How to Use a Squat Toilet

You know you’re a long way from Kansas when you journey to Southeast Asia and a visit to the bathroom holds an unfamiliar sight.  You think to yourself "Where’s the toilet? Where’s the toilet paper?"  It is very likely for you to encounter a squat toilet, or a ‘squatty potty’ in Asia and Africa.  

Just a little background before we begin... Squat toilets were around before flush toilets were invented in 1596.  The toilet paper is also a modern day invention that became popular in 1900’s.  Squatting is an ancient practice and many people find that it is the most natural way to go.    

Although the explicit instructions might leave you feeling uncomfortable, it sure beats the embarrassment of walking away with messy clothes. Here are a few tips to help navigate this unfamiliar territory.

• Always pack toilet paper, hand sanitizer or sanitary wipes and a plastic bag in your backpack or handbag.  Even if the squat toilet is flushable, toilet paper can clog it.  Squat toilets are designed only for bodily excretions.  You will see later what to do with the toilet paper, plastic bag and hand sanitizer.

• Pour a little water in the toilet before you begin.  This will make it easier to clean the surface when you’re done.  There should be a bucket of water inside the stall.

• Roll up your pant legs, pull up your skirt.  Guys, take your wallet out of your backpocket.  Do not let your clothes touch the floor.  If they get in the way, they will get soiled.  Aim for the hole and make sure everything lands in said hole.  Use the onion pose from your weekly yoga class a template. Or roll up on the balls of your feet. Whatever your technique, be careful not to lean back too far.  

• If you have toilet paper, use it.  If you were remiss, use your right hand to pour the water on yourself and use your left hand to wash the anus.  This is why people in Asia and the Middle East don’t shake hands or eat with their left hands.  It’s the ass wiping hand.  Then place the used toilet paper in the plastic bag and dispose of it in a garbage can outside.  Use the hand sanitizer to cleanse. 

• If it’s a flushable toilet, then push the button or pull the string.  If it’s not, pour the water into the toilet until all your business is gone.  

Mastering the squat toilet will save you from a lot of embarrassment, awkward conversations and stomach pains.  You will feel like a liberated world traveler!

About the Author: Diana O'Gilvie likes to see the whimsy in travel. As a flight attendant for a major airline she's an avid traveler and observer.  Follow her blog, Traveler Writer Filmaker as she regales encounters with passengers and other travel stories. You may also follow Diana on Twitter @travelwritefilm and on Facebook.