How to use a squat toilet. (Go on; you know you wanted to ask).  

So, you’re going to Asia? Traveling to India? Nepal? Or anywhere else in the world that uses toilets?  You need to know how to use a squat toilet. 

Here are some essential tips on technique (and a blunt version of what to expect).  

Because let’s not beat around the bush.  We all need to use the toilet.  And the idea of using a squat toilet has already crossed your mind.  

But now, before we start, we don’t want you to freak out. Don’t panic that squat toilets are the be all and end all.  They aren’t. And they are not the only toilet encounter you will experience in India.  

With confidence, I can say that your hotel will have a western-style toilet with toilet paper.  A beautiful toilet in fact (see below).  And sometimes you might get the added luxury of both options in your hotel bathroom.  (Take note as it could be your chance to practice). 

The truth is that squat toilets are less common these days than you might be thinking. But in India or Nepal, a squat toilet can be sometimes be encountered in a bus terminal, train station or in more remote public toilets.     

So let’s get into it. Here is everything you need to know about how to use a squat toilet with confidence. 

What are squat toilets?

A squat toilet (or squatting toilet) is simply a toilet that is used in the squatting position, rather than in a sitting position. 

This means that the posture for using the toilet is assumed by placing one foot on each side of the toilet drain and squatting over it. 

Why do they have squat toilets? 

Quite simply, this is how it has been done for generations.

Many cultures believe it is more hygienic this way in a public setting. And some medical experts believe this is a healthier way to do things.

This is common practice in Asia. 

How to recognize a squat toilet? What does it look like?

You will know instantly. But in the meantime, behold our prized collection of photographs of squat toilets. (Just kidding, there is quite a range, but here is a start).

• Tip: Sometimes in public toilets where there are multiple cubicles it is worth checking as there may be one western-style toilet available. The choice is yours.

Instructions for how to use a squat toilet

Alright, it’s time.  Here is the full breakdown on how to use a squat toilet in India. 

And remember – this is to prepare you for any situation or threatening embarrassment when you are out and about and you weren’t expecting it.

Your hotel will have a western-style toilet in India, Nepal, Pakistan, Morocco – pretty much anywhere you are travelling.

1. Prepare yourself

What can I say here… 

You’re the one who forgot to go before you left the hotel. Now is the time to be prepared.

Read ahead and learn how to use a squat toilet successfully.

It does take a bit of practice.  But remember people have been it this way for millennia. 

2. Don’t assume using the toilet is free

Most aren’t. How it often works in public toilets and even larger restaurants and bus and train stations is that the toilets are manned by an attendant.

The attendant is responsible for cleaning (this term is debatable) and restocking the toilets (with water; not TP).

• Tip: Assume you have to pay. (The attendant is likely not employed but works on tips).

It won’t be much. And they may generously give you toilet paper if it is available that day.

But to save embarrassment if you are leaving the group and heading for the toilet, have some small change in your hand. 

A small tip and a smile and thank you goes a long way for a not-so-glamorous but essential job like this.

3. BYO TP 

This is code for Bring.Your.Own.Toilet.Paper.

Unless you are used to a bidet shower (more about that later) then the best advice without doubt that comes with instructions for how to use a squat toilet is to bring your own toilet paper.

• Tip: Always assume there is no toilet paper.

On a serious note (practical note?) remember that much of Asia doesn’t use toilet paper.

Many countries use water instead of toilet paper. (More about the bidet shower below in the emergency situation that you do get caught out without toilet paper).

Always carry toilet paper. 

4. Walk carefully.  Don’t slip. 

Be prepared for wet floors.  

Consider your shoes. (Seriously).

Squat toilets are most commonly washed out (seriously, the entire floor and surrounding area is often washed and wet at the same time). You do need to be careful not to slip.

More about the washing and flushing later but right now take care and walk carefully. 

5. Position yourself

First, you are wondering which way to face.  The answer to that is that you face the door.  (IF there is a door).  

Next, there will be two planks or foot grids either side of the toilet hole.

Turn around, face the door (or at least confirm that when in squatting position you’re directly placed over the hole).

Assume a squat position. 

To crouch or squat flat-footed? This is up to you. The toilet is designed for a flat-footed stance, but this is not easily achieved without practice.

And on this note there is no shame (in fact we recommend it) practicing a squat position in your hotel room. Just get yourself comfortable and relax. Practice this a few times before the real deal.

Aim your armpits for your knees and get your balance.

• Tip: And a bit of added advice for positioning on a squat toilet. Trust the foot grids. It is where you are supposed to be.

 6. Aim (and concentrate).

Go. Do your business. And do remember to aim with courtesy.

It does take practice. 

And you will get better. 

As a helpful hint; (girls) the further back you are the better.  

7. Wiping or rinsing?

Now this step is important.  (Up until now, the process is technically the same as on a western style toilet). 

But going back to the second step about toilet paper; you do need to assume that not all toilets (hardly any) have toilet paper available.

And not all squat toilets flush.

You have two options after using the toilet: 

1. Use toilet paper and put it in the small bin or basket in the corner.  (You won’t need to look far for this as it is definitely contributing to the smell).  
2. Or if you are caught out (the aforementioned emergency) you can use the bidet shower or bucket of water provided (unless you are prepared to lose an item of clothing). 

Now, about the bidet shower. This is also known as a commode shower, toilet shower, bum shower, shatafa (Arabic) or bum gun.

It is a hand-held triggered nozzle that is placed near the toilet and delivers a spray of water used for anal cleansing and cleaning of the genitals after using the toilet.

If there is no bidet shower available the only other option is to use the small bucket of water provided. (Wishing you good luck with that).

8. Flushing (or not) 

Not all squat toilets flush.  In fact, I’d give a safe estimate that it’s proportionately less than a quarter.  

 So, what do you do now? 

This is one of those questions about how to use a squat toilet that no one really wants to ask and thus it is just not talked about. 

But relax.  The process is in essence the same.  The toilet needs to be flushed manually. 

There will be (hopefully) a small pail or bucket of water in the toilet cubicle. Often a tap is left dripping into a small bucket. This is your water to flush the toilet.

Take the bucket and tip it towards the toilet basin. You may need to refill it for several flushes.

• Tip: It is also courteous to wash the water over the immediate surrounding area (but do this in the direction of the toilet so it doesn’t wash back out at you).

Replace the bucket back under the tap and leave it to fill for the next person.

9. Leave it as you found it

Just as in any public toilet common courtesy will be appreciated. Leave it as you found it. And remember, if this is somebodies home or toilet, do be respectful.

It is likely very different to anything you’ve seen before but they are also likely shy to let you use it in the first place. Don’t make them feel embarrassed.

And hey, how relieved do you feel now anyway?

10. THE END.

No doubt you are feeling relieved (haha) and quite proud of yourself by this stage. Well done. You are now an expert and know how to use a squat toilet.

And PS. You never have to talk about this to anyone.

Some additional tips for how to use a squat toilet 

Money and phones in pockets are not a good idea.

• Tip: Empty your pockets before using a squat toilet. (No further explanation needed, really).

Be respectful. Whether you are using a toilet in someone’s home or thanking the attendant at a public toilet, toilets in general are not something we like to talk much about.

But in your time of need you will be eternally grateful for the opportunity (despite never talking about it again).

And the next best advice really is just to get out there and practice!  

More about travel planning for India and beyond…

These are the companies we use while traveling fulltime as a family and that we would recommend to anyone planning and booking travel. 

• Booking.com – The best all-around accommodation booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation and it’s easy to filter and sort into price and availability with all the extras you are looking for personally. 
• Hostelworld – The largest inventory of hostel accommodation in the world. 
• Skyscanner – This is by far our favourite flight search engine. They are able to search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites often miss. We book all our flights through Skyscanner.  
• GetYourGuide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions offered all around the world including everything from walking tours, to street-food tours, cooking classes, desert safari’s and more!
• World Nomads – Travel insurance tailored for longterm travel and nomads (including those who have already left home). 

Read more about India

• Train travel in India: A complete guide.
• Five days in Kerala: The best introduction to India.
• The Sacred River Ganges: Two days in Varanasi with kids.
• A desert camel safari in Jaisalmer: Not once (but twice).
• Celebrating Holi in India with kids.
• A bread bucket-list: 12 Indian breads you need to try.
• Our complete packing list for India: Everything you need.