Bathroom Etiquette Around the World So You Can Know Before You Go

In China and South Korea, you should bring your own toilet paper.

Bringing your own toilet paper is customary in some countries, such as China and South Korea. The biggest reason why toilet paper wouldn't be supplied in a public toilet is because of theft. Toilet paper theft was such a problem in China that authorities installed facial recognition software in some public restrooms during the late 2010s. It's best to travel with some tissue in your bag — you never know when you'll need it.

Outside the U.S., bidets are common.

Bidets are commonplace outside the U.S., especially throughout Europe, Asia, and parts of South America. The water cleansing fixture originated in France, so you can bet you'll find them in many a French bathroom still today. Bidets are not just preferred over toilet paper in many parts of the world, but they're also necessary where paper products are limited. Expect to use one if you use a public toilet in Italy, Portugal, Japan, Argentina, or Venezuela.