When you gotta go, you gotta go.
Like most people, public restrooms are not my first choice
for bio-breaks or even the second choice. But when you don't have a choice and
nature is calling loudly, then you can plan your international travel based on
the best and worst destinations for public restroom cleanliness.
When it comes to hygiene standards in public restrooms,
experiences can vary widely from country to country.
During the pandemic, advisors suggested that travelers bring
small bars of soap, a bottle of water to wash their hands, travel-size packs of
toilet seat covers, paper towels, hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes into a
restroom.
Today, and any day, using unclean toilets in foreign
countries can expose travelers to various diseases and illnesses like
gastroenteritis, traveler's diarrhea (TD), giardiasis and other bacterial or
fungal infections.
Restroom Hygiene Scores by Country
While the risk of contracting diseases from unclean toilets
exists, being aware of potential hazards and taking preventive measures can
significantly reduce your risk. Always prioritize hygiene and safety when
traveling to ensure a healthy and enjoyable experience.
The following destinations are known for having some of the
best and worst public toilet facilities in terms of cleanliness.
Destinations with the Best Toilets for Cleanliness
- Japan-
Japan is renowned for its clean and high-tech toilets, often featuring
bidets, heated seats, and self-cleaning functions. Public restrooms are
generally well-maintained.
- Germany-
Germany has a reputation for cleanliness, and public toilets are usually
well-kept. Many facilities require a small fee, which contributes to their
maintenance.
- Sweden-
Public toilets in Sweden are typically clean and well-maintained. Many are
equipped with modern amenities.
- Singapore-
Known for its strict cleanliness standards, Singapore has clean and
well-maintained public toilets, often with attendants ensuring
hygiene.
- South
Korea- South Korea offers clean public toilets, many equipped with
high-tech features, similar to those in Japan.
- Finland-
Public restrooms in Finland are generally clean and well-maintained,
reflecting the country’s high standards of public hygiene.
- Switzerland-
Switzerland is known for its cleanliness; public restrooms are typically
well-kept and hygienic.
- Netherlands-
Public toilets in major cities tend to be clean and well-maintained, with
many facilities requiring a small fee.
- Australia-
Australia generally has clean public restrooms, especially in urban areas
and tourist destinations.
- New
Zealand- New Zealand is known for its clean public facilities, including
restrooms, especially in tourist areas.
Destinations with the Worst Toilets for Cleanliness
- India
- Public toilets can vary widely in cleanliness, and many facilities may
be poorly maintained. It's advisable to use facilities in hotels or
reputable establishments.
- Egypt
- Many public toilets in Egypt may lack cleanliness and proper
maintenance, especially in rural areas.
- Mexico
- While some tourist areas have decent facilities, public restrooms can be
hit or miss, and cleanliness is often lacking.
- Indonesia
- Public toilets may be poorly maintained, particularly outside major
tourist areas. Expect varying levels of cleanliness.
- Morocco
- Many public restrooms can be quite basic and may not meet high
cleanliness standards, especially in rural areas.
- Brazil
- Public toilets can be inconsistent in cleanliness, with many facilities
lacking proper maintenance in less touristy areas.
- Vietnam
- Public toilets may not always meet cleanliness standards, especially in
less developed areas. It's advisable to use facilities in hotels or larger
establishments.
- Turkey
- Many public restrooms, especially in rural areas, can be less clean and
poorly maintained.
Poor hygiene practice in local restaurants (and their
restrooms) is likely the most significant contributor to the risk for TD,
according to John Hopkins Medicine. This is especially true in the
developing countries of Africa, the Middle East, Latin America and Asia.
There’s lesser risk in Eastern Europe, South Africa and the Caribbean, and low
risk in Northern and Western Europe, Japan, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and
the United States.
Don’t Let TD Flush Your Trip
Traveler’s diarrhea hits international travelers harder
because they don’t have immunity to the germs in the country they are visiting.
The climate and the sanitary systems might be different, allowing bacterial
pathogens, intestinal viruses and protozoal pathogens easier access to your
water, food — and gastrointestinal system.
Travelers should obtain travel protection that includes
medical advisory services so they can call whenever they have a medical
question during travels. It’s essential to ask for help immediately before the
situation or the symptoms worsen. If travelers wait to call until their
gastrointestinal issue becomes unbearable, they might lose more time on the
trip and possibly risk their health. A spreading rash or troublesome
gastrointestinal issues while traveling can make any trip uncertain and the
next leg of a journey a stressful expectation.
Stephanie Diamond is a veteran
international human resources expert and VP Human of Capital Management for Global Rescue,
the leading provider of medical, security, evacuation, medical advisory and
travel risk management services.
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