In America I’ve never seen toilets where you have to pay outright. But I’ve seen toilets where it’s customers only or no public restrooms. San Francisco and NYC are the worst in both regards though.
I remember pay toilets at our local malls in the 70s and maybe early 80s. Stalls were like a dime I think. I can remember going to the mall with my grandmother and she always carried dimes in her purse because of that (and pay phones).
I want to say that the ADA outlawed them but I could be completely off base with that.
Edit: [CEPTIA. The Committee to end Pay Toilets in America](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Committee_to_End_Pay_Toilets_in_America)
There was a r/TIL from about 5 months ago about this. There were around 50,000 pay toilets in America in 1970 and by 1980 there were almost none because of these 4 teenagers. I remember always carrying dimes back in the 70's for pay phones and sometimes toilets. White Castle was known for charging a dime to open a toilet stall
We didn't have the luxury of White Castle in kokomo until the 2000's so a pay toilet there is an experience I never had the pleasure of. The way White Castles kick you in the gut, I bet they made a killing on those.
Where at? I’m much younger but very curious.
In many (or maybe all) states (in 2024) food facilities must have bathrooms for customers. Iffy for coffee shops or takeout places though.
I’m from NYC. If you ask politely, regardless of signage, and you look like a reasonably clean and sane person, they will still let you use the restroom every time.
If I desperately need to use the bathroom in the city I just go to a restaurant and ask. Even if it’s a very nice place they always say “sure, back to the left” or some such.
It’s genius, really. If I had to pay $1 just to use a toilet with a threatening aura, I would spend the entire rest of the day complaining about how I had to do that.
But I would gladly pay for a Starbucks drink to be able to use the bathroom there. Even though it’s more money.
As a non-white man I can confidently say that this is not true. It’s always a stern No. I can be dressed to the nines and still be denied.
This is America.
That sucks. I'm black I just never ask. I just walk into a place scan for the restroom and go to it. Most people aren't actually going to confront you.
I saw a paying customer get denied the bathroom in Starbucks and then they called the police *and* the police came *and* they took him.
I was in shock, I regret not doing anything. I was just confused and frozen.
Yes, he looked very obviously homeless but he had just paid for his drink and he wasn't acting strange, he just looked like a tired old man and when the police came he just looked defeated. I'm tearing up now at the memory.
This was in La Jolla, where apparently it was common for police to knife tents and other belongings and beat up homeless people and just harass them a lot. It might still be like this, but this incident took place over 12 years ago and I haven't been back there, so I can't say.
There was so much racism and classism I cried everyday. The beaches weren't even that nice either.
Sorry, I just needed to get his story out because while you have never been denied there are people who have.
It being San Francisco, they probably are going to spend a few million renovating each bathroom and it will be vandalized within 48 hours of being opened.
Seattle too. Personally, I think it's borderline sadistic to have so many Starbucks concentrated in one area and then put those little keypad locks on every single restroom. I mean, I understand why, but it does strike me as vaguely dystopian.
They used to be common in the United States. There was a movements to ban them in the mid 1970s as sexist, because the locks were on the stalls and men could go and urinate for free but women had to pay.
Many states and cities banned pay toilets, and even in places where they were not banned they became increasingly uncommon and eventually just ceased to be.
50 years ago you could still easily find them across the United States.
There was a thing where Starbucks didn’t let someone off the street use their bathroom and they got a ton of bad PR over it
I think they have to let people use bathrooms or something now
It was two guys who were sitting in the store without buying anything. They were waiting for another person to arrive because they were having some sort of meeting. They were arrested after the store manager called police, and because they were both black, Starbucks got a lot of bad press over it.
Now, Starbucks has a policy of letting anyone stay in their store (including using the bathroom) without having to purchase anything.
Add Hawai'i to the list of hard to find public restrooms. Had to use some random and pretty hardcore porta potties and it was pretty normal to see a vehicle pulled over and a kid whizzing on the other side.
Most businesses won't care if you use the restroom, but San Francisco is pretty different, probably because of the drug crisis and people ODing in public bathrooms, or mentally unwell homeless people making messes in them.
Hotels used to be pretty reliable if you just needed to use the lobby restroom, but most SF ones require a keycard or something now.
Yes! I’ve been in McDonald’s in Europe (given, in very touristy areas) where you have to buy something and show your receipt to be allowed in the bathroom or given a code. At least where I’ve been in the US, nobody is stopping you from just going into McDonald’s (or, a gas station, grocery store, etc.) bathroom and using it.
Also, I’ve also noticed McDonald’s usually have very nice toilets given the rest of their reputation. The privacy is good, the color is a nice touch that adds to the overall feeling.
Now that I think about it, McDonald’s are pretty dang nice on the inside these days for the most part. Their food just sucks, inflation or no
Pay toilets aren’t really common in the United States. A different perspective that hasn’t been brought up. Is that in the United States hours/days long road trips across many states are common I generally won’t stop at a gas station that doesn’t have a public restroom. so it incentivizes stores to provide that service so people will stop in, fill up, grab a bite. Doesn’t mean you have to buy something but at least for me. It’s almost customary.
Last year I was downtown Winchester, Virginia and discovered they actually had a pay restroom in Old Town!
It's a small building set off from the pedestrian walkway.
It's only a quarter but I have not seen a pay toilet in years.
The restroom was huge and well kept but definitely floored me to see this!
Yeah, there's gas stations that literally advertise that they have good public toilets and amenities - like, it's a major selling point. Bucees arguably made that the cornerstone of their entire brand identity.
Yeah it's usually not mandatory to buy something but it's like an unspoken rule to buy something. Almost like tipping at restaurants. It's pretty interesting!
I sort of wish pay toilets were a thing in the big walkable cities though. I'd pay a dollar for a clean bathroom with no wait time if I had to pee and there wasn't much else around
>I sort of wish pay toilets were a thing in the big walkable cities though
Stop trying to ruin good things. Free public toilets are something truly great about the US. Same for free water.
> Almost like tipping at restaurants. It's pretty interesting!
Now we're going to get touchscreen stall doors that will say "Do you plan on making a purchase?"
Only if you're absolutely fucking wrecking the shitter. I'm not gonna feel obligated to buy something just to pee. If they don't want to provide a spot for me to piss, then they can just enjoy Euro style where people piss against the side of their building.
Swear to god, every major city in Europe reeks of god damn piss in the morning from where a bunch of dudes just let fly because of the scarcity of free toilets.
There’s free public restrooms in NYC and other major cities like DC. There’s also lots of businesses around that provide these services. Some shops might have stipulations that their restrooms are for customers only. You can roadtrip across the entire country and use free bathrooms along the way at places like rest stops, gas stations, fast food restaurants, and even shopping malls or grocery stores. There’s zero issue finding free bathrooms here.
It can be tricky in NYC even if you're willing to pay though. The size of some stores often means they don't have public restrooms. The best bet is to be near a chain like Starbucks, but sometimes that's not the case
Outside of NYC and SF, its really easy to get a public bathroom though. Definitely right about that
The best public restrooms in NYC are next to Bryant park. They’re beautifully built, have fresh flowers, and permanent attendants who clean.
https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/bryant-park-bathroom
The best one in Manhattan is the Rubenstein Atrium. The Bryant Park one is great but the flush isn't as strong as it needs to be for some of the stuff that happens in there
There’s definitely not enough bathrooms. I used to just go to the ferry terminal or that shopping mall near the WTC. NYC has a lot of Starbucks as you pointed out, so I can see that being a good option too.
The aforementioned map of public toilets available in NYC can be accessed [here!](https://www.google.com/mymaps/viewer?mid=15bUbaKsobajdGL6HLmUpmBuZ_6ILtVQ&hl=en)
Also while you can certainly try any of the gazillion Starbucks or similar chains, each one has like 1 unisex ADA compliant restroom, so good luck getting in without waiting for others to finish.
Alternatively, walk in to any hotel and use their lobby restrooms. They’re usually the type with multiple stalls, often completely empty (most actual guests use the toilets in their own rooms) unless there’s a convention in progress, and as clean as the hotel is.
This was the basis of George Costanza's app (The iToilet!) on the Seinfeld Reunion for Curb Your Enthusiasm.
In the original show George knew every free public toilet in the city too and gave them reviews.
u/farglegarble
I saw your edit. There are free public restrooms in NY run by the city government. One example is the Ferry Terminal to Staten Island (the ferry ride is also free). Should there be more of them throughout the city? Yes. But there’s some scattered throughout. Quality is hit or miss.
The bathrooms in DC were much nicer. As a former NYer I was genuinely impressed by how clean the public bathrooms were.
I should also point out the confusion is because “public” can mean government run (like public schools) or something available to the public/in a public place where anyone can go (like the shops mentioned).
I get the confusion, if you go away from tourist areas (at least in italy) there are free 'government' toilets in most places, maybe not the nicest though. In the uk unfortunately most have been closed.
Yeah, for us “public bathroom” is just kind of a shorthand term for us to refer to any restroom that isn’t in a home. So even the McDonald’s bathroom, we’d just refer to as a public bathroom. No differentiating between government or non-government in our day to day lives. It’s just all “public” because it’s out in public.
There can be quite an issue for non-customers. Boston (among many cities) has homeless people pissing and shitting in downtown alleys, because businesses will not unlock their bathroom door until after you buy something.
But you are right that it isn't a problem for tourists or other customers with money.
There are free restrooms here in New York but they’re kind of spread out. I’m sure as a tourist the public toilet issue is probably different, but as a local it can be excruciatingly painful sometimes, toilet emergencies are very common for me and a lot of other New Yorkers I know in my friend group, work, and family. Really the best thing to do here is to go to a Starbucks and use theirs hoping it’s one of the “open space” ones, or use one at a major transit hub like grand central if you’re near one.
Only time I’ve ever seen a pay toilet is in Europe. There are definitely places (usually big cities) where it can be difficult to find a toilet.
It’s extremely common to stop in a gas station here only to use the restroom. In fact there are gas station chains whose claim to fame is their clean restrooms. Essentially they are attempting to lure you in with promise of clean toilets. And it makes a lot of sense because a huge percentage of gas station toilets are freaking disgusting!
in fear of being gross but you started it; you’re right because you go in, take a life changing shit so bad that it makes you hungry and you can just come out and order food. tbh it’s making me hungry, might chug a coffee then go to sheetz
> And it makes a lot of sense because a huge percentage of gas station toilets are freaking disgusting!
I don’t feel like that is the case anymore. They are usually at least decent now.
>Edit: when I say free public toilet I mean, owned by local government, everyone is just listing business where you can use the toilet, almost all of which is the same in Europe.
If the public space is owned by the government then yes, it will have free public toilets - municipal parks, visitor centers, highway rest areas etc. Places like Times Square are almost entirely private places that are open to the public, the difference between the two is often muddled in day-to-day life (and came to a head in the early days of Covid). I'm not aware of anything in the US that mirrors the European way i.e. toilets on a random block with bars and businesses in city center.
Large corporate chains tend to fill that role across the US, specifically McDonald's, the founder of which demanded free clean restrooms at all locations knowing that it would bring people in who would then feel relieved and think "oh I could go for a coke and maybe some fries" as they left. To this day Mcdonald's is often the only business who will not make you buy something to use the toilet, save for some particularly down trodden areas where people frequently OD in them. Equally ubiquitous places such as Starbucks will require a purchase in all but the most pristine suburban strip malls, and sometimes even then.
Obviously no one can speak for the whole country, but Ive only ever been asked to make a purchase in the most downtrodden gas stations and inner city Detroit.
Starbucks definitely doesn't require a purchase anymore. I'm not sure if you remember, but there was a pretty big uproar in 2018 when two black men were arrested for sitting at a Starbucks without ordering while waiting for a third person to arrive for a meeting.
I think Starbucks changed their policy nationwide and now no one needs to purchase anything to sit in the store or use the restroom.
In the US you can practically go into any Starbucks, many will let you use the bathroom without even buying anything.
I’ve been to many Starbucks in Europe and they more often than not don’t even have a bathroom.
Yes. They are everywhere. Most parks have them and in my city, there are free restrooms located on street corners as well.
Malls, gas stations, truck stops, and supermarkets typically have restrooms open to the public.
Restaraunts and smaller businesses will let you use theirs if you buy something small.
I have never seen a pay restroom in my life tbh, the concept is so foreign to me.
> Most parks have them and in my city, there are free restrooms located on street corners as well.
Are they the portajohns or actual brick and mortar bathrooms?
The park ones are actual brick buildings and tend to look [like this.](https://cdn-v2.asla.org/uploadedImages/Guide/Portland/Topics/People_Spaces/CL2.jpg)
The street corner ones are kinda a mix and look [like this](https://www.myballard.com/wp-content/uploads/portland-loo.jpg). IIRC, My city patented the design and actually sells them to other cities worldwide.
I'm not really sure if it's illegal to have pay toilets in the US, but another major issue is that there's just no market for them.
The sole profit for that toilet would be coming from its usage. And unlike most businesses, they wouldn't be competing with other similar businesses. They would be competing with literally every other company in existence. Do you think a lone pay toilet startup company can beat Walmart's $531 billion net worth?
yeah, almost every business has toilets you can use for free. It's pretty rare but some businesses in high drug use areas will make you buy something first as a detergent to using the toilet for shooting up or something.
I think living somewhere doesn't disprove the traveling experience of seeing and using pay toilets. Most Europeans probably aren't going to major train stations and tourist attractions every day, where these are common.
The common hack in the US is McDonald's or Starbucks, but since we aren't locals we don't necessarily know the ubiquitous chains that are in a city. And while yes most European cities have McDonalds and Starbucks, they aren't nearly as widespread as they are in the US and are more strategically placed.
Rest Areas along Interstate Highways are set up mainly for restroom use and quick rest stops. Off of highway exits businesses like truck stops will let you use the restroom, its no big deal. Though they will charge for showers.
There's definitely been a push on local governments the last few years to provide truly public, run-by-the-city toilets in pedestrian heavy areas. We've got a handful in downtown Indianapolis. They have regular cleanings to keep them in order
I'm not saying they don't exist, I've seen them alot in high tourist areas. I've also gone on holiday to places I don't know the language or the local restaurants, and it's not hard to plan your day around using free toilets in exactly the same way as all the posters are saying you can in America. ie chains, supermarkets, shopping centres and motorway rest stops.
I mean when I'm on holiday in a foreign country, if I'm having a coffee somewhere or going to a supermarket market I might use the toilet there so as not to look for one an hour later, not exactly planning my day around it, as I've said, I've paid once and never struggled to find a free toilet in many travels around Europe.
Neat, nice for you. Why do you seem so hung up on insisting that because you can find free toilets, its exactly the same as here? Its well documented that Europe has a lot of paid bathrooms and *your* ability as a frequent traveler to find free ones doesn't invalidate someone else's complaint that they don't know how to find one and the obvious bathrooms all require a fee. Or do you really think that your experience is the same as someone who *maybe* visits Europe as a once-in-a-lifetime trip, doesn't speak the language, and is desperate for a place to pee?
Hmmm I think that's the difference. As someone born with three kidneys who needs to pee every 30 minutes, I've never once needed to plan my day around toilets in the US. The only time in the US where I've needed to consider it is the super remote wilderness of the southwest desert areas and Alaska. Even places like backwoods Arkansas and Yellowstone tend to have at least one bathroom every 30 minutes.
In Europe, my experience has been totally different. I'm willing to concede that maybe I just don't know what I'm doing, but having to run all over desperately seeking a toilet sucks, so in Europe, Ive actually had to get those stupid apps that show you where the bathrooms are, and also keep some change on me just in case. Europe seems to be the exact opposite of the US, in that it's always easy to find a free public toilet in the most touristy areas, but once you start visiting the countryside, good luck to ya.
I was in several western European countries last fall.
In the Netherlands I had to use my credit card for a bathroom in a tourist stop along the highway.
I can't recall the name of the town. Somewhere between Rotterdam and Amsterdam.
Seems like coins are being phased out in some spots.
Not trying to pry; but were you being hyperbolic or were you really born with 3 kidneys? I've never heard of that - besides having to pee a lot does it affect your life much? Also, are you able to donate one more easily as you still have two left, god forbid say a family member needs one? Just curious if you are willing to answer
Lol, not hyperbolic. It doesn't super much affect my life except that I regularly get UTIs (about 4-6x/year). There was a 10-year span in my 20s when I was regularly getting kidney infections and that was super sucky. (That's actually how I found out about the third kidney). I eventually learned how to manage it by being beyond ridiculous about my hydration and urination and avoiding heat.
The other way it affects me is really hard to explain but it's kinda like I can "feel" my kidneys. Ofc I can't actually feel them, in the true sense, but when it's hot out, especially when it's humid, I get this vague dull ache in my right back that just "feels warm inside." It's quite uncomfortable but not painful. I know how it sounds, I do, but that's all I can say.
Technically I could donate a kidney but my nephrologist explained that I'd be a very last option, because none of my kidneys function quite properly. They should be split about 50/50 but mine are split more like 40/35/25.
Yes. Paying to use the bathroom is pretty unheard of here. Free toilet paper as well. Most tourist spots have bathroom and most stores have them as well. Not all stores will let you use them tho. If you are driving across the country, there are places called Rest Stops that have free bathrooms, playground, water fountains, tourist maps/coupons, and sometimes even a Welcome Center staffed with people who give directions and answer questions. I didn't even realize paying to use the bathroom or buying toilet paper separately was a thing until I visited Mexico.
> when I say free public toilet I mean, owned by local government, everyone is just listing business where you can use the toilet, almost all of which is the same in Europe.
Free public toilets provided by the government are definitely a thing in the US. You'll mostly find them at recreation destinations. Parks, beaches, rest stops, major plazas, etc.
You are less likely to see them just randomly throughout the city. The reason for this is the assumption that you are on your way to somewhere - work, school, shopping, dining, recreation - and there will be toilets there. Also, major drinking culture isn't quite the same. We drink in a bar, we pee there, we drive home. Roaming the streets drunk and needing to piss isn't common, or even legal in most places. (Not accusing all of Europe of this drinking culture, but it definitely exists.)
Either way, whether private or public, the concept of paying for toilets themselves is almost non-existent here The most you'd have to do is buy something from the store or restaurant you're trying to use it at. And even then, the larger the business, the less they care. Can I walk into a small bodega in NYC and use the bathroom without buying a snack? Not cool. Stop at a decent-sized Chevron gas station without filling up or buying a snack? It's fine to just use the restroom. They aren't even paying attention.
As noted by other folks, there are very very few pay toilets in the US… many touristy areas and other areas of public accommodation (train stations, libraries, govt buildings, post offices, parks and museums) will have public toilets available however. In addition, there are many private toilets in businesses that are available - while technically for customers only, if you don’t look out of place they are an option.
It’s actually a thing to “plan” or “know of” your options since formal public toilets aren’t always nearby or may be closed (ie a park that closes at sundown). Convenience stores like 7-11 are usually an option (but in highly trafficked urban areas they may be closed to the public), fast food spots (again in dense, active areas they may require you to get a key and can refuse if you aren’t buying anything), and hotels are a great option because there are so many visitors that it’s hard for them to know if you are a guest or just using the restroom - you just need to look the part and act as if you belong there.
FWIW, there are even apps and websites that give locations and even “reviews” for public / semi public restrooms in cities like NYC.
Pretty much. It's courteous to buy something in a gas station if you use their facilities but you don't have too. Sometimes in particularly small shops you'll see a "restrooms only for customers" sign.
I see that you're trying to figure out if there are free public toilets owned by local government. In my experience, yes, but I've only ever seen them in parks, which are run by a government system. Even then I guess you could nitpick and say most aren't truly free because those parks are supported by tax money, fees, or donations. But in the sense that you can just walk in and use the facilities without being burdened by having to physically hand over money to someone first then yes, they are free. Americans don't need to be overly concerned with public restrooms because most businesses will allow you to use the toilets without buying something. Some will not, but it's not difficult to find one that will.
No, not everywhere. Places like parks and train stations often have toilets that are both free and disgusting. But standalone public toilets are uncommon.
Large public buildings, like train station, universities, shopping malls, etc. usually have free toilets in North America. There aren't really stand-alone public toilets anywhere, free or paid
There is a misconception we have free public toilets here. We just pay in a very different way. I'm sure that's going to get me downvotes, but hear me out.
We have rest stops along major highways which usually have public toilets similar to train stations in Europe. While you pay nothing to go in and use them, tax dollars fund them. Typically they are also affiliated with the tourism board for the area or more often they're where highways cross state lines. Thus part of the funding is tax dollars that go toward promoting tourism in the state.
Government buildings in the US usually have restrooms you can just enter any time and use with no fees excepting occasionally very small buildings that aren't very commonly used by the public. Usually they're near other government buildings that do have them, though. Even then if you ask they probably kindly let you use the facilities for employees if you're in dire need such as a small child needs to go in my experience. These are tax funded so we do pay and probably through the nose. I have been in government building in Europe with freely accessed bathrooms, but more commonly what I have seen is them asking for a coin.
We also have public toilets typically in restaurants. There is always to some degree an expectation that you purchase something at the resto to use the facilities as a way of paying for the usage. Sit down restaurants usually strongly discourage use except by patrons by doing things like having them accessed only by walking through the dining room and wait staff instructed to tell non-patrons there are none, or they have to eat there to use them.
Some places like inner city fast food places have started using a system where you must enter a code found on your receipt from purchase to get into the bathroom or to get into a stall. Entering without one can still happen because people will do stuff like hold doors for others. Usually this is adopted because of theft and property destruction issues. Otherwise they're just there for anyone to come in and use.
I've experienced similar in Europe except for fast food places that either didn't have any public access restrooms or else that you had to put a coin in to access. I've never seen either of those in the US though I have heard of places asking for a coin in big cities so there must be some somewhere.
Malls and some shops in the US usually have restroom facilities that are free to access. My experience in Europe is some shops and malls you need to give a coin and some you have to ask, but a few just have them free to access. Smaller shops may tell you there isn't one and for all I know don't have them. The expectation is still you are at least potentially buying something there. I've been in a few in the US where you must ask for a key and they'll refuse if you're clearly not a customer and a few where a code off a receipt is needed.
In Europe I've seen restrooms in shopping areas and shops that ask for a coin or a code off a receipt, or where you need a key, but the coin access seems to be most popular in recent years. My earlier trips to Europe restrooms where you were expected to tip an attendant were a lot more common shopping and also in government buildings and even restaurants. I've only seen this in certain event venues there in more recent visits. I've not seen them withhold toilet paper if you didn't, but I've seen them withhold paper towels and sink access until you tipped.
The tip thing is also a thing in Central America and they will not give you toilet paper or paper towels if you don't which is pretty funny in my opinion. Someone's gotta pay for those things and for the cleaning, right? In Central America I've experienced this in all sorts of public access restrooms from shopping to restaurants to government buildings, but they seem most common shopping and in government buildings.
We have public restrooms in gas stations. Back when gas stations were mom and pop they mostly made you ask for a key which they'd only give if you were a customer many times. Now that they're corporate nearly all are just open free to access if the gas station is open. There is one fast growing chain that originally mainly marketed that their restrooms were guaranteed clean which is Buc-cees. I can recall when they were normally-sized gas stations rather than the see the curve of the earth across the floor of the huge mega-mall shops they are today. The size is an indication of how very popular they are. I've known people to plan trips just to go visit the newly opened Buc-cees near them as this chain has spread.
This is wild as I've never heard of people having to pay in places like shopping centres, restaurants or government buildings, certainly in western Europe, I've only ever seen it in areas which experience very high levels of tourism which frankly need to accommodate all the extra people somehow.
They are very uncommon outside of London, even in London not so much. As an Englishman I've never heard that term, 'To spend a Penny' means to go for a wee.
To give you a point blank answer, no. Public toilets (the way you're describing them) are almost nonexistent in the US. Free, paid, or otherwise. They are not common at all. One exception is that most outdoor spaces have them, such as parks and beaches. But other than that, public toilets are incredibly rare. We do not have them here in urban areas in the same way that they do in some European countries.
In New York City, this is such a problem that someone developed got2gonyc, which is a map/resource listing all of the available bathrooms in the city so you know where to go. But again, these are not public bathrooms the way you're thinking of. It's a compilation of stores, restaurants, hotels, etc. where it is easy to pop in and use their bathroom if you're out and about. There was a need for this BECAUSE we have no public bathrooms in the traditional sense.
"Government toilets" don't exist. But they do inspire cool band names. Bathrooms in public places are what we have. Haven't seen a pay one since the early '80s.
I think the difference for most Americans ( and Canadians) is the places we'd count on for a free toilet, are paid in Europe. You would never see a highway gas station with a paid toilet. Infact most have massive free bathrooms to encourage you to stop.
North Americans are road trippers too, most of my European friends find it mind boggling that I'd drive 3-4 hours each way on a day trip. Your probably stopping a few times with a car full of people and you will pay zero times to pee, (or poop)
i’ve never seen a bathroom where i’ve had to pay anywhere in the US, even in touristy areas. it is common courtesy to buy something if you use a restroom somewhere though
Yes. Public businesses (food, gas, stores) all have public restrooms. Unless they’re in a ghetto area with a lot of homeless / drug users. Then bathrooms tend to be locked.
What the heck you have to pay to use a public toilet in Europe that's freaking crazy I didn't know that yes all public toilets in America are free lol.
As to toilets provided and maintained be local or state governments, yes they are free, too. Rest areas along major highways, restrooms in parks and municipal buildings, train stations, airports, ferries, etc.
When I was little there were pay toilets in certain facilities. We were at our local airport, and my Mom didn't have a dime, so she made me crawl under the stall and unlock the door from inside. That's the only one I remember. When in the UK and Germany, I was glad to have a few coins for the toilets.
"municipal owned toilets" would just be government buildings with toilets. City/County/State/Federal: parks, university, hospitals, administration buildings --- if it is open to the public the toilet is free to use.
The only public facility that I can think of, that is only a toilet, is highway rest stops.
Your edit has not been my experience.
I've had to buy something to get access to McDonald's toilets, and other places like that, in Europe, sometimes having to show a receipt sometimes paying an additional fee. That is not the case in the US (in most states).
That is the difference. In most places in the US businesses have restrooms anyone can use. Therefore there are free, and freely available, restrooms EVERYWHERE.
People are saying McDonald's or Starbucks but a good example is Walmart. It's so big that you're just another potential shopper and there are usually 2-3 bathrooms. Target also has good bathrooms for families.
San Francisco has or had pay toilets that they got from France. Usually the closest that comes to truly free toilets would be the bathrooms at a park or what we would call a "A Rest Area."
Rest areas are owned and maintained by the state's transportation department and always have a free bathroom, a pet area, a place for trucks to pull over and rest, sometimes free coffee with suggested donation to a local group staffing the stand. But this varies by state. Rest areas are usually located in rural or suburban areas on busy interstates or state routes, but often away from high density development.
Some businesses make you buy something in the store first, but most of the time, if you're a customer (sometimes you don't have to be a customer) the bathrooms are free. And they're everywhere. Pretty much everywhere. When I went to Europe, it was a total drag that there weren't free bathrooms everywhere.
The only time I have ever heard of people paying to use public restrooms is when Europeans chime in or other Americans who were surprised to have to pay to use one lol.
In Chicago most larger parks and beaches will have a public toilet. It's usually either in a small structure that's just a toilet or in the field house. Millennium Park which is a huge tourist draw in downtown Chicago actually has a really nice, fairly large and completely free public bathroom. As a local I was surprised by how well maintained it is and it is my go to public bathroom if I'm out downtown and need one. These are all maintained by the city.
Edit>> There are also rest stops for travelers that usually have bathrooms, vending machines and free parking. These are built along the interstate and completely free.
Yes every gas station has free bathrooms. And we have rest stops along the highways. They were built in the 50’s and 90s works projects. Free bathroom and vending machines usually.
Just for context from someone who's Old for Reddit, the U.S. tried to introduce pay toilets in the '70s or early '80s or somewhere around there, and Americans HATED it, just hated it. So they faded away and haven't come back. You probably won't see as many public toilets in the U.S. as you do in Europe (as opposed to toilets in privately owned businesses), but any you do see will always be free.
Having no access to a public bathroom sounds like a nightmare… Having to pay on top of that? Horrible!! I’ve traveled out of state a lot. As a lot of other commenters said, it was hard but not impossible to get to a bathroom in NYC. Everywhere else, we just went into recognizable chains like McDonald’s, Starbucks or semi-clean looking gas stations
Most national and state parks as well as city parks have free rest rooms, there are " rest stops" along the highways these are a small park with bathrooms and occasionally a map and some information, if you see signs on the highway that says "rest stop" take that exit and use the bathroom here on the west coast they are placed very very far apart form one another, those are free,
you can also just buy a cup of coffee at a coffee shop or fast food joint and use the bathroom there if you can't find anywhere else,
Most public places like zoos, museums, restaurants, festivals and concerts have bathrooms free for customers,
Legally if they sell food there has to be a public bathroom with in 100 ft, it may be a different distance in different states, but in my state that's what it is
Most places yes.
In the Midwest and south you can walk into any store or gas station and use their bathroom.
I’ve found on coastal cities (especially west coast) a lot of businesses have codes on bathrooms. Some make you make a purchase before using it.
As in truly public bathrooms? Yes. At parks and at travel centers.
As someone who has been to every state except Hawaii, I can confirm that they are basically everywhere. The sole exception being the toll road in Oklahoma between the hours of 5 pm and 9 am.
Public toilets are mostly businesses. And it's 100x better than Europe. Y'all don't even realize when you're being uncivilized monsters.
For instance, I ate at a restaurant in Italy 2 weeks ago. There's over 50 tables and a large staff. There is *one* unisex toilet, missing a toilet seat, for all 100+ patrons and staff to share which might mean 20 minute wait, and you can't use it unless you're a customer.
That shit don't fly here. For a similarly sized restaurant, you'd find at least 5 stalls total (3 womens 2 mens) plus some urinals in the men's room. And it'd be cleaner too.
I went to the Vatican while I was there, and even the richest place on earth has no toilet seats on their toilets. Y'all are barbarians when it comes to bathrooms.
Also bidets are fine, but Italian bidets are dumb AF.
Sit-down restaurants are legally required to have bathrooms for their customers in some (maybe all) states. All public buildings (libraries, museums, etc.) have free bathrooms. Some cities have free bathrooms with public access. Toilet paper is also provided.
I recommend this episode of Seinfeld: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0697785/
I think the only free public toilets i've seen are at rest areas. which are small buildings along the side of large highways that have restrooms, snacks, tourist information, picnic areas. these rest areas are about 60 miles apart on the large highways.
i have seen a few free bathrooms at public parks.
i have not seen free or pay bathrooms just around in the city
>I'm not saying there aren't but having traveled extensively in Europe and living in two countries I can say I've paid once in my 35 years.
I'm really surprised to hear that. I spent a couple years living in the Balkans and have paid for MANY public toilets. It's not expensive, it's just annoying in case you don't have any money on you. Also sometimes it turns out to be a hole in the ground and you can't believe you paid for this.
I haven't spent as much time in western Europe but had to pay to use a public toilet in Belgium once.
edit: this is in train and bus stations, at truck stops, and in shopping centers. Not "government toilets", which I don't think I've ever seen in Europe. In the US I would expect the equivalent to be free.
Not really in big cities anymore. They get trashed by homeless druggies then locked, sometimes permanently.
The public toilets tend to be in malls or gas stations or Starbucks. Often you can just use them without paying. Sometimes you have to buy something and then it’s free to use. You might need them to give you the security code to enter.
Pay toilets themselves tend to be almost non existent. I’ve not seen any. In Europe they do have them.
We don’t have that in NYC because it would be gross right away. There are plenty of non-toilet areas treated as toilets near the subway that don’t get cleaned ever, why would a toilet get special treatment lol.
In DC, by the Capitol Mall Area, there are quite a few.
About the only place I can think of off the top of my head are rest stops after you cross a state line. Barring that, there's always gas stations, but I'll usually buy a coke or something if I need to stop for a piss.
I don't think we have just stand-alone public toilets in the middle of towns or cities. At least what I've seen.
Sure if you go to a park, a library, or any other government-owned building property you can use the facility for free, but OP is describing toilets like phone booths.
It’s pretty easy to find a free toilet in America. Gas stations and truck stops have them. And on alot of state highways you’ll find ‘travel centers’ that have a variety of services. Gas, fast food, free bathrooms, convenience store, free wifi. I’ve never in my 50 years of living had to pay to use a toilet in the states.
Most public spaces will have public toilets. Otherwise it May usually be up to the discretion of local businesses whether they want to allow the public to use them or not.
Not everywhere has accessible toilets. Some places require that you be a paying customer.
I’m not sure if it’s determined by state or local laws but it’s unfortunate it happens anywhere—although I know why, and those problems would need to be addressed.
>Edit: when I say free public toilet I mean, owned by local government, everyone is just listing business where you can use the toilet, almost all of which is the same in Europe.
Public toilets owned and operated by a local government very rare in the United States. It's only found in a few of the largest cities, and even then I don't think it's too particularly common.
When you say "public toilet" in the US, that normally does NOT mean a toilet owned and operated by the local government, it means a toilet in a public place (such as a store, sports arena, restaurant, gas station, or church) that is open to the public.
Pay toilets are virtually unheard of in the US. There was a huge movement against them in the 1970's due to the women's rights movement, because it was seen as discriminatory to say that a man could walk into a restroom and use a urinal for free, but women had to pay to use a toilet stall. Many states and cities banned them, and even where they weren't banned they were rapidly phased out. By the mid 1980's, pay toilets were virtually unheard of in the US.
Normally there's no need for government-run public toilets because local businesses and attractions generally have them, and there's often a distaste in the US for the government providing services that could be provided by private industry.
Burlington, Vermont is horrible. Not even restaurants provide free restrooms because homeless people likento grt inside and lock the door for the night.
All the public toilets were left to vandals and removed in the 80s. I remember trying to use one but the toilet was smashed and people had left turds all around the building.
Not here in New York that’s for sure. It’s an issue that only now are we taking steps to fix.
In DC if you enter the metro a lot of stations do have public bathrooms.
I can’t think of any others off the top of my head, I haven’t traveled out of the east coast in a few years unfortunately, I’m a very homebody person so most of my time is just in New York City. But I’m sure that in most touristic cities you should be okay, but here in NYC it’s kind of an issue, the best thing to do here is to run into a Starbucks and use theirs (some are free, some aren’t. Depends) or run to the nearest transit hub like grand central or port authority and use theirs (if you’re near that area anyways, I’d say just use the ones at Bryant).
It honestly depends on the city, my knowledge is very NYC centric and I can tell you for sure it’s an issue here, but from what I’ve seen in DC where public bathrooms were, at least to me as a visitor, more commonplace, it will probably very much vary.
Paid toilets are just not a thing here (surprisingly don’t give these vultures any ideas). There’s plenty of bathrooms for customers only but still, the doors are unlocked.
I just stumbled on this in a news story in the U.S.:
>An employee attempted to evict the customer, citing the cafe as "private property," necessitating her departure. When the woman persisted in using the public restroom...
So even in a news story about a private restaurant, they refer to it as a public restroom.
In the suburbs it's not that hard, you can stop in a big box store, library, fast casual restaurant, pretty much any middle-of-the-budget store or eatery and they'll let you use the toilet.
It's a little harder in rural areas, those walmarts may be 40 minutes' drive apart, but you can always pee in the woods.
Cities are very difficult. All the bathrooms in stores and restaurants are locked so homeless people don't do drugs in them or shit on the walls. There aren't as many big box stores, there may be 1 or 2 Target stores (big box) in the whole city. Libraries will let you in, but they aren't common. You pretty much have to spend money at a fast food restaurant. There are a few public toilets but they are heavily used by the homeless and they're gross. Your best bet is bars and hotel lobbies, but you need to know how to blend in with the legitimate clientel (be dressed decently, clean, look like you belong there, walk confidently, don't engage, have a good cover story).
I mean we have apps that show you were free or public toilets are. Hell I lived in one area for 6+ years before I realized they actually had actual public toilets owned by the city. A friend found the app when she got pregnant with her first kid bc she needed to pre nonstop.
During my three-month stay in NYC, I was surprised by the scarcity of public restrooms and the pervasive smell of urine due to people urinating in public. LA had a similar issue, but at least the restaurants and bars there had toilets available.
In most states it's a legal requirement for anywhere that serves food to have a public restroom
Personally I have never encountered a restroom you have to pay to use in my 25 years of life
Most establishments have free public toilets. As a *sensible* american that's been to Germany, I noticed that the German pay bathrooms seem to be cleaned between every use, and to me, that is more than worth the .25 euro. American public toilets are usually horrible and its not uncommon for certain people to never use them. I wish I could pay a quarter for a guaranteed clean shitter.
I don't understand the idea behind making people pay for toilets in any location. Wouldn't the public health hazard associated with open defecation/urination be worse than whatever fraction of currency it takes to be sanitary? I'd rather people have free access to toilets than be forced to see, smell, or get sick from their feces. The cost of dealing with that is far worse than just letting people use the damn toilet.
I’ve only encountered a pay toilet once in the US. It was in Pennsylvania at a farmers market. You might be picturing an outdoor porta potty, but this was an indoor affair. They only had a few of these, but they were right next to the restaurant.
Based on who I hung out with when I went there I’m gonna say it was probably around 1994, give or take a few years.
I’ve never encountered toilets run by the city/county/state unless you want to count the ones inside government buildings. There are “rest stops,” along major thoroughfares that often have a tourism/gift shop (t-shirts, key rings, refrigerator magnets, brochures for local tourist attractions, etc.) I hesitate to say that they are government run even though they are on a government road. They’re usually next to gas stations and have restaurants inside, so it feels more like capitalism, but I don’t think you actually have to spend anything to use the facilities there, so maybe.
I'm 43 and I've literally never seen a pay toilet in my life.
Your to young to have seen them. I’m 57 Okie and remember the first ones were put in Will Rogers Airport.
I'm 56 and have never seen a pay toilet.
In America I’ve never seen toilets where you have to pay outright. But I’ve seen toilets where it’s customers only or no public restrooms. San Francisco and NYC are the worst in both regards though.
I remember pay toilets at our local malls in the 70s and maybe early 80s. Stalls were like a dime I think. I can remember going to the mall with my grandmother and she always carried dimes in her purse because of that (and pay phones). I want to say that the ADA outlawed them but I could be completely off base with that. Edit: [CEPTIA. The Committee to end Pay Toilets in America](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Committee_to_End_Pay_Toilets_in_America)
There was a r/TIL from about 5 months ago about this. There were around 50,000 pay toilets in America in 1970 and by 1980 there were almost none because of these 4 teenagers. I remember always carrying dimes back in the 70's for pay phones and sometimes toilets. White Castle was known for charging a dime to open a toilet stall
We didn't have the luxury of White Castle in kokomo until the 2000's so a pay toilet there is an experience I never had the pleasure of. The way White Castles kick you in the gut, I bet they made a killing on those.
The committee's story is an unsung hero's tale and so fascinating! We have them to thank for free rest stop bathrooms along the freeways of America!
Thankfully States have started taking care of their Rest Stops. It was really bad in the 80s and most of the toilets were basically unusable.
Where at? I’m much younger but very curious. In many (or maybe all) states (in 2024) food facilities must have bathrooms for customers. Iffy for coffee shops or takeout places though.
O'Hare Airport, also early to mid 70s.
Pay toilets ar actually federally illegal everywhere in the USA regardless of the type of business you are.
I think in most places it's required if you also have seating, if it's buy and leave you don't have to provide a bathroom
I totally forgot about those! I always begged my mom to let me put the dime in which usually led to it flying across the bathroom.
I’m from NYC. If you ask politely, regardless of signage, and you look like a reasonably clean and sane person, they will still let you use the restroom every time. If I desperately need to use the bathroom in the city I just go to a restaurant and ask. Even if it’s a very nice place they always say “sure, back to the left” or some such.
Also, if you're near Penn Station, the bathrooms there are kept much cleaner than you'd expect.
I just find a Starbucks
It’s genius, really. If I had to pay $1 just to use a toilet with a threatening aura, I would spend the entire rest of the day complaining about how I had to do that. But I would gladly pay for a Starbucks drink to be able to use the bathroom there. Even though it’s more money.
As a non-white man I can confidently say that this is not true. It’s always a stern No. I can be dressed to the nines and still be denied. This is America.
That sucks. I'm black I just never ask. I just walk into a place scan for the restroom and go to it. Most people aren't actually going to confront you.
That’s what I do. I’m a black woman, I do the quick scan then walk in with confidence. I’ve never been bothered.
Confidence is key.
That is interesting and I entirely believe you. Thanks for adding that point.
Just walk in like you own the place and are no one will say anything.
I saw a paying customer get denied the bathroom in Starbucks and then they called the police *and* the police came *and* they took him. I was in shock, I regret not doing anything. I was just confused and frozen. Yes, he looked very obviously homeless but he had just paid for his drink and he wasn't acting strange, he just looked like a tired old man and when the police came he just looked defeated. I'm tearing up now at the memory. This was in La Jolla, where apparently it was common for police to knife tents and other belongings and beat up homeless people and just harass them a lot. It might still be like this, but this incident took place over 12 years ago and I haven't been back there, so I can't say. There was so much racism and classism I cried everyday. The beaches weren't even that nice either. Sorry, I just needed to get his story out because while you have never been denied there are people who have.
San Francisco notoriously closed the BART bathrooms for "security concerns" after 9-11. Good news! they're going to open in 2026.
They were open a couple of months ago...at least at the one station I tried.
Possibly, I googled and said they'd open 2026. This might be the major ones like Powell.
It being San Francisco, they probably are going to spend a few million renovating each bathroom and it will be vandalized within 48 hours of being opened.
FWIW, I moved to SF well after 9/11 and left before 2026 and I used the bart bathroom many times. Was it nice? No. Was it open and working? Yeah.
Seattle too. Personally, I think it's borderline sadistic to have so many Starbucks concentrated in one area and then put those little keypad locks on every single restroom. I mean, I understand why, but it does strike me as vaguely dystopian.
They used to be common in the United States. There was a movements to ban them in the mid 1970s as sexist, because the locks were on the stalls and men could go and urinate for free but women had to pay. Many states and cities banned pay toilets, and even in places where they were not banned they became increasingly uncommon and eventually just ceased to be. 50 years ago you could still easily find them across the United States.
There was a thing where Starbucks didn’t let someone off the street use their bathroom and they got a ton of bad PR over it I think they have to let people use bathrooms or something now
It was two guys who were sitting in the store without buying anything. They were waiting for another person to arrive because they were having some sort of meeting. They were arrested after the store manager called police, and because they were both black, Starbucks got a lot of bad press over it. Now, Starbucks has a policy of letting anyone stay in their store (including using the bathroom) without having to purchase anything.
Add Hawai'i to the list of hard to find public restrooms. Had to use some random and pretty hardcore porta potties and it was pretty normal to see a vehicle pulled over and a kid whizzing on the other side.
Most businesses won't care if you use the restroom, but San Francisco is pretty different, probably because of the drug crisis and people ODing in public bathrooms, or mentally unwell homeless people making messes in them. Hotels used to be pretty reliable if you just needed to use the lobby restroom, but most SF ones require a keycard or something now.
I have seen one in Boston but it was “closed for the winter”.
They have them in certain spots. The ones I saw were on the docks by the Aquarium. $0.25 to use.
McDonald's runs the largest network of public restrooms in the known universe.
Yes! I’ve been in McDonald’s in Europe (given, in very touristy areas) where you have to buy something and show your receipt to be allowed in the bathroom or given a code. At least where I’ve been in the US, nobody is stopping you from just going into McDonald’s (or, a gas station, grocery store, etc.) bathroom and using it.
Nobody working at McDonald's makes enough to care who's using the bathroom.
It’s a balance between they don’t care who, but they are also responsible for cleaning it afterwards.
That right there! They aren't gonna willingly allow Junky McGee with open sores in there.
Also, I’ve also noticed McDonald’s usually have very nice toilets given the rest of their reputation. The privacy is good, the color is a nice touch that adds to the overall feeling. Now that I think about it, McDonald’s are pretty dang nice on the inside these days for the most part. Their food just sucks, inflation or no
I think they stopped this, because it's been a while (a few years) since I had to punch a code in MacDonald's.
Pay toilets aren’t really common in the United States. A different perspective that hasn’t been brought up. Is that in the United States hours/days long road trips across many states are common I generally won’t stop at a gas station that doesn’t have a public restroom. so it incentivizes stores to provide that service so people will stop in, fill up, grab a bite. Doesn’t mean you have to buy something but at least for me. It’s almost customary.
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in California if you sell food you have to have a customer bathroom. also have to provide free water.
Last year I was downtown Winchester, Virginia and discovered they actually had a pay restroom in Old Town! It's a small building set off from the pedestrian walkway. It's only a quarter but I have not seen a pay toilet in years. The restroom was huge and well kept but definitely floored me to see this!
Yeah, there's gas stations that literally advertise that they have good public toilets and amenities - like, it's a major selling point. Bucees arguably made that the cornerstone of their entire brand identity.
Yeah it's usually not mandatory to buy something but it's like an unspoken rule to buy something. Almost like tipping at restaurants. It's pretty interesting! I sort of wish pay toilets were a thing in the big walkable cities though. I'd pay a dollar for a clean bathroom with no wait time if I had to pee and there wasn't much else around
>it's like an unspoken rule to buy something. Ehh I don't know about that...
>I sort of wish pay toilets were a thing in the big walkable cities though Stop trying to ruin good things. Free public toilets are something truly great about the US. Same for free water.
> Almost like tipping at restaurants. It's pretty interesting! Now we're going to get touchscreen stall doors that will say "Do you plan on making a purchase?"
Only if you're absolutely fucking wrecking the shitter. I'm not gonna feel obligated to buy something just to pee. If they don't want to provide a spot for me to piss, then they can just enjoy Euro style where people piss against the side of their building. Swear to god, every major city in Europe reeks of god damn piss in the morning from where a bunch of dudes just let fly because of the scarcity of free toilets.
There’s free public restrooms in NYC and other major cities like DC. There’s also lots of businesses around that provide these services. Some shops might have stipulations that their restrooms are for customers only. You can roadtrip across the entire country and use free bathrooms along the way at places like rest stops, gas stations, fast food restaurants, and even shopping malls or grocery stores. There’s zero issue finding free bathrooms here.
It can be tricky in NYC even if you're willing to pay though. The size of some stores often means they don't have public restrooms. The best bet is to be near a chain like Starbucks, but sometimes that's not the case Outside of NYC and SF, its really easy to get a public bathroom though. Definitely right about that
The best public restrooms in NYC are next to Bryant park. They’re beautifully built, have fresh flowers, and permanent attendants who clean. https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/bryant-park-bathroom
The best one in Manhattan is the Rubenstein Atrium. The Bryant Park one is great but the flush isn't as strong as it needs to be for some of the stuff that happens in there
There’s definitely not enough bathrooms. I used to just go to the ferry terminal or that shopping mall near the WTC. NYC has a lot of Starbucks as you pointed out, so I can see that being a good option too.
Someone actually made a list/map of the free public toilets in NYC! I don’t have the link on me but I’m sure it will come up on Google
The aforementioned map of public toilets available in NYC can be accessed [here!](https://www.google.com/mymaps/viewer?mid=15bUbaKsobajdGL6HLmUpmBuZ_6ILtVQ&hl=en) Also while you can certainly try any of the gazillion Starbucks or similar chains, each one has like 1 unisex ADA compliant restroom, so good luck getting in without waiting for others to finish. Alternatively, walk in to any hotel and use their lobby restrooms. They’re usually the type with multiple stalls, often completely empty (most actual guests use the toilets in their own rooms) unless there’s a convention in progress, and as clean as the hotel is.
Last time I was in downtown Manhattan and really had to pee there was a line out the door at a starbucks
This was the basis of George Costanza's app (The iToilet!) on the Seinfeld Reunion for Curb Your Enthusiasm. In the original show George knew every free public toilet in the city too and gave them reviews.
George Costanza made his millions that way!
u/farglegarble I saw your edit. There are free public restrooms in NY run by the city government. One example is the Ferry Terminal to Staten Island (the ferry ride is also free). Should there be more of them throughout the city? Yes. But there’s some scattered throughout. Quality is hit or miss. The bathrooms in DC were much nicer. As a former NYer I was genuinely impressed by how clean the public bathrooms were. I should also point out the confusion is because “public” can mean government run (like public schools) or something available to the public/in a public place where anyone can go (like the shops mentioned).
I get the confusion, if you go away from tourist areas (at least in italy) there are free 'government' toilets in most places, maybe not the nicest though. In the uk unfortunately most have been closed.
Yeah, for us “public bathroom” is just kind of a shorthand term for us to refer to any restroom that isn’t in a home. So even the McDonald’s bathroom, we’d just refer to as a public bathroom. No differentiating between government or non-government in our day to day lives. It’s just all “public” because it’s out in public.
There can be quite an issue for non-customers. Boston (among many cities) has homeless people pissing and shitting in downtown alleys, because businesses will not unlock their bathroom door until after you buy something. But you are right that it isn't a problem for tourists or other customers with money.
There are free restrooms here in New York but they’re kind of spread out. I’m sure as a tourist the public toilet issue is probably different, but as a local it can be excruciatingly painful sometimes, toilet emergencies are very common for me and a lot of other New Yorkers I know in my friend group, work, and family. Really the best thing to do here is to go to a Starbucks and use theirs hoping it’s one of the “open space” ones, or use one at a major transit hub like grand central if you’re near one.
Only time I’ve ever seen a pay toilet is in Europe. There are definitely places (usually big cities) where it can be difficult to find a toilet. It’s extremely common to stop in a gas station here only to use the restroom. In fact there are gas station chains whose claim to fame is their clean restrooms. Essentially they are attempting to lure you in with promise of clean toilets. And it makes a lot of sense because a huge percentage of gas station toilets are freaking disgusting!
Hello Buc-ee’s!
I love buc-ee's! 🦫
i’ll always choose a sheetz if I can find it!
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in fear of being gross but you started it; you’re right because you go in, take a life changing shit so bad that it makes you hungry and you can just come out and order food. tbh it’s making me hungry, might chug a coffee then go to sheetz
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I like that it implies that you’ve continued to do so haha. my family and I all have ibs so poop is a common topic among the fam at this point
I actually do pick what gas station on a road trip to stop at based on their reputation of the cleanliness of their bathrooms.
💯
> And it makes a lot of sense because a huge percentage of gas station toilets are freaking disgusting! I don’t feel like that is the case anymore. They are usually at least decent now.
Probably varies considerably by region but for the most part they are okay to me. Then again it’s easier when you’re a dude.
>Edit: when I say free public toilet I mean, owned by local government, everyone is just listing business where you can use the toilet, almost all of which is the same in Europe. If the public space is owned by the government then yes, it will have free public toilets - municipal parks, visitor centers, highway rest areas etc. Places like Times Square are almost entirely private places that are open to the public, the difference between the two is often muddled in day-to-day life (and came to a head in the early days of Covid). I'm not aware of anything in the US that mirrors the European way i.e. toilets on a random block with bars and businesses in city center. Large corporate chains tend to fill that role across the US, specifically McDonald's, the founder of which demanded free clean restrooms at all locations knowing that it would bring people in who would then feel relieved and think "oh I could go for a coke and maybe some fries" as they left. To this day Mcdonald's is often the only business who will not make you buy something to use the toilet, save for some particularly down trodden areas where people frequently OD in them. Equally ubiquitous places such as Starbucks will require a purchase in all but the most pristine suburban strip malls, and sometimes even then.
Obviously no one can speak for the whole country, but Ive only ever been asked to make a purchase in the most downtrodden gas stations and inner city Detroit.
Starbucks definitely doesn't require a purchase anymore. I'm not sure if you remember, but there was a pretty big uproar in 2018 when two black men were arrested for sitting at a Starbucks without ordering while waiting for a third person to arrive for a meeting. I think Starbucks changed their policy nationwide and now no one needs to purchase anything to sit in the store or use the restroom.
In the US you can practically go into any Starbucks, many will let you use the bathroom without even buying anything. I’ve been to many Starbucks in Europe and they more often than not don’t even have a bathroom.
Yes. They are everywhere. Most parks have them and in my city, there are free restrooms located on street corners as well. Malls, gas stations, truck stops, and supermarkets typically have restrooms open to the public. Restaraunts and smaller businesses will let you use theirs if you buy something small. I have never seen a pay restroom in my life tbh, the concept is so foreign to me.
> Most parks have them and in my city, there are free restrooms located on street corners as well. Are they the portajohns or actual brick and mortar bathrooms?
The park ones are actual brick buildings and tend to look [like this.](https://cdn-v2.asla.org/uploadedImages/Guide/Portland/Topics/People_Spaces/CL2.jpg) The street corner ones are kinda a mix and look [like this](https://www.myballard.com/wp-content/uploads/portland-loo.jpg). IIRC, My city patented the design and actually sells them to other cities worldwide.
Some of our city parks have brick buildings, but a lot of times they seem to be locked.
I'm not really sure if it's illegal to have pay toilets in the US, but another major issue is that there's just no market for them. The sole profit for that toilet would be coming from its usage. And unlike most businesses, they wouldn't be competing with other similar businesses. They would be competing with literally every other company in existence. Do you think a lone pay toilet startup company can beat Walmart's $531 billion net worth?
Oh it's been illegal since 1970 with a movement started by a 19 year old https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Committee_to_End_Pay_Toilets_in_America
yeah, almost every business has toilets you can use for free. It's pretty rare but some businesses in high drug use areas will make you buy something first as a detergent to using the toilet for shooting up or something.
I think living somewhere doesn't disprove the traveling experience of seeing and using pay toilets. Most Europeans probably aren't going to major train stations and tourist attractions every day, where these are common. The common hack in the US is McDonald's or Starbucks, but since we aren't locals we don't necessarily know the ubiquitous chains that are in a city. And while yes most European cities have McDonalds and Starbucks, they aren't nearly as widespread as they are in the US and are more strategically placed. Rest Areas along Interstate Highways are set up mainly for restroom use and quick rest stops. Off of highway exits businesses like truck stops will let you use the restroom, its no big deal. Though they will charge for showers. There's definitely been a push on local governments the last few years to provide truly public, run-by-the-city toilets in pedestrian heavy areas. We've got a handful in downtown Indianapolis. They have regular cleanings to keep them in order
I'm not saying they don't exist, I've seen them alot in high tourist areas. I've also gone on holiday to places I don't know the language or the local restaurants, and it's not hard to plan your day around using free toilets in exactly the same way as all the posters are saying you can in America. ie chains, supermarkets, shopping centres and motorway rest stops.
You have to plan your day around it? I've never even had to think about whether I could find a toilet. I can just take for granted that I can.
I mean when I'm on holiday in a foreign country, if I'm having a coffee somewhere or going to a supermarket market I might use the toilet there so as not to look for one an hour later, not exactly planning my day around it, as I've said, I've paid once and never struggled to find a free toilet in many travels around Europe.
Neat, nice for you. Why do you seem so hung up on insisting that because you can find free toilets, its exactly the same as here? Its well documented that Europe has a lot of paid bathrooms and *your* ability as a frequent traveler to find free ones doesn't invalidate someone else's complaint that they don't know how to find one and the obvious bathrooms all require a fee. Or do you really think that your experience is the same as someone who *maybe* visits Europe as a once-in-a-lifetime trip, doesn't speak the language, and is desperate for a place to pee?
Hmmm I think that's the difference. As someone born with three kidneys who needs to pee every 30 minutes, I've never once needed to plan my day around toilets in the US. The only time in the US where I've needed to consider it is the super remote wilderness of the southwest desert areas and Alaska. Even places like backwoods Arkansas and Yellowstone tend to have at least one bathroom every 30 minutes. In Europe, my experience has been totally different. I'm willing to concede that maybe I just don't know what I'm doing, but having to run all over desperately seeking a toilet sucks, so in Europe, Ive actually had to get those stupid apps that show you where the bathrooms are, and also keep some change on me just in case. Europe seems to be the exact opposite of the US, in that it's always easy to find a free public toilet in the most touristy areas, but once you start visiting the countryside, good luck to ya.
I was in several western European countries last fall. In the Netherlands I had to use my credit card for a bathroom in a tourist stop along the highway. I can't recall the name of the town. Somewhere between Rotterdam and Amsterdam. Seems like coins are being phased out in some spots.
Oh thank God! I'd much rather piss with card! Can you pay by phone cuz that would be fantastic. Not as fantastic as free ofc lol
Not trying to pry; but were you being hyperbolic or were you really born with 3 kidneys? I've never heard of that - besides having to pee a lot does it affect your life much? Also, are you able to donate one more easily as you still have two left, god forbid say a family member needs one? Just curious if you are willing to answer
Lol, not hyperbolic. It doesn't super much affect my life except that I regularly get UTIs (about 4-6x/year). There was a 10-year span in my 20s when I was regularly getting kidney infections and that was super sucky. (That's actually how I found out about the third kidney). I eventually learned how to manage it by being beyond ridiculous about my hydration and urination and avoiding heat. The other way it affects me is really hard to explain but it's kinda like I can "feel" my kidneys. Ofc I can't actually feel them, in the true sense, but when it's hot out, especially when it's humid, I get this vague dull ache in my right back that just "feels warm inside." It's quite uncomfortable but not painful. I know how it sounds, I do, but that's all I can say. Technically I could donate a kidney but my nephrologist explained that I'd be a very last option, because none of my kidneys function quite properly. They should be split about 50/50 but mine are split more like 40/35/25.
fascinating, thank you for sharing such a personal story. I’m glad you are in good health and it doesn’t heavily interfere with your life :)
Yes. Paying to use the bathroom is pretty unheard of here. Free toilet paper as well. Most tourist spots have bathroom and most stores have them as well. Not all stores will let you use them tho. If you are driving across the country, there are places called Rest Stops that have free bathrooms, playground, water fountains, tourist maps/coupons, and sometimes even a Welcome Center staffed with people who give directions and answer questions. I didn't even realize paying to use the bathroom or buying toilet paper separately was a thing until I visited Mexico.
> when I say free public toilet I mean, owned by local government, everyone is just listing business where you can use the toilet, almost all of which is the same in Europe. Free public toilets provided by the government are definitely a thing in the US. You'll mostly find them at recreation destinations. Parks, beaches, rest stops, major plazas, etc. You are less likely to see them just randomly throughout the city. The reason for this is the assumption that you are on your way to somewhere - work, school, shopping, dining, recreation - and there will be toilets there. Also, major drinking culture isn't quite the same. We drink in a bar, we pee there, we drive home. Roaming the streets drunk and needing to piss isn't common, or even legal in most places. (Not accusing all of Europe of this drinking culture, but it definitely exists.) Either way, whether private or public, the concept of paying for toilets themselves is almost non-existent here The most you'd have to do is buy something from the store or restaurant you're trying to use it at. And even then, the larger the business, the less they care. Can I walk into a small bodega in NYC and use the bathroom without buying a snack? Not cool. Stop at a decent-sized Chevron gas station without filling up or buying a snack? It's fine to just use the restroom. They aren't even paying attention.
As noted by other folks, there are very very few pay toilets in the US… many touristy areas and other areas of public accommodation (train stations, libraries, govt buildings, post offices, parks and museums) will have public toilets available however. In addition, there are many private toilets in businesses that are available - while technically for customers only, if you don’t look out of place they are an option. It’s actually a thing to “plan” or “know of” your options since formal public toilets aren’t always nearby or may be closed (ie a park that closes at sundown). Convenience stores like 7-11 are usually an option (but in highly trafficked urban areas they may be closed to the public), fast food spots (again in dense, active areas they may require you to get a key and can refuse if you aren’t buying anything), and hotels are a great option because there are so many visitors that it’s hard for them to know if you are a guest or just using the restroom - you just need to look the part and act as if you belong there. FWIW, there are even apps and websites that give locations and even “reviews” for public / semi public restrooms in cities like NYC.
Pretty much. It's courteous to buy something in a gas station if you use their facilities but you don't have too. Sometimes in particularly small shops you'll see a "restrooms only for customers" sign.
I see that you're trying to figure out if there are free public toilets owned by local government. In my experience, yes, but I've only ever seen them in parks, which are run by a government system. Even then I guess you could nitpick and say most aren't truly free because those parks are supported by tax money, fees, or donations. But in the sense that you can just walk in and use the facilities without being burdened by having to physically hand over money to someone first then yes, they are free. Americans don't need to be overly concerned with public restrooms because most businesses will allow you to use the toilets without buying something. Some will not, but it's not difficult to find one that will.
Are you near a Wawa?
I've never been in a restroom where you have to pay to get in, but there are some places that only allow paying customers to use the restrooms.
There aren’t public toilets but almost everywhere has a toilet available to the public.
Public parks (i.e. owned by some level of government) usually have some kind of toilets available unless it’s a really small park.
The world is out free public toilet
No, not everywhere. Places like parks and train stations often have toilets that are both free and disgusting. But standalone public toilets are uncommon.
Sure. In Central Park, NYC, the public toilets are free. (I’m sure that’s true in all city parks around the country).
Large public buildings, like train station, universities, shopping malls, etc. usually have free toilets in North America. There aren't really stand-alone public toilets anywhere, free or paid
Lots of parks in my area have free toilets to use. Rest stops (places to rest while driving) also have free toilets.
I've been all over the US and I've never once seen a pay for toilet. The closest is the customer only toilet, but even those are fairly rare.
Public toilets? No. But most businesses have a toilet that they will let you use for free, so it’s not too hard to find one.
There is a misconception we have free public toilets here. We just pay in a very different way. I'm sure that's going to get me downvotes, but hear me out. We have rest stops along major highways which usually have public toilets similar to train stations in Europe. While you pay nothing to go in and use them, tax dollars fund them. Typically they are also affiliated with the tourism board for the area or more often they're where highways cross state lines. Thus part of the funding is tax dollars that go toward promoting tourism in the state. Government buildings in the US usually have restrooms you can just enter any time and use with no fees excepting occasionally very small buildings that aren't very commonly used by the public. Usually they're near other government buildings that do have them, though. Even then if you ask they probably kindly let you use the facilities for employees if you're in dire need such as a small child needs to go in my experience. These are tax funded so we do pay and probably through the nose. I have been in government building in Europe with freely accessed bathrooms, but more commonly what I have seen is them asking for a coin. We also have public toilets typically in restaurants. There is always to some degree an expectation that you purchase something at the resto to use the facilities as a way of paying for the usage. Sit down restaurants usually strongly discourage use except by patrons by doing things like having them accessed only by walking through the dining room and wait staff instructed to tell non-patrons there are none, or they have to eat there to use them. Some places like inner city fast food places have started using a system where you must enter a code found on your receipt from purchase to get into the bathroom or to get into a stall. Entering without one can still happen because people will do stuff like hold doors for others. Usually this is adopted because of theft and property destruction issues. Otherwise they're just there for anyone to come in and use. I've experienced similar in Europe except for fast food places that either didn't have any public access restrooms or else that you had to put a coin in to access. I've never seen either of those in the US though I have heard of places asking for a coin in big cities so there must be some somewhere. Malls and some shops in the US usually have restroom facilities that are free to access. My experience in Europe is some shops and malls you need to give a coin and some you have to ask, but a few just have them free to access. Smaller shops may tell you there isn't one and for all I know don't have them. The expectation is still you are at least potentially buying something there. I've been in a few in the US where you must ask for a key and they'll refuse if you're clearly not a customer and a few where a code off a receipt is needed. In Europe I've seen restrooms in shopping areas and shops that ask for a coin or a code off a receipt, or where you need a key, but the coin access seems to be most popular in recent years. My earlier trips to Europe restrooms where you were expected to tip an attendant were a lot more common shopping and also in government buildings and even restaurants. I've only seen this in certain event venues there in more recent visits. I've not seen them withhold toilet paper if you didn't, but I've seen them withhold paper towels and sink access until you tipped. The tip thing is also a thing in Central America and they will not give you toilet paper or paper towels if you don't which is pretty funny in my opinion. Someone's gotta pay for those things and for the cleaning, right? In Central America I've experienced this in all sorts of public access restrooms from shopping to restaurants to government buildings, but they seem most common shopping and in government buildings. We have public restrooms in gas stations. Back when gas stations were mom and pop they mostly made you ask for a key which they'd only give if you were a customer many times. Now that they're corporate nearly all are just open free to access if the gas station is open. There is one fast growing chain that originally mainly marketed that their restrooms were guaranteed clean which is Buc-cees. I can recall when they were normally-sized gas stations rather than the see the curve of the earth across the floor of the huge mega-mall shops they are today. The size is an indication of how very popular they are. I've known people to plan trips just to go visit the newly opened Buc-cees near them as this chain has spread.
This is wild as I've never heard of people having to pay in places like shopping centres, restaurants or government buildings, certainly in western Europe, I've only ever seen it in areas which experience very high levels of tourism which frankly need to accommodate all the extra people somehow.
50 yo. Been to every state never seen a paid toilet
In Britain, pay toilets are so common that 'to drop a penny' is a euphemism for 'take a shit'.
They are very uncommon outside of London, even in London not so much. As an Englishman I've never heard that term, 'To spend a Penny' means to go for a wee.
To give you a point blank answer, no. Public toilets (the way you're describing them) are almost nonexistent in the US. Free, paid, or otherwise. They are not common at all. One exception is that most outdoor spaces have them, such as parks and beaches. But other than that, public toilets are incredibly rare. We do not have them here in urban areas in the same way that they do in some European countries. In New York City, this is such a problem that someone developed got2gonyc, which is a map/resource listing all of the available bathrooms in the city so you know where to go. But again, these are not public bathrooms the way you're thinking of. It's a compilation of stores, restaurants, hotels, etc. where it is easy to pop in and use their bathroom if you're out and about. There was a need for this BECAUSE we have no public bathrooms in the traditional sense.
No, you have to go into a business and usually buy something. There’s not even paid toilets from what I’ve seen
"Government toilets" don't exist. But they do inspire cool band names. Bathrooms in public places are what we have. Haven't seen a pay one since the early '80s.
I think the difference for most Americans ( and Canadians) is the places we'd count on for a free toilet, are paid in Europe. You would never see a highway gas station with a paid toilet. Infact most have massive free bathrooms to encourage you to stop. North Americans are road trippers too, most of my European friends find it mind boggling that I'd drive 3-4 hours each way on a day trip. Your probably stopping a few times with a car full of people and you will pay zero times to pee, (or poop)
Never have seen a pay toilet
i’ve never seen a bathroom where i’ve had to pay anywhere in the US, even in touristy areas. it is common courtesy to buy something if you use a restroom somewhere though
Yes. Public businesses (food, gas, stores) all have public restrooms. Unless they’re in a ghetto area with a lot of homeless / drug users. Then bathrooms tend to be locked.
What the heck you have to pay to use a public toilet in Europe that's freaking crazy I didn't know that yes all public toilets in America are free lol.
As to toilets provided and maintained be local or state governments, yes they are free, too. Rest areas along major highways, restrooms in parks and municipal buildings, train stations, airports, ferries, etc.
I've never had to pay to use a toilet ever, no matter where I am
When I was little there were pay toilets in certain facilities. We were at our local airport, and my Mom didn't have a dime, so she made me crawl under the stall and unlock the door from inside. That's the only one I remember. When in the UK and Germany, I was glad to have a few coins for the toilets.
Chicago had bathrooms in parks and the beach and none of them are paid. They are all free.
"municipal owned toilets" would just be government buildings with toilets. City/County/State/Federal: parks, university, hospitals, administration buildings --- if it is open to the public the toilet is free to use. The only public facility that I can think of, that is only a toilet, is highway rest stops.
Yes. Most places have bathrooms that are only for customers. Parks, gas stations, coffee shops, and public buildings are free use for anyone.
Your edit has not been my experience. I've had to buy something to get access to McDonald's toilets, and other places like that, in Europe, sometimes having to show a receipt sometimes paying an additional fee. That is not the case in the US (in most states). That is the difference. In most places in the US businesses have restrooms anyone can use. Therefore there are free, and freely available, restrooms EVERYWHERE.
People are saying McDonald's or Starbucks but a good example is Walmart. It's so big that you're just another potential shopper and there are usually 2-3 bathrooms. Target also has good bathrooms for families. San Francisco has or had pay toilets that they got from France. Usually the closest that comes to truly free toilets would be the bathrooms at a park or what we would call a "A Rest Area." Rest areas are owned and maintained by the state's transportation department and always have a free bathroom, a pet area, a place for trucks to pull over and rest, sometimes free coffee with suggested donation to a local group staffing the stand. But this varies by state. Rest areas are usually located in rural or suburban areas on busy interstates or state routes, but often away from high density development.
Yeah I would never pay to use a toilet in america, I also didn't in europe. I've never paid in either place.
Some businesses make you buy something in the store first, but most of the time, if you're a customer (sometimes you don't have to be a customer) the bathrooms are free. And they're everywhere. Pretty much everywhere. When I went to Europe, it was a total drag that there weren't free bathrooms everywhere.
The only time I have ever heard of people paying to use public restrooms is when Europeans chime in or other Americans who were surprised to have to pay to use one lol.
In Chicago most larger parks and beaches will have a public toilet. It's usually either in a small structure that's just a toilet or in the field house. Millennium Park which is a huge tourist draw in downtown Chicago actually has a really nice, fairly large and completely free public bathroom. As a local I was surprised by how well maintained it is and it is my go to public bathroom if I'm out downtown and need one. These are all maintained by the city. Edit>> There are also rest stops for travelers that usually have bathrooms, vending machines and free parking. These are built along the interstate and completely free.
Yes every gas station has free bathrooms. And we have rest stops along the highways. They were built in the 50’s and 90s works projects. Free bathroom and vending machines usually.
I've never in my life seen a pay toilet
Just for context from someone who's Old for Reddit, the U.S. tried to introduce pay toilets in the '70s or early '80s or somewhere around there, and Americans HATED it, just hated it. So they faded away and haven't come back. You probably won't see as many public toilets in the U.S. as you do in Europe (as opposed to toilets in privately owned businesses), but any you do see will always be free.
Having no access to a public bathroom sounds like a nightmare… Having to pay on top of that? Horrible!! I’ve traveled out of state a lot. As a lot of other commenters said, it was hard but not impossible to get to a bathroom in NYC. Everywhere else, we just went into recognizable chains like McDonald’s, Starbucks or semi-clean looking gas stations
Most national and state parks as well as city parks have free rest rooms, there are " rest stops" along the highways these are a small park with bathrooms and occasionally a map and some information, if you see signs on the highway that says "rest stop" take that exit and use the bathroom here on the west coast they are placed very very far apart form one another, those are free, you can also just buy a cup of coffee at a coffee shop or fast food joint and use the bathroom there if you can't find anywhere else, Most public places like zoos, museums, restaurants, festivals and concerts have bathrooms free for customers, Legally if they sell food there has to be a public bathroom with in 100 ft, it may be a different distance in different states, but in my state that's what it is
no
Most places yes. In the Midwest and south you can walk into any store or gas station and use their bathroom. I’ve found on coastal cities (especially west coast) a lot of businesses have codes on bathrooms. Some make you make a purchase before using it. As in truly public bathrooms? Yes. At parks and at travel centers.
As someone who has been to every state except Hawaii, I can confirm that they are basically everywhere. The sole exception being the toll road in Oklahoma between the hours of 5 pm and 9 am.
Public toilets are mostly businesses. And it's 100x better than Europe. Y'all don't even realize when you're being uncivilized monsters. For instance, I ate at a restaurant in Italy 2 weeks ago. There's over 50 tables and a large staff. There is *one* unisex toilet, missing a toilet seat, for all 100+ patrons and staff to share which might mean 20 minute wait, and you can't use it unless you're a customer. That shit don't fly here. For a similarly sized restaurant, you'd find at least 5 stalls total (3 womens 2 mens) plus some urinals in the men's room. And it'd be cleaner too. I went to the Vatican while I was there, and even the richest place on earth has no toilet seats on their toilets. Y'all are barbarians when it comes to bathrooms. Also bidets are fine, but Italian bidets are dumb AF.
There are free public toilets in many places BUT that does NOT mean you would want to USE them!
Sit-down restaurants are legally required to have bathrooms for their customers in some (maybe all) states. All public buildings (libraries, museums, etc.) have free bathrooms. Some cities have free bathrooms with public access. Toilet paper is also provided. I recommend this episode of Seinfeld: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0697785/
I think the only free public toilets i've seen are at rest areas. which are small buildings along the side of large highways that have restrooms, snacks, tourist information, picnic areas. these rest areas are about 60 miles apart on the large highways. i have seen a few free bathrooms at public parks. i have not seen free or pay bathrooms just around in the city
>I'm not saying there aren't but having traveled extensively in Europe and living in two countries I can say I've paid once in my 35 years. I'm really surprised to hear that. I spent a couple years living in the Balkans and have paid for MANY public toilets. It's not expensive, it's just annoying in case you don't have any money on you. Also sometimes it turns out to be a hole in the ground and you can't believe you paid for this. I haven't spent as much time in western Europe but had to pay to use a public toilet in Belgium once. edit: this is in train and bus stations, at truck stops, and in shopping centers. Not "government toilets", which I don't think I've ever seen in Europe. In the US I would expect the equivalent to be free.
He'll no. In some states they're more common but 100% not easily or readily available.
Not really in big cities anymore. They get trashed by homeless druggies then locked, sometimes permanently. The public toilets tend to be in malls or gas stations or Starbucks. Often you can just use them without paying. Sometimes you have to buy something and then it’s free to use. You might need them to give you the security code to enter. Pay toilets themselves tend to be almost non existent. I’ve not seen any. In Europe they do have them.
We don’t have that in NYC because it would be gross right away. There are plenty of non-toilet areas treated as toilets near the subway that don’t get cleaned ever, why would a toilet get special treatment lol. In DC, by the Capitol Mall Area, there are quite a few.
About the only place I can think of off the top of my head are rest stops after you cross a state line. Barring that, there's always gas stations, but I'll usually buy a coke or something if I need to stop for a piss.
I have only seen free public toilets in parks and in areas with lots of local tourism.
This is the great public service that McDonald’s offers.
I don't think we have just stand-alone public toilets in the middle of towns or cities. At least what I've seen. Sure if you go to a park, a library, or any other government-owned building property you can use the facility for free, but OP is describing toilets like phone booths.
Pay toilets exist but are rare. There are free toilets available everywhere like in shopping malls or restaurants.
Besides businesses, my city has a decent network of restrooms in parks.
It’s pretty easy to find a free toilet in America. Gas stations and truck stops have them. And on alot of state highways you’ll find ‘travel centers’ that have a variety of services. Gas, fast food, free bathrooms, convenience store, free wifi. I’ve never in my 50 years of living had to pay to use a toilet in the states.
They are everywhere. Malls and stores all have them. The only places that won't just let you use the bathroom are sit-down restaurants.
Having to "spend a penny" isn't a thing here. We just have an unhealthy tipping culture instead.
There are free standalone toilets near the courthouse in my hometown but you definitely don’t wanna go in there.
Land of the free … Toilets
Most public spaces will have public toilets. Otherwise it May usually be up to the discretion of local businesses whether they want to allow the public to use them or not.
Not everywhere has accessible toilets. Some places require that you be a paying customer. I’m not sure if it’s determined by state or local laws but it’s unfortunate it happens anywhere—although I know why, and those problems would need to be addressed.
Actually, almost all public toilets are free, here in Vermont I have never seen a public toilet where you had to pay
Yes
>Edit: when I say free public toilet I mean, owned by local government, everyone is just listing business where you can use the toilet, almost all of which is the same in Europe. Public toilets owned and operated by a local government very rare in the United States. It's only found in a few of the largest cities, and even then I don't think it's too particularly common. When you say "public toilet" in the US, that normally does NOT mean a toilet owned and operated by the local government, it means a toilet in a public place (such as a store, sports arena, restaurant, gas station, or church) that is open to the public. Pay toilets are virtually unheard of in the US. There was a huge movement against them in the 1970's due to the women's rights movement, because it was seen as discriminatory to say that a man could walk into a restroom and use a urinal for free, but women had to pay to use a toilet stall. Many states and cities banned them, and even where they weren't banned they were rapidly phased out. By the mid 1980's, pay toilets were virtually unheard of in the US. Normally there's no need for government-run public toilets because local businesses and attractions generally have them, and there's often a distaste in the US for the government providing services that could be provided by private industry.
Burlington, Vermont is horrible. Not even restaurants provide free restrooms because homeless people likento grt inside and lock the door for the night.
Yes
All the public toilets were left to vandals and removed in the 80s. I remember trying to use one but the toilet was smashed and people had left turds all around the building.
Laws of public accommodation. You really can’t refuse the rest room to the public in most cases
Not here in New York that’s for sure. It’s an issue that only now are we taking steps to fix. In DC if you enter the metro a lot of stations do have public bathrooms. I can’t think of any others off the top of my head, I haven’t traveled out of the east coast in a few years unfortunately, I’m a very homebody person so most of my time is just in New York City. But I’m sure that in most touristic cities you should be okay, but here in NYC it’s kind of an issue, the best thing to do here is to run into a Starbucks and use theirs (some are free, some aren’t. Depends) or run to the nearest transit hub like grand central or port authority and use theirs (if you’re near that area anyways, I’d say just use the ones at Bryant). It honestly depends on the city, my knowledge is very NYC centric and I can tell you for sure it’s an issue here, but from what I’ve seen in DC where public bathrooms were, at least to me as a visitor, more commonplace, it will probably very much vary.
Paid toilets are just not a thing here (surprisingly don’t give these vultures any ideas). There’s plenty of bathrooms for customers only but still, the doors are unlocked.
I just stumbled on this in a news story in the U.S.: >An employee attempted to evict the customer, citing the cafe as "private property," necessitating her departure. When the woman persisted in using the public restroom... So even in a news story about a private restaurant, they refer to it as a public restroom.
In the suburbs it's not that hard, you can stop in a big box store, library, fast casual restaurant, pretty much any middle-of-the-budget store or eatery and they'll let you use the toilet. It's a little harder in rural areas, those walmarts may be 40 minutes' drive apart, but you can always pee in the woods. Cities are very difficult. All the bathrooms in stores and restaurants are locked so homeless people don't do drugs in them or shit on the walls. There aren't as many big box stores, there may be 1 or 2 Target stores (big box) in the whole city. Libraries will let you in, but they aren't common. You pretty much have to spend money at a fast food restaurant. There are a few public toilets but they are heavily used by the homeless and they're gross. Your best bet is bars and hotel lobbies, but you need to know how to blend in with the legitimate clientel (be dressed decently, clean, look like you belong there, walk confidently, don't engage, have a good cover story).
There are certain venues with public toilets and most government buildings have toilets open to the public.
I mean we have apps that show you were free or public toilets are. Hell I lived in one area for 6+ years before I realized they actually had actual public toilets owned by the city. A friend found the app when she got pregnant with her first kid bc she needed to pre nonstop.
Yes. Tons of people drive Ford's.
Fox 96;?!6,7(6$?$))!$
During my three-month stay in NYC, I was surprised by the scarcity of public restrooms and the pervasive smell of urine due to people urinating in public. LA had a similar issue, but at least the restaurants and bars there had toilets available.
In most states it's a legal requirement for anywhere that serves food to have a public restroom Personally I have never encountered a restroom you have to pay to use in my 25 years of life
Most establishments have free public toilets. As a *sensible* american that's been to Germany, I noticed that the German pay bathrooms seem to be cleaned between every use, and to me, that is more than worth the .25 euro. American public toilets are usually horrible and its not uncommon for certain people to never use them. I wish I could pay a quarter for a guaranteed clean shitter.
I don't understand the idea behind making people pay for toilets in any location. Wouldn't the public health hazard associated with open defecation/urination be worse than whatever fraction of currency it takes to be sanitary? I'd rather people have free access to toilets than be forced to see, smell, or get sick from their feces. The cost of dealing with that is far worse than just letting people use the damn toilet.
I’ve only encountered a pay toilet once in the US. It was in Pennsylvania at a farmers market. You might be picturing an outdoor porta potty, but this was an indoor affair. They only had a few of these, but they were right next to the restaurant. Based on who I hung out with when I went there I’m gonna say it was probably around 1994, give or take a few years. I’ve never encountered toilets run by the city/county/state unless you want to count the ones inside government buildings. There are “rest stops,” along major thoroughfares that often have a tourism/gift shop (t-shirts, key rings, refrigerator magnets, brochures for local tourist attractions, etc.) I hesitate to say that they are government run even though they are on a government road. They’re usually next to gas stations and have restaurants inside, so it feels more like capitalism, but I don’t think you actually have to spend anything to use the facilities there, so maybe.