The Hardest Thing to Get Used to: Toilet Paper

 Sounds crazy, right? How could toilet paper possibly be so different in Costa Rica? Well, the actual toilet paper is the same, but where you put it will take some getting used to. 😅 Let me explain:

    To get straight to the point: most Ticans put their dirty toilet paper into a trashcan rather than down the toilet. While this may sound strange, there is a logical reason: the plumbing pipes in Costa Rica tend to be smaller than those in the U.S. because smaller pipes are cheaper to install. Therefore, in order to avoid clogged pipes, most people do not put toilet paper or feminine products down the toilet. There is typically a small trashcan right next to the toilet for this purpose. 

    Although it seems like a small difference, it can be difficult to break your current habit of flushing toilet paper. Luckily, most establishments kindly remind you to use the trashcans by posting signs on the back of the stall door or on a nearby wall. This is especially useful for tourists who may not be used to this difference. 

    Furthermore, it is common to pay an establishment to use their restroom(s). While this might sound crazy to those of us who are used to free public bathrooms, it is socially accepted to pay approximately the equivalent of one U.S. dollar to use the restroom in a restaurant or store, especially if you are not a customer. This payment covers the costs of your water, soap, paper towels, and, of course, toilet paper. 

  

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