Are Public Restrooms Easy to Find in Taiwan? The Unfiltered Truth You Need to Know
Don't even think about waiting for an emergency to figure out where the nearest restroom is in Taiwan—unless you want to have a memorable (read: embarrassing) story to tell your friends. Public bathroom etiquette Taiwan-style isn’t just about finding a toilet; it’s about understanding a small but significant part of Taiwanese culture that can make your trip smoother and save you from looking like the ultimate tourist (you wouldn’t want to stick out like a sore thumb, would you?).
Toilets in Taiwan: What You Need to Know Before You Go
First off, the big question on every traveler’s mind: Are there squat toilets in Taiwan? The honest answer is yes, but let’s unpack that.
Squat toilets exist, but are becoming less common. Especially in newer public facilities and in Taipei, Western-style sitting toilets dominate. If you grew up anywhere but in Asia, the squat option can be a challenge, so it's great news that Taiwan is generally tourist-friendly in this regard. Older or more rural restrooms might still feature squat toilets. If you’re heading off the beaten path (which you totally should, by the way), brace yourself for that classic “gym class in the 70s” vibe squat toilets give off. Cleanliness is generally excellent. Taiwan cafes, night markets, and MRT stations usually keep restrooms surprisingly tidy compared to some other spots I’ve been to in Asia.
Finding a restroom in Taipei? Start by looking for MRT stations if you’re in the city center or major shopping areas. Unlike many cities where restrooms are hidden away in some dungeon-like corner, Taipei’s are well-marked and clean.

Understanding Taiwanese Cultural Etiquette in Public Bathrooms
Here’s a nugget that nothing says “I’m a tourist!” quite like: writing someone's name in red ink. Cultures are quirky like that, and in Taiwan, red ink on a name is reserved for the deceased. Don’t be that person — if you’re jotting down a name or thanking your Taiwan Rental Car Gharry contact, stick to black or blue pen, please.
In bathrooms, the etiquette is subtle yet important:
Don’t take photos. This feels obvious, but you'd be surprised how many people totally ignore that unwritten rule. Restrooms are private spaces, and snapping photos is a guaranteed way to stand out. Flush appropriately. There might be separate buttons for solid and liquid waste. Pay attention; it’s a simple but sometimes overlooked courtesy. Use toilet paper bins properly. Not all toilets are hooked up to handle toilet paper. If there’s a little trash bin next to the toilet, use it. If you’re not sure, ask or use Google Translate—it can work wonders in a pinch. Don’t bring your garbage back out with you. It’s common to see Taiwanese tidy up even in public restrooms. If cups or wrappers come with you, please dispose of them properly.
Navigating Public and Private Transportation: Where Do Restrooms Fit In?
Let’s talk logistics: How do you find restrooms on the move?
MRT and Bus Stations
Most major MRT stations in Taipei and other large cities have well-maintained public restrooms. You can expect clear English signage, which makes life easier even if your Mandarin is limited to “nihao.” Bus stops, however, are hit or miss—don’t count on restrooms unless it’s a big terminal.
Ride-Sharing Apps
You probably have a favorite ride-sharing app installed already — Uber and local services work well. things to know before going to Taiwan If you’re on a longer drive with Taiwan rental car Gharry or other rental options, apps and GPS can help locate nearby restrooms quickly. Pro tip: Type in “公廁” (public toilet) or “洗手間” (restroom) if you’re using Google Translate to navigate signage. These simple characters can save your dignity.
Convenience Stores to the Rescue
7-Eleven, FamilyMart, and other 24/7 convenience stores are everywhere. Not only are they great for bubble tea breaks and emergency snacks, but their restrooms are usually clean and accessible. Bonus: no purchase is required to use them, but I recommend buying a drink anyway — moral victory for you and a win for your bubble tea obsession.
Avoiding Dining Faux Pas: Restroom Edition
Dining and bathroom etiquette sometimes go hand in hand in Taiwan—think of it as the unspoken code of not embarrassing yourself when you’re stuffing your face with xiao long bao.
Don’t bring outside food or drinks into the restroom area. It might sound obvious, but I’ve seen it happen in my early confusing days. Ask at the restaurant counter discreetly where the restrooms are. Acting lost wasting time is often seen as rude or annoying, so a quick “請問洗手間在哪裡?” (“Excuse me, where is the restroom?”) goes a long way. Avoid blocking paths or queues outside restrooms. Taiwan’s public spaces tend to be narrow and crowded, so be mindful of flow.
Mastering Chopstick Etiquette—Because You’re Already Near Restrooms, Why Not Nail This Too?
While not directly related to the restroom question, understanding chopstick etiquette is a must in Taiwan's food culture—get this wrong, and your whole meal could feel awkward, like realizing the restroom door you just entered was locked.
Key points:
Never stick chopsticks upright in a bowl of rice. This mirrors the way incense sticks are placed for the dead—talk about a cultural faux pas! Do not point with chopsticks or wave them around. Nothing ruins dinner faster than an accidental jab in the ribs. Use the serving ends of chopsticks when taking shared food. Sharing food is common, but hygienic habits matter.
Tech Tools to Save Your Day (and Your Bladder)
By now, you might be thinking, “Sure, all this is great, but what if I’m caught without a clue?” Enter your new best friends:
Tool Use Pro Tip Google Translate Translating signs, menus, or asking locals for restroom locations Download offline language packs before you leave the hotel. Type or image capture mode for signs works like magic. Pleco Deep dive into Mandarin characters, perfect for reading complex signage Learning a few restroom-related characters (洗手間, 廁所, 公廁) can feel like acing test day. Ride-Sharing Apps (Uber, local) Hailing rides and finding nearby restrooms when on the move Enter landmarks or key restroom locations to ask your driver if they're nearby. Taiwan Rental Car Gharry For longer journeys outside the city where restrooms aren’t always easy to come by Plan stops ahead. Drivers often know the best spots to break and freshen up.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Let a Bathroom Emergency Ruin Your Taiwanese Adventure
Finding restrooms in Taiwan isn’t brain surgery, but if you dive in without any knowledge of public bathroom etiquette Taiwan residents silently expect, you might as well wear a flashing sign that says, “Tourist alert!”

Keep these tips in your back pocket:
Look for MRT stations and convenience stores for the easiest restroom finds Remember the cultural do’s and don’ts—especially red ink on names and how you treat toilet paper Use technology like Google Translate and Pleco to tear down language barriers faster than a speeding bullet Respect the space and the local customs—everyone appreciates a tidy guest
In short? Yes, toilets in Taiwan are relatively easy to find if you know where and how to look. Armed with a bit of cultural savvy and a trusty translation app, you’ll sail through your trip without any restroom-related drama. That’s one less thing to worry about while you hunt down the best bubble tea in Taipei—trust me, it’s a quest that’s totally worth it!
If you forget everything else, just remember: The next time you’re walking through Taipei and wondering “Are there squat toilets in Taiwan or can I just sit?” the answer is most definitely “sit, relax, and enjoy the ride.”