Okay, we admit it – even though our portable toilets are made to the highest standards of hygiene and comfort, nothing quite beats your own loo at home, does it? If you have ever travelled abroad, you may have experienced some of the weird and wonderful variations on the kind of toilets we’re used to. Here’s a round-up of different toilet etiquette and experiences from around the world. Some will definitely get a traveler pining for their bathroom at home!

Paying to use public toilets

Isn’t the main purpose of public toilets, to serve the public? Without having to go into a private business and pay for the privilege, public toilets are supposed to ensure that our right to privacy, dignity and hygiene is adhered to. And how annoying is it when you don’t have the right change? You can find this unfair practice in some places across Europe and South America.

Squat Toilets

These are common across many developing countries. In Western, developed countries, we tend to find the idea quite off-putting. However, there are some positives. There is no skin-to-seat contact. If you’ve ever visited an unhygienic bathroom, you’ll appreciate that. If you’re going to be squatting over a dirty toilet seat, you may as well squat over a hole which is actually easier! The fact there is no water also means there is no bacteria- infested splash back, either. However, these toilets are notoriously smelly. They also require an excellent balancing act – one slip up could be a very messy disaster!

Festival Portable Toilets

Yes, we supply portable toilets for outdoor events such as music festivals. Our toilets arrive in mint condition. However, there’s no pretending that they stay that way after thousands of muddy, sweaty, possibly inebriated revelers have used them! Across the festival circuit, using portable toilets can be a challenging experience.

Toilets without a ’2-seat” System

In South and Central America it is common for toilets not to have the seat that we’re used to in the UK. This can be difficult when you’re in one of those situations that require a sit down. Especially if the toilet is pretty filthy, as is often the case!

Toilets on Traveling Vehicles

Wherever you are – this one is tricky! Swerving, speed bumps, abrupt stops. Need we saw more?

No flushing toilet paper – Please put it in the bins provided

Some places, particularly developing countries, simply do not have the sewage infrastructure to handle toilet paper. This can lead to some embarrassing experiences if you’re sharing a hotel bathroom!

Japan – the ultimate toilets

All of the above examples relate to difficult, messy experiences with toilets. However, Japan seems to have the antidote. They have developed toilets which outshine the humble loo of the UK.

From seat warmers to buttons that create a flushing noise for the express purpose of muffling any embarrassing noises that you may cause, these toilets put ours to shame!