“Please do not put anything other than toilet paper in the pan. Nappies, wet wipes and STs will not flush away. Please use the bin that is provided. Thank you.”
I wonder if first-time visitors think the toilet rules in Portugal are an April fool’s joke. How can anyone keep track of basic toilet rules or protocol when every public toilet has its own set of instructions, often only in Portuguese. If an image is provided, it is always different. I have never seen two instructions, images or translations be the same.
Upon arrival at Faro Airport, you may note the toilet rules state: “Please flush the used toilet paper down the toilet and not in the bin” and “Do not drop objects in the toilet that might damage the system.” Of the objects not permitted to be thrown in the toilets, according to one of the images, is socks!? Someone who arrives for the first time at Faro airport might think the sign is redundant: of course, used toilet paper is flushed down the toilet and why would I want to drop my socks in the toilet?
Stop off at a restaurant on your way from the airport and there is a 99.9% chance the toilet rules have changed: “It is not permitted to throw papers in the toilet. Use the bin.” And if you are lucky, the toilet paper is within reach, the bin is within a reasonable distance to throw the paper, and the lid does not have a lid that is required to be opened somehow. Even if it has a lever, chances are the lever doesn’t work.
You may decide to go to the supermarket before you check into your hotel or villa. Here, the toilet sign is in Portuguese only: “Por favor não deita papéis para o chão ou para a sanita. Deitar no balde, Obrigado.” Check your phone translator to make sure you proceed correctly; “Please do not throw papers on the floor or into the toilet. Use the bucket. Thank you.”
One that stands out is in Portuguese only and posted on the back of a door in a small café and is dated based on the reference to smoking:
- Don’t soil the toilet seat
- Avoid the waste of toilet paper
- Don’t throw any waste on the pavement
- Flush the toilet after each use
- Avoid smoking and don’t use the toilet tank as an ashtray
- Wash hands well
- Close the door and turn off the lights when leaving
The accompanying illustrations are often just as confusing. Always different, sometimes hand drawn and others a variety of images. One of my favorites is a hand-drawn no smoking sign I came across in one of the toilets, which was rather well done although the expression on the woman’s face makes it questionable as to whether the stated rule will be respected.
Social media posts and travel articles will never cover the dos and don’ts of public toilet protocol in Portugal, and why should they. Yet, it is puzzling how a small country can have such an extensive library of toilet rules and accompanying images, be it in restaurants, hotels (no matter how many stars!), supermarkets, the airport or government establishments. Are the plumbing issues truly that different from one establishment to another?
I often wonder how tourists who come for the first time or a short visit handle these often-conflicting notices during their stay? For those of us who reside here, we no longer question and may not even pay heed …it is after all, simply part of navigating the idiosyncrasies of life in Portugal.
But for someone new to this country, how can one not help but think these are all April fools’ toilet rules?
Have you come across any weird and wonderful instructions or illustrations while visiting a public convenience!? If so, please send them to us at sophie@tomorrowalgarve.com or WhatsApp +351 912176588
