Bathroom experts have warned over surprising rules travellers should be aware of when travelling to different countries. UK tourists risk fines have been warned they face fines and strict punishments for breaking the loo rules by experts at Wholesale Domestic.
CEO Brian Toward commented on the research, saying to BirminghamLive today (Wednesday): “The lack of knowledge around certain toilet etiquette rules in different countries and cultures can lead to unpleasant surprises for travellers.”
Mr Toward went on and added: “Although speaking about these rules might seem taboo, understanding them is important to navigate local customs respectfully and avoid embarrassing misunderstandings, helping your holiday go smoother.”
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Not flushing a public toilet in Singapore is considered a crime, and if you’re caught in the act you could face a fine of over $150 (approximately £120) and a potential prison sentence if you fail to pay, the experts have warned.
In China and South Korea, you won’t always find toilet rolls in public bathrooms, so it’s advisable to carry some in your bag before heading out for the day. This shortage isn’t due to negligence, but rather an issue with theft. In Beijing, some toilets even use high-tech facial recognition to combat toilet roll theft. Toilet paper is found behind a dispenser that will only release more paper after a certain amount of time has passed.
Some Asian countries like Singapore, Thailand, China and India have squat toilets which are holes in the ground with steps on each side to place your feet, the experts have gone on to advise. Although it may be a shock at first and certainly takes some getting used to, squatting when you go to the bathroom, in contrast to sitting down, is actually known to be better for your health as it helps your muscles relax more.