Finding Toilets When Overseas

Surprisingly, tracking down decent public toilets in Europe can be more difficult at times then finding cheap airplane tickets, discount hotel rooms, or discount travel packages. Most European countries have a very limited supply of public restrooms.



The following are some tips on how to find public toilets in Europe:



• Know what to ask for. Requests for a "restroom" or "bathroom" will often get you a blank stare. However, asking for a "toilet" or "WC" (short for Water Closet) often results in the appropriate response. Travelers are recommended to bring their own tissues since many public toilets are poorly supplied.



• Never leave a museum or government building without visiting their restrooms. Like parents tell young children "It never hurts just to try."



• Almost any restaurant or café has bathrooms which are usually located somewhere in the back, either upstairs or downstairs. Sometimes tourists feel more comfortable using toilets in large restaurants with outdoor seating since waiters often think tourists are customers.



• American style fast food restaurants are common in Europe and often have decent restrooms. It is usually unnecessary to purchase something prior to visiting the restroom.



• Large, classy, older hotel lobbies have toilets tourists can use.



• Some large cities, including Amsterdam, London, and Paris offer coin operated telephone-booth-style toilets on street corners. Inserting a coin opens the door giving the person 15 minutes of toilet use. These toilets typically disinfect themselves after each use.



• Some cities offer free low-tech public urinals. In Munich there is a law that any place serving beer must give the public access to its toilets regardless of whether they are customers.



Be aware that often you will have to pay an attendant to use a public restroom. Considering the cost of water, maintenance, cleanliness and your need to go, it is worth a couple of coins. Sometimes the toilet is free, but the woman on the corner sells the toilet paper you will need.