In China, some of the simplest tasks such as paying a late water bill can be very demanding on time. However, in some complex situations you think will turn out disastrously may actually turn out to be great. Hence, like the famous saying by Forrest Gump, China is like a “box of chocolates” you never really know what you’ll get yourself into. The key is therefore to be ready, and be prepared

Going to a new country where you do not understand the language can be difficult especially when each country, and even city will have its own customs and culture. Luckily for you, in this China survival guide, I will go over one of the most important aspect of making your travel and stay in China less stressful, the bathroom.

In China, knowledge is key and preparation is a must especially if you plan on spending a couple days, weeks, or even months here in China. Due to the length of the article, I’m limited to focusing the discussion on China bathrooms, however, I will continue writing more of my China experiences in future articles.

  1. Bring Toilet Paper With You

    2. The number one thing I’m going to tell you, and you will thank me for this, is to always bring toilet paper with you. Yes, buy a package of small, individual paper towels and put them in your pocket. Make it a habit to never leave home without it. Put a package near your wallet or mobile phone so you will remember to bring it. I’m studying abroad in China at the moment and always leave several small packages of toilet paper in my backpack. It’s one of the best habits for surviving China.

  2. Make Sure There Is Toilet Paper

    3. Why? Unlike most countries where toilet paper is provided in bathrooms, including public bathrooms, in China, toilet paper is almost never provided. Often times, they’ll have the cover for toilet paper installed but nothing inside. If you’re already in China, the next time you go to a public bathroom and sit down, may sure to put your hand inside the toilet paper dispenser first before proceeding. I’ve actually been in this situation and it was the worst feeling. While I eventually resolved the situation, it was not pretty.

  3. Use The Trash Bins

    4. In China, you may sometime wonder why they put small trash bin (without a lid) near the toilet. Accompanying this is a mountain of dirty, used toilet paper inside. Next to the trash bin, you’ll see a poster that tells you to put your dirty, used toilet paper inside the bin. Because it’s not sanitary to throw used toilet paper in the trashcan, I was taught to just throw them in the toilet and flush. However, in China, and especially in the older parts, plumbing is quite bad and throwing toilet paper into the toilet will not only clog the toilet, it’ll clog the entire system. My tip here is to do what they say unless you want to walk out of the stall with your shoes wet.

  4. Lookout For Hotels Shopping Malls

    5. If clean bathrooms are a must for you and you would rather die then go inside a dirty, smelly toilet, my suggestion is to always be a lookout for hotels and large scale shopping malls. Many large, 5 star hotels have been built in China and they always have beautiful, clean bathrooms in the lobby. If that’s not an option, you’ll find public toilets that require a small fee that usually includes toilet paper to be relatively clean. On the most part, free public toilets, especially in public places such as a train stations and parks are quite smelly and gross, stay away.

  5. How About Wet Wipes?

    6. Lastly, if you have room, in addition to bringing dry paper, it’s also a good idea to buy a package of wet wipes for more messy situations and for washing your hands afterwards. For me, I usually also have this in my backpack. Wet wipes are not only great for bathrooms, they’re great for wiping your hands in restaurants before you eat. Living in China is like having an odd beast to tame, however, once you have a handle on things, it’ll be one of the best experiences of your life.