A squat toilet is not an emergency and does not require athletic skill, but it is easier when you know where to place your feet and what to do with loose clothing. Prepare tissue before entering the stall and keep your phone secured.
Before choosing a stall
Many public toilets have both squat and sitting toilets. Look for a door symbol showing the fixture. An accessible stall may contain a sitting toilet, but keep it available for people who need it if another suitable option exists.
请问这里有坐便器吗？
Pronunciation: Qingwen zheli you zuobianqi ma?
Excuse me, is there a sitting toilet here?
Set up before you squat
- Take tissue out of your bag before touching anything else.
- Put your phone in a zipped pocket or bag, not on a ledge.
- Roll or hold wide trouser legs, long coats, skirts and loose straps away from the floor.
- Place one foot on each textured footrest, facing the raised hood or plumbing end.
- Lower yourself steadily. Use a wall rail if one is provided; do not pull on pipes.
After using it
Flushing controls vary: floor pedal, wall button, sensor or a lever near the tank. Step away before flushing if the water flow is strong. If there is a bin beside the toilet and signage asks you to use it, follow the local instruction; otherwise ordinary toilet tissue is generally intended for the toilet. Never flush wipes, sanitary products or other rubbish.
What to carry
- Pocket tissues.
- Hand sanitizer.
- A small sealable bag for personal waste if no bin is available.
- A clip or elastic for loose clothing.
If balance is difficult
Do not force it. Ask for a sitting toilet, use an accessible facility when appropriate, or try a larger shopping mall, hotel, airport, railway station or modern restaurant. Travel companions should wait nearby without blocking the entrance.
FAQ
Which direction should I face?
Usually toward the raised hood, plumbing or flush mechanism. The footrests indicate the intended position.
Can I place luggage inside the stall?
Keep it on a hook if one is secure. Do not leave valuables outside unattended, and do not put a suitcase where it blocks the door.
Will there be toilet paper?
Not always. Some facilities place a shared dispenser near the entrance rather than inside each stall.