If you’ve never been to the Philippines before, or if you’re just not sure what the customs are over there when it comes to using the toilet. Especially if you have been traveling around Southeast Asia and noticed that you shouldn’t flush toilet paper. So, can you flush toilet paper in the Philippines?
No, you can not flush toilet paper in the Philippines. This is because in general the sewage system that carries the waste from the toilet can easily get blocked when the toilet roll is flushed down the toilet. Some hotels in buildup areas may be able to handle it but there is a decent chance that you might cause a blockage. There are plenty of signs asking you to put the toilet roll in the bin which is normally beside the toilet.
In this post, we will go through whether you can flush toilet paper in the Philippines. Let’s get started!
Learn More About The Philippines
- Reasons Not To Visit The Philippines
- What Kind Of Adapter Do I Need For The Philippines?
- Palawan Or Cebu, Which Is Better To Visit?
- Can You Use US Dollars In The Philippines?
- Do The Philippines Speak Spanish?
- Can You Carry A Knife In The Philippines?
Do They Have Toilets In The Philippines?
Yes, the Philippines has toilets. In the main cities, hotels, and hostels you will find that the toilets are of Western style even in some places the toilets are quite advanced. The thing is that Western toilets are not always an option.
Once you leave the main cities or tourist spots and go to the countryside you will start to find the main squat toilets. A squat toilet is a hole in the ground and if you a lucky will they will have a bucket of water to flush the toilet after it has been used. The bucket water with a pot you fill with water and pour down the hole.
It is handy to bring some toilet rolls or Wet Wipes with you when going using the public toilets. This includes bars and restaurants. Just expect the public toilets will not have a toilet roll, hot water, soap, or towels.
Are There Public Toilets In The Philippines?
There are public toilets in the Philippines and if you actually manage to find one they are not in the best condition to use. Generally, it is best to use facilities in restaurants, cafes, hotels, and shopping centers.
The toilet facilities in shopping centers are usually in good condition. While restaurants, the facilities are decent, especially in tourist areas.
Do The Philippines Have Toilet Paper?
Yes, toilet rolls can be bought anywhere in the Philippines. And hotels and hostels provide toilet rolls when you stay with them.
Toilet paper is usually provided though it is smart to keep a stash of your own while you are out exploring.
Do They Use Toilet Paper In The Philippines?
Yes, some Filipinos do use toilet paper, especially those that live in more modern buildings. While the others use a tabo and a bucket of clean water. As a general rule, do not expect there to be toilet paper available when using the toilet in the Philippines.
Can You Flush Toilet Paper In The Philippines?
No, you can not flush toilet paper in the Philippines. Generally speaking the sewage system in the Philippines is not able to handle the flushing of toilet paper, it can very easily get blocked. There will be signs asking you to put the toilet roll in the bin beside the toilet.
You do not want to be the person who blocked the toilet or have to ring reception to explain that the toilet is blocked. And needs unblocking. Instead of flushing toilet paper, you put it in the bin beside the toilet. And try to get comfortable with using the bum gun.
Restaurants generally have decent toilets but do not expect anything too fancy as they don’t really invest much into their toilets, as their main focus is to sell food. This is the same for bars.
While the hotel’s focus is comfort so the toilets are more modern. The shopping centers also have modern toilets.
Can You Flush Toilet Paper In Manila?
No, you can not flush toilet paper in Manila. Due to limits with the sewer system in Manila, do not flush your toilet paper down the commode. Use the toilet paper in the trashcan next to the toilet.
USEFUL TRAVEL RESOURCES
Book Accommodation
Booking.com has a large range of properties from hotels, hostels, guesthouses, and resorts where you will find the best deals. Airbnb and Hostelworld also have a good range of places to stay at good prices.
Booking Flight
Skyscanner is a flight search comparison website that searches millions of flights all at once. Ultimately it is the best flight comparison website online at the moment.
Booking Transportation & Things To Do
Rome2rio and 12Go are useful to plan how to get anywhere by searching train, bus, car, and ferry routes. Especially useful in countries like Vietnam or Thailand. While Klook is great for exploring things to do in each place.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is cheap and more than likely you will never need to use it but you will have peace of mind if something does happen, you are covered in case of an emergency. World Nomads have great customer service and competitive prices.
Check out our resource page for the best companies to use when you travel.
Wrapping Up
Finally, you can not flush toilet paper in the Philippines. This is because in general the sewage system that carries the waste from the toilet can easily get blocked when the toilet roll is flushed down the toilet. Some hotels in buildup areas may be able to handle it but there is a decent chance that you might cause a blockage. There are plenty of signs asking you to put the toilet roll in the bin which is normally beside the toilet.
And that’s it for now! I’d love to know if this guide on whether you can flush toilet paper in the Philippines has helped you. Let me know if you have any questions and let me know if there is more to add.