topics
tools
editor's choice

Religious services in English in the Netherlands

Maternity leave in the Netherlands

Expatica is seeking an editorial intern

Listing of international schools in the Netherlands

Guide to public transport in the Netherlands

Expatica countries
Index Last Var.(%)
BEL 20 2270.63 -0.42
DAX 6788.8 0.59
IBEX 30 8902.1 0.60
CAC 40 3424.71 0.43
FTSE 100 5895.47 0.33
AEX 325.12 -0.06
DJIA 12890.46 0.05
Nasdaq 2927.23 0.39
FTSE MIB 16653.83 -0.09
TSX Composite 12497.94 -0.18
ASX 4330.9 -0.60
Hang seng 20888.68 -0.58
Straits Times 2972.47 -0.29
ISEQ 20 503.71 0.33
You are here: Home Moving to Country Facts Toilet inconvenience

Country Facts

archive
Enlarge font Decrease font Text size


21/07/2003Toilet inconvenience

Toilet inconvenience When you’ve got to go, you’ve got to go. So here’s our off-beat guide to Dutch toilet habits – the pees and queues, if you like.

 
Some Dutch men just can’t wait. That’s why it is a common sight to see them urinating in public – in the street, by a motorway or up against your house. Fortunately, Dutch law provides for on-the-spot fines (EUR75) for anyone caught baring their bottom by a canal – or anywhere else, for that matter.

For those with more grace, here is the etiquette of ‘doing your duties’. Toilets are referred to as 'WC' or 'toiletten'. Most toilets in public places demand a fee of at least 50 eurocents for the privilege of using them. The money is collected by a woman who guards the entrance all day. Don't expect improved hygiene at these establishments, however. She’s there to collect your money, and that’s all. Pubs, clubs and even McDonald’s have their pee-fee. You are unlikely to find a toilet in a department store, except in Bijenkorf and V&D. There are few modern public facilities in Amsterdam. You will find, however, 28 old-fashioned "krul" toilets, named because of their curly shape. The last War on Pee gave Amsterdam a new device: the pee-plate, a piece of stainless steel that protects house walls. However, the disgusting habit of urinating in public - as well as the penetrating odour - is still there. For women, the public toilet situation is even worse. The only option is to seek refuge in a restaurant, where by law you must be allowed to use the toilet. Unfortunately, visiting the toilet at home is seldom much better, requiring a degree in problem solving. But first we must investigate the real issue, the inspection shelf. The odd shape of the toilet incorporates a shelf that rests above the waterline and acts as an examination table, as it would appear the Dutch pay more attention to their meals after they eat them than when making them. The shelf involves you in two things that you’d probably rather not bother with. The first would be indulging in the aroma that lingers for hours after your visit. The second is cleaning the shelf with the provided brush and disinfectant liquid. If you’re a guest in someone’s home you are expected to do your duty and leave the bowl even cleaner than when you arrived. Fear not – we have a solution to one of these issues: build a raft with toilet paper. We’re not talking about a Robinson Crusoe-quality raft here, just a few strips of paper to cover the shelf. When you flush, everything on the raft is whisked away. Just like magic.  By Mike Lynett and Louise Doorn. (updated September 2007) Subject: Toilet inconvenience


0 reactions to this article

Be the first person to add a comment

General rating: Not rated yet

Rate article:    Add my rating


0 reactions to this article

Be the first person to add a comment

Looking for a job?

Browse all jobs

Search for a home?

Browse all houses
Moving to essentials
Moving to expert Q&A
ask your question
Discussion Forums

Legal Problems in the Netherlands

KM partner can be treated as EU memeber in paying tuition fee?

Student Forum The Netherlands

Uni fees - questions

Legal Problems in the Netherlands

Problem with Internet Provider

Legal Problems in the Netherlands

KM -> PR -> Citizenship

Legal Problems in the Netherlands

Stopping Naturalisation Process

participate in the forums

Inside Expatica
Setting up home in the Netherlands

Setting up home in the Netherlands

A guide to telephone, internet and television along with utility services water, electricity and gas in the Netherlands.

Dutch immigration and residency regulations

Dutch immigration and residency regulations

Lost in the Dutch immigration system? Look no further than this guide compiled for our Survival Guide 2012.

A brief introduction to the Netherlands

A brief introduction to the Netherlands

Expatica offers a whistle-stop tour of life in the modern Netherlands.

Giving birth in the Netherlands

Giving birth in the Netherlands

The challenges and benefits of the maternity system in the Netherlands and how it differs to other countries.