a link close to my heart

[cakeinoz]

Someone has done a thorough post on the toilet options in Paris. Having just visited the continent a few weeks ago, I was reminded almost immediately of their stupid charges for using public loos. It's especially annoying when you're coming from a non-Euro-using country, and you've got to get change for a large note from a surly Belgian toilet

Comments

[annette09]

I had no idea you had to pay to use the toilet in Europe. I guess any comments you've made in the past with regard to this just flew past my head. It boggles my mind for this to be done. Is this just another version of a tax? And what do they do about small children and their need to go to the bathroom lots, whether they really need to or not? Do the parents have them do their business outside or tell them to hold it? Or constantly go to McDonalds? You learn something new everyday.

[cakeinoz]

yes! Department stores, many museums and restaurants (though most decent restaurants will waive this for patrons, if you're in the tourist districts it might not be the case), highway rest stops (wtf that's almost their entire purpose!) etc. McDonalds locations in tourist areas will charge you, or sometimes allow you in if you can provide a receipt.

I wish I could explain to them that people with children, for example, are far more likely to patronise their establishments if they know they don't have to pay every time the child needs a wee.

Also, the UK seems to be the opposite, with free loos everywhere. The exception to this might be a few places in London, but honestly I can't think of any offhand.

[mambahowell]

It is definitely nice to be back in the States and not have to pay to use public toilets! One time we were at a rest area on the autobahn with a LOOONG line for the bathrooms. I paid and went through the turnstile, not realizing I was also supposed to take a ticket to give to someone farther down the line. Lucky for me I had my two year old with me who was doing the potty dance and a worker took pity on us and led me to a janitor's WC.

[cakeinoz]

haha! I remember using those style toilets once or twice. They're difficult enough to figure out without a 2 year old in tow.

I'm one of those few people who doesn't mind the stark, near-outdoors experience of those road stop loos in Germany where they're the sort you'd find in a park or something. They're self-service, freezing in the winter, minimal (if any) lighting, and frankly a bit scary, but at least as clean as the ones with the begging attendants at the proper rest stops!