the toilet. These common items should always be kept out of the toilet: Facial tissue (Kleenex)
To keep your internal pipes and your toilet healthy and clog-free, stick to flushing human waste and toilet paper (not too much!) down the toilet. The rest should be disposed of in your garbage.
Does Canada use toilet paper? ›
A new study has revealed that the average Canadian uses 630 km of toilet paper in their lifetime, putting the country in 11th place when it comes to global TP usage.
Why are there no seats on toilets in Italy? ›Most Italian public toilets don't have a toilet seat.
This has to do with maintenance. Since public toilets are often less than spotless, people often climb with their shoes on top of them, not to sit on a potentially dirty seat.
Some Korean bathrooms will have toilet paper outside the stalls. Some even have it outside the bathroom. And some just won't have any! So, it might be a better idea that you carry toilet paper with you!
Can you flush toilet paper Portugal? ›Re Toilet paper their are some bars & restaurants who will have notices asking you to not flush paper down the toilet but use the bin provided, this is because their sanitation system will be on a pump/macerator and paper etc will block the pump and stop it working. if there are no notices displayed use as normal.
Is it safe to flush toilet paper in Mexico? ›In Mexico, if there is a septic tank, it is probably far smaller than those in the United States—especially if it is in rural areas. Therefore, flushing toilet paper in Mexico would require the septic tank to be cleaned more frequently.
Do British use toilet paper? ›In the UK, most people use toilet paper to wipe themselves after they use the toilet. If you use toilet paper, only use what is necessary to clean yourself. Do not take reams and reams of toilet paper because it is wasteful and it can block the toilet (see below).
Why don t more Americans use bidets? ›Bidets haven't ever been widely embraced in American culture. A common origin story for this reluctance is that bidets were seen as lascivious because they were used in brothels as a form of emergency contraception.
What do the British call the toilet? ›Loo. Despite being a very British word for toilet, 'loo' is actually derived from the French phrase 'guardez l'eau', which means 'watch out for the water'.
Do they use toilet paper in Finland? ›Toilet paper preferences vary according to culture
Finns are special in that they also use yellow toilet paper. According to a survey by AC Nielsen, over one fifth of Finnish households also buys yellow paper. Germans differ from Nordic consumers by being more partial to scented and coloured grades.
For Indians, the use of toilet paper to clean the bottom is insufficient. It does not and cannot clean properly. Cleaning is not complete in the absence of water.
Why can't you flush toilet paper in Greece? ›
Don't flush toilet paper in Greece
There's a very simple explanation: Greek sewage pipes are approximately two inches (50mm) in diameter. American and British plumbing is twice as large (four inches/100mm). The Greek pipes just get clogged.
Beyond South and Southeast Asia, the use of water for self-cleaning is also common in the Middle East and Europe, where bidets shoot jets of water to clean your behind off instead of toilet paper.
Do people in Egypt use toilet paper? ›As you might expect, toilet paper is rarely provided except occasionally when a toilet attendant may give it to you for a small cost. Soap isn't very common either, and so carrying both toilet paper and a small bottle of hand sanitiser is a good practice to get into.
What is cowboy toilet paper? ›Cowboy's toilet paper is an invasive wildflower that is native to Eurasia and Africa. It is a biennial, meaning that it lives for two years. During the first year, it grows close to the ground as a basal rosette of leaves.
Why do Americans use toilet paper? ›In America, we use toilet paper for our hygiene, like cleaning up after using the bathroom, cleaning and clearing our noses, and more. Toilet paper is cheap, useful, and practical in our culture.
Why do American public bathrooms have gaps? ›They are there to replace soap, paper towels, maintain hand dryers, clean and sanitize fixtures and doors. So, leaving space for custodians and maintenance crews makes them happy. These openings also allow for air circulation in the restroom.
Do you flush toilet paper in Italy? ›Yes you can - there are European countries where this is still a no-go, but in Rome you can flush a small amount of toilet paper. Remember - never flush wet wipes!
Can you flush toilet paper in USA? ›These Items belong in the trash can. The only thing you should ever flush down a toilet is human waste (urine and feces) and toilet paper. Here's what you shouldn't flush: Bags / wrappings and cardboard.
Can Muslims use condoms? ›Use of things such as condom was never mentioned in the Quran. However, having sex before Nikkah (Zina) is equally frowned upon in Islam but if you'll like to do family planning with your legal partner, the use of condom is permissible.
What do Persians use instead of toilet paper? ›In Iran, the custom is to use water, either with or without toilet paper. No toilet papers in most of the public places, they have water which you can use to wash. If you really need the toilet paper it is better to have it with yourself and sometimes it is good to have a small soap for washing your hands.
Do Muslims use deodorant? ›
Self-grooming. Aside from being as clean (purified) as they are for prayer, male Muslims are expected to refrain from cutting their nails, and trimming their hair and beards. They must also not wear any scent, including deodorant.