But that got us wondering: Just how different are restrooms and water closets overseas from our own tried-and-true American bathrooms? So we did a little research, and we were honestly amazed at what we found.

Let’s take a look at the big and small ways that baths, toilets, and sinks are different around the world:

1.) Different Flushing Mechanisms

Where were you the first time you learned that a toilet drained differently depending on what hemisphere you were in? And while the science behind that may be a little questionable, it’s still pretty neat to think about: How many ways can there be to flush a toilet?

Apparently, there are more than a few. While two-speed flushing – which uses different amounts of water for solid or liquid waste – is gaining ground in the U.S., it has long been one of the default mechanisms for many toilets in Europe and Asia, which often use buttons, rather than plungers. In older toilets or “water closets” in Europe, you may also run into pull-down chains, rather than handles, and Great Britain is famous for its “pump toilets,” which a flushing handle “that doesn’t kick in unless you push it just right: too hard or too soft, and it won’t go,” according to travel expert Rick Steves.

2.) High Tech Conveniences at Home

We tend to have one or two basic types of commodes and only a handful of sink options here in the U.S., and none of them are too outrageous. In other parts of the world, however, toilets are far more high tech. Take Japanese personal toilets, for example, which may come with built-in, automatic heated seats, body scanners, remote controlled access, and multi-speed bidets (which use streams of water to help clean where the sun doesn’t shine).

3.) Public Toilets are More Public

While private toilets may be the height of luxury in many parts of the world, public toilets leave a lot to be desired compared to our American restrooms. To start, many public toilets in Europe, Asia, and Latin America, are paid, meaning that you’ll either have to pay upfront or else tip an expectant bathroom attendant.

That’s not all. While toilet stalls are more likely to be fully enclosed and more private in Europe, urinals in many other parts of the world are much less private than ours here, and you’re much more likely to use one common trough with one drain to help conserve water (or even use an outdoor pop-up toilet).

4.) Where’s the Water?

And speaking of saving water… In Turkey, the Middle East, and Latin America, American tourists are often shocked to encounter “squat” toilets, which Rick Steves describes as little more than a “a squat-and-aim hole.”

We tend to take properly running water for granted here in the States, when it’s a real luxury for many parts of the world. Even in similarly developed nations like Great Britain or France, don’t be surprised if your bathroom has much lower water pressure, and much less access to instant hot water.

5.) Does Size Matter?

This next part may sound like bragging, but it’s really just a reality: American bathrooms are big, even huge, compared to bathrooms in other parts of the world. Our homes’ restrooms are typically larger, with more emphasis on accessories and appliances like dual sinks or large bathtubs. We also just have more bathrooms in American homes: The average American home being built today has at least three bathrooms, compared to just one or two in Europe.

Do you have any crazy bathroom stories from your latest trip abroad? Any ideas for how to bring a little bit of international flair to an all-American commode? We’d love to hear from you! And remember, whenever anything goes wrong with your bathroom, kitchen, or HVAC, we’re here to help! Drop Combat Plumbing a line, day or night, for all of your Red Oakland plumbing needs.