The funniest toilets & strange rituals abroad

Finding a toilet abroad can be a challenge, but using it (especially for women) is definitely another. There are so many rituals and cultural differences, you just keep wondering. Here are the funniest toilets, toilet signs and strange rituals I encountered abroad.

The first obstacle is knowing what it's called in the foreign language. Words like 'toilet' or 'restroom' do not always work. If you are lucky, 'comfort room' or 'ladies room' will get you to the right place. Other than that it's up to your pronunciation and hand signals. My most effective signal is putting my hands on my hips and pretend to put down my pants while preforming a squad. Quick, easy and laughs quaranteed - the crazy Dutch way! :)

Anyway, once you enter the area it can be quite an adventure. Of course, as female travelers know, it's useful to bring your own toilet paper or tissues. For the Dutch, but in many other countries as well, a toilet bowl with a toilet seat is common. Some complimentary toilet paper, paper to cover the toilet seat and/or or sanitizer spray will make it even more hygienic in public toilets, but let's keep things realistic. What if there's nothing more than a hole in little room?

Good luck with these ones! Rural toilet and no hole to find in the toilet.

The squad toilet.

The squad toilet, as they call the toilets with just a hole in the floor, is common in Asia. If you don't know how to squad, this won't be the best place to learn. But, after a few rounds of practicing you'll get a proper technique without cleaning your pants and shoes afterwards... Luckily there is often a water hose on the wall so you can rinse yourself bidet-style. If you're lucky there's a hook on the wall to hang your bag, a jacket or anything else you're holding. Other than that it is just hoping the people before you didn't water the whole area so it's slippery when you try to squad and keep yourself dry.

How lovely to be able to speak with each other, ancient Rome style.

Then there's also something in between; a toilet bowl without a toilet seat - never got that purpose. For me it was about getting used to squad toilets. For squad toilet users it's about getting used to seated toilets... and it's not easy for them either. Luckily they put up some signs to explain how (not to) use a seated toilet.