Toilet Index: what to expect from toilets abroad
Sources: Environmental Management Administration, Ministry of Environment, 環境部環境管理署 (Environmental Management Administration, Ministry of Environment), 環境部環境管理署 (Environmental Management Administration, Ministry of Environment), Taipei City Government
Public toilets mix seated and squat stalls. An October 2020 government count put seated stalls at about 44% in listed public toilets.
Varies by venueWhere this applies: Listed public toilets nationwide (October 2020 count, excluding accessible and family toilets)
The share differed by area in that count: about 69% seated in Taipei City, and about a third in Nantou, Pingtung and Tainan.
Varies by venueWhere this applies: Listed public toilets, by county and city (October 2020 count)
The environment ministry is adding seated toilets step by step, and says squat toilets will be kept as a choice rather than removed.
Where this applies: Public toilets
In Taipei, listed public toilets must show the toilet type on the outside of each stall door, so you can choose before you open it.
Where this applies: Taipei City listed public toilets
Taipei Metro says all its public restrooms are accessible to disabled and mobility-impaired passengers.
Where this applies: Taipei Metro stations
Every high-speed rail station has a family toilet with a child-size toilet. On trains, car 7 has the accessible toilet.
Where this applies: Taiwan High Speed Rail stations and trains
If you need a seat: If you need a seat, look for the accessible toilet (無障礙廁所): a 2020 government study expects accessible and family toilets to be mainly seated. In Taipei, the sign on each stall door shows the toilet type. The environment ministry asks users to give way to people who need a seated toilet.
Accessible toilets: not covered yet.
In Taipei, listed public toilets must have a paper holder in each stall and supply toilet paper.
Where this applies: Taipei City listed public toilets
Some public toilets have a vending machine outside. National guidance says these should sell flushable toilet paper rather than facial tissues.
Varies by venueWhere this applies: Public toilets with a vending machine outside
National guidance tells public toilet operators to stock paper that meets the flushable standard, CNS 1091.
Where this applies: Public toilets
Flush used toilet paper, in moderate amounts. Taiwan's environment ministry says it breaks up in water and does not block toilets.
Where this applies: Public toilets
Do not flush facial tissues, paper towels, wet wipes or sanitary pads: the ministry says they do not break up. Put them in the bin.
Where this applies: Public toilets
You may still see used paper in stall bins. The ministry says people in Taiwan have long binned it, and it is campaigning to change the habit.
Where this applies: Public toilets
Read the sign in the stall. National guidance asks for one saying 衛生紙丟入馬桶 (flush toilet paper); Taipei requires a sign saying whether paper may be flushed.
Varies by venueWhere this applies: Public toilet stalls; the Taipei rule covers the city's listed public toilets
An older government leaflet says not to flush paper where pipes are old or substandard. Current guidance drops that, but obey a sign that says to use the bin.
Varies by venueWhere this applies: Older buildings that post a do-not-flush sign
Under national guidance, men's stalls have no bin; other stalls and shared areas have a lidded bin for sanitary products.
Where this applies: Public toilets
Unsure about the seat? The ministry asks listed public toilets to supply alcohol, seat disinfectant or paper seat covers: spray, wipe or cover first.
Where this applies: Listed public toilets with seated toilets
Taipei requires grab bars and a help bell inside each stall of a listed public toilet. Taipei Metro says each station restroom has a Help button.
Where this applies: Taipei City listed public toilets; Taipei Metro stations
For hand washing, Taipei requires a basin, soap, and paper towels or a hand dryer. High-speed rail washrooms list basins, soap dispensers and hand dryers.
Where this applies: Taipei City listed public toilets; Taiwan High Speed Rail washrooms
On Taipei Metro, ask station staff: you can pass the service gate free of charge to use a restroom on either side of the ticket gates.
Where this applies: Taipei Metro stations
Taipei Metro restrooms have sanitary pad vending machines: one NT$10 coin buys two. Information counters give one pad free in an emergency.
Where this applies: Taipei Metro stations
To find a public toilet, search 'find public restroom' on your phone or use the ministry's Environment Info Push app. Listings show type, facilities and hours.
Where this applies: Listed public toilets
Taiwan had more than 45,000 listed public restrooms at the end of 2024. Each is graded once a year, and a QR code lets users report problems.
Where this applies: Listed public toilets
Public toilets are listed as men's (男廁), women's (女廁), accessible (無障礙廁所), family (親子廁所) or all-gender (性別友善廁所).
Where this applies: Listed public toilets
Taipei's rules are city rules for listed public toilets in parks, stations, department stores, convenience stores, temples, tourist sights and similar places.
Varies by venueWhere this applies: Taipei City
High-speed trains also carry a women-only toilet.
Where this applies: Taiwan High Speed Rail trains
Seen something different in Taiwan? Email us what changed, where and when you saw it.
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