It’s always interesting to get an American’s take on Europe. This week’s topic is toilets. Seriously. Not everyone knows that we generally pay to use public toilets here. It was a shock to me at my first highway rest stop. I’d like to spare you the surprise.
You may read my recent rave about guys peeing in the streets, on cars, on the side of houses, and even in my garden. Well, it’s easy to understand when you realize people don’t always have pocket change. Don’t be that person.
I got such a kick out of Urinetown when it came to Brussels? Set in 2027, the 2001 musical is a satire about bureaucracy, capitalism, the legal system, local politics, and “social irresponsibility.” In it, there is a pay to pee requirement. Author Greg Kotis got the idea while traveling in Europe. Ah, no surprise there!
Call Them Toilets Not Bathrooms
When learning languages, one of the first phrases on your “must-know” list may be “where are the toilets?” You may see a puzzled look on people’s faces here if you ask for a bathroom. Call them toilets, not bathrooms. A bathroom is where you go to take a bath.
Europeans don’t understand all the fuss about bathrooms in the US. And they are pleasantly surprised that most of them are free. They shake their heads about the controversy over male/female/transexual bathrooms. Here in Europe, toilets are often unisex. For example, women and men used the same toilets at my workplace. The same is true at some restaurants. As an American, I find it a bit odd. I just don’t feel comfortable walking past men at urinals as I meander to the toilet stalls. Call me old-fashioned.
Pay to Pee
The cost to answer the call of nature is generally €0.50 (about 55 cents). At many roadside stops or transport stations, you get a discount coupon to use in the shop, so there can be a return on investment. Sometimes for a bit more money, you get a more upmarket experience.
What’s the difference between a 50-cent charge and a €1 charge? Take a look at the toilets at Gare du Nord in Paris for an example. Toilets were spotless, with staff cleaning up after every user. Stalls have doors that reach the floors and decorative wallpaper with scenes ranging from a cozy restaurant to an elegant theatre. Over the sink, a soap dispenser is thoughtfully positioned over the trash, so if it drips, it will fall into the tiny bin below. Just wave your hand in front of the sensor for water and again for soap. It’s easy and hygienic, which is especially important with lingering concerns over COVID-19.
Travel Tips
Dear traveler, I never thought I’d be sharing toilet tips for visitors and newbies! The lesson here is to have lots of euro coins with you. If you dine at a restaurant, you can answer the call of nature for free, but in other places, you’ll need to pay to pee. Be prepared.
My American sister-in-law only had euro notes on a recent trip to Germany. She got change for €5 from a vendor next to the toilets. The woman tending the toilets was nowhere to be seen, so we dutifully put 50 cents each on the table outside the facilities. It is an honor system, and people here generally follow the rules. Just be sure to stash away a fee euro coins for those trips to the loo.
