Not necessary - Americans are astonished by German toilet fees
We are used to it in this way. When we are on a long car trip and the bladder presses, we look for small change as a first priority. Then we run to the restrooms at a rest stop - the money purse firmly in hand. Peeing on the road costs, but not always the same amount. We've learned this on all the trips where a barrier has prevented us from easing the burden.
People outside Europe, especially from the USA, are used to it differently, as a Washington Post article explains. To prevent "culture shock," travel editor Andrea Sachs tells her fellow Americans what they can expect in terms of public restrooms during a transatlantic journey.
More Toilets than in the USA – but against money
And that's a good thing to start with. In Europe, there are significantly more public toilets than in the USA, Sachs tells her curious readers. And the reason for the fee is simply the service, she explains. In cities with high tourist traffic, cafes, bars, and restaurants deny entry to those who don't consume anything. The friendly toilet attendant, who spends her days in a quiet corner, lives not only on tips.
So one must resort to a public toilet. The operators, such as municipalities or communities, must cover both the equipment and its cleanliness. At train stations, the fee for using the restroom is often already one Euro. In London, Sachs reports, it's different - the various railway companies make their toilets available for free. However, she warns, these toilets come with risks, such as a lack of safety, hygiene, and functional equipment, according to the business manager of the British Toilet Association.
At least there's a secret tip
For people who neither want to pay nor consume anything, Sachs has a secret tip: "Travel experts recommend shopping malls, restaurants, and cafes that are so large or spacious that no one notices if you slip in to use the restroom." One of these travel experts is Rick Steves, who released the book "Europe through the Back Door" at the beginning of the year. He also recommends "restaurants with outdoor seating or fast-food places" as an alternative. "You don't have to buy a soda or fries," he suggests.
You could easily try this tip as Europeans.
Source: "The Washington Post"
- During our car trip, if the need to use the bathroom arises and we're in the United States, we might encounter a situation where we need to pay, as mentioned in a Washington Post article.
- After exploring various options, travel editor Andrea Sachs suggests visiting large shopping malls, restaurants, or cafes in Europe as a secret tip to avoid paying for using the bathroom.
- While exploring Europe, if we find ourselves in need of a restroom and want to avoid paying, we could consider visiting a spacious restaurant or café, as suggested by travel expert Rick Steves, who offers advice in his book "Europe through the Back Door."
