Taiwanese baths
Taiwan is a developed nation and Taipei is a very modern, developed and adapted city. This being true, there are still some things from the past that have been held up culturally. The bathroom and the clothes used to use it are no exception to this. This article will walk you through the bathing process in Taiwan and what to expect so you don’t have any nasty surprises!
One of your first big surprises when in Taiwan will surely come when you are in a hurry and walk into the bathroom only to see a hole in the floor. Congratulations, he just had his first encounter with the Squatty potty. The stubby potty is a normal acquaintance for most Taiwanese, however it may take some getting used to for others. When you come across the first one, don’t panic, just try to do your best.
You will come across this type of receptacle mostly when you are out of the main city, in smaller unfamiliar areas, or in small restaurants. Use your best judgment and don’t get discouraged. If you’re eating at an alleyway night market diner and come across a stubby potty, you should be expecting it. On the other hand, well-established restaurants, buildings, and other places usually have Western-type facilities. In fact, most of the toilets and buildings in Taipei are now equipped with Western-style toilets for both men and women. Typically when you enter most buildings you will find a combination of western style toilets and squat potties available.
The culture of the squat potty.
The ancient cultural belief that sitting on a toilet was unsanitary and dreadful is still remembered. This surprises many in stark contrast to the fact that many Westerners think of the stubby-style toilet as a more primitive and unsanitary system. Just one of the interesting cultural treasures that you are sure to discover while in Taiwan! Although this kind of method and custom is still very important in the country, many Taiwanese have now become accustomed to using Western-style toilets, and they can be found in most places.
Another interesting cultural feature in Taiwan is the toilet cleaners. We are grateful to have them here as public restrooms tend to maintain a certain level of cleanliness, however sometimes this comes at the cost of a bit of a surprise. Gentlemen, if when using the bathroom and a woman walks in behind you, don’t be alarmed, most likely she is just the cleaning lady. That’s right, there is no gender discrimination when it comes to the cleanliness of the public restrooms here! Many of the public toilet cleaners are women and do not hesitate to finish their work if the facilities are in use. Just go about your business and try not to smile and laugh a lot, this is a normal thing for you now!
toilet paper
No matter what type of toilet system you come across, there is one thing you absolutely need to be aware of. Taipei is an old city and the sanitary systems used are still quite outdated. Because of this, the most common thing is NOT TO THROW TOILET PAPER. There is a trash can next to each bathroom and it is not there for show. If you use toilet paper, throw it in the bin and NOT IN THE TOILET. The paper will clog the toilet and drain and cause big trouble for everyone. Just fold your used toilet paper and dispose of it in the basket. Your cooperation will be appreciated by all!
Helpful tips
Carry a small pack of tissues with you for emergencies. It’s not uncommon to come across a shabby bathroom if you’re outside the city center, and it’s even more common if you’re traveling outside of the capital, Taipei.
Sometimes bathrooms may charge you a fee for use or charge for toilet paper. If this is the case, there is usually a wall mounted vending machine that you can shop at. Something to think about before you jump in and get caught up in a stinky situation (literally). Don’t forget, ALWAYS CHECK THE TOILET PAPER BEFORE USING!!!!
Check for hooks. Sometimes the positions have them, sometimes they don’t. If you have valuables that you don’t want to put on the floor, find a hook on the back of the door or on the cubicle wall. If it’s not there, it may have been dropped. Head on over to the next stall and hope for better luck!
Hand sanitizer and/or hand soap. In addition to poor maintenance and a lack of toilet paper in the bathrooms, soap dispensers are sometimes overlooked. It’s a good idea to have a small portable bottle of hand sanitizer or soap just in case. This can be a great way to kill germs just from being in town all day!