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Where should you put your toilet paper? Our travel expert shares their tips on etiquette, hygiene and water sanitation in Greece.
Photo © iStock/JudyDillon
In most places throughout Greece you can't put toilet paper down the toilet. Instead, you must put your toilet paper in the bin beside the loo.
So long as the bins are tightly closed and emptied daily, the health risks are minimal to anyone who uses this method.
But why is this the situation in Greece? Here's why you need to follow the rules.
- Don't flush toilet paper in Greece
- Squat toilets in rural Greece
- Can I drink tap water in Greece?
- Natural spring water in Greece
- Gastro - Greek style
Don't flush toilet paper in Greece
There's a very simple explanation: Greek sewage pipes are approximately two inches (50mm) in diameter. American and British plumbing is twice as large (four inches/100mm). The Greek pipes just get clogged.
They don‘t call them 'modern conveniences' for nothing. Toilet paper wasn't invented until the 1900s, and Greece is an ancient civilization.
The ancient Greeks were modern for their time. A Minoan king of Crete invented the first flushing toilet more than 2,800 years ago. Paper was first manufactured about 1,000 years later, but it took someone another 700 years to have the great idea of making toilet paper.
This also helps explain a few other ancient and European pre-toilet paper traditions, such as not eating food with your left hand, the bidet, and that creepy long fingernail on the left pinky – think about it!
The toilets will handle a small amount of paper, so don't panic if you forget once or twice while you get used to it.
The bins will be collected and emptied daily, so there's rarely an odour problem and a tight fitting lid keeps the health issues at bay.
When you lift the lid, just don't look.
The eternal question has been answered in Greece, where spring-loaded mechanisms return the seat on some toilets to the UP position after use. Argument settled.
Sorry ladies, no 'hovering', so the health-conscious can use those wipes to give the seat the once-over and watch out for a slap from the seat as you stand up.
That all said, this is not a uniquely Greek problem, you may still encounter the 'NO PAPER' sign in other old parts of Europe (and even in one of New York City's oldest hotels). You'll also encounter this throughout Southeast Asia. However the good news is some upmarket and newly built hotels have updated sewerage systems, so you may be able to flush the paper. Ask accommodation staff if you're unsure.
Listen to the this Episode of the World Nomads Travel Podcast
In this episode of the podcast, we talk about traveler’s diarrhea, also known as Bali Belly, Delhi Belly, The Pharaoh's Curse, Montezuma's Revenge or The Rangoon Runs. Whatever you call it, it’s no fun being caught short. Warning: this podcast is not suitable for sensitive ears as it contains explicit language.
Squat toilets in rural Greece
The same goes for squat toilet you may encounter in more remote areas.
It's a ceramic, or enameled, apparatus that is pretty rare in Greece these days. (By the way, it appears the Greeks named it the "Turkish" toilet in retaliation for centuries of cultural domination, even though this type of toilet is still common in Asia, and can be encountered in other southern European nations from time to time).
There's a bit of an art to mastering these toilets, but practice makes perfect. Until you do, take some disinfectant wipes with you to fix any "mistakes" to you or your clothing.
Don't let it put you off or spoil your trip, put it down to being an experienced traveler.
Can I drink tap water in Greece?
Backtracking on this whole issue a little and consider what you put into your body in the first place.
In Athens and Thessaloniki, the tap water is perfectly fine to drink. These cities are supplied by reliable and clean systems.
The same can't be said of the islands where quality and purity can vary significantly. Many still rely on groundwater wells and because of frequent drought there‘s often insufficient supply. Water quality can be poor, especially in summer.
It's recommended you drink only treated or boiled water in Herakeion (Crete), Alexanroupolis, Siteia, Salamis, Ioannina, Mykonos, Santorini and other smaller islands.
Use caution on Milos, Kimolos, Irakleia, Schoinoussa, Symi, Halki, Patmos and Kastelorizo. These islands have had all their water literally shipped to the islands since 2008. While much care is taken with the process, transferring water to and from a ship creates several opportunities for contamination.
The Greek government is trying to secure water supply for the islands through de-salination plants, but the financial crisis has severely disrupted plans.
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Natural spring water in Greece
Because it's a mountainous country, there are many springs and natural water sources all over Greece.
Many villages have elaborate taps for these. You may see locals filling up large containers to take home for use. You may even be offered spring water in some cafes and restaurants.
Gastro – Greek style
Even the purest, sparklingly clean water can cause traveler's diarrhoea – all water carries microbes and bacteria of some type. These are processed by your gut and are generally harmless. But different destinations have slightly different combinations of microbes, and it can take a day or two for your gut to adjust.
Traveler's diarrhea is not dangerous, unless it's acute (really bad), or chronic (goes on for a long time) – in which case you might need medical assistance.
The biggest problem is dehydration, and first line treatment is oral rehydration. Not only does rehydration often require more water than people think, it also requires some special electrolytes in the water they drink.
A sports drink (Gatorade, Powerade, Lucozade, etc) often works well and several glasses of this should be drunk each day you're experiencing symptoms of traveler's diarrhea.
If you get into a tight spot and can't find a sports drink, you can make your own with a pinch of salt and a few spoons of sugar into a glass of clean water. Even if the person has been vomiting, and appears to be throwing up all their liquids, keep drinking! At least some of the fluid is getting into the body.
Sometimes the diarrhea can be so severe you need to get medical help. A few signs that you've reached this stage include the presence of blood in the diarrhea, fevers and severe abdominal cramping. These are all signs that the bacteria are invading the body by penetrating the intestinal lining. Don't hesitate to head to hospital.
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23 Comments
If the Greek pipes are 2 inches in diameter and US pipes are 4 inches, then US pipes are FOUR times the size of Greek pipes. I have been to Greece several times and I still cannot get used to binning the paper. I bring marine toilet paper with me in a ziplok bag. This paper is very soluble in water and (I hope) does not cause a problem when I fllush it. Mike, Dublin Ireland
You got me there, Mike. I'm a journalist, never any good at maths (or plumbing). Cheers
@RoyAnd Greece is a civilised country sir.
What kind of a math calculation is that ? And Vassilis, the man's talked about this 4 years ago, good luck proving your point. And Turkey and Greece were together best when they were united in spirt
Aras, think about the formula for diameter and you will understand Mike's math calculation.
I live in Greece. This is complete nonsense, the pipes in Greece can absolutely handle toilet paper. This is more about cultural norms and ignorance than a plumbing issue. Go ahead and flush the toilet paper down the toilet. You won't have any issues.
Mike
If size is defined as diameter, then it is 2 times the size.
If size is defined as circumference, then it still is 2 times the size.
If size is defines as Circle area, then you're right.
But, of course you are most correct, since it's pipes we measure here.
;)
It is impossible that the pipes are 2inch
they wouldn't work at all and block the first time they where used with or without toilet paper. They must be at least 3inch
Marcus you are right! They are usually a little less than 4 inches specifically 10 cm( that's the smallest allowed diameter), for the new buildings, let's say after 1990. Even the most of old houses have new pipes so the problem is not from each building network but the main public network which is outdated worn and unable to handle the bigger amount of "work" as more and more people tend to move from provincial areas to urban ones. Note that the public company did nothing to face the problem apart from these instructions " Don't through the paper in the toilet "
What a fascinating, informative, and long-running thread! I'm waiting for a civil or public utilities engineer to comment now. :)
Personally I think your all talking shit !!! ????????????????
This goes way back brothers and sisters, flush that paper were out the stone ages, just don't use the whole roll unless your leaving straight after ????????..
Anyways there's a strange smell around here, I'm outta here..
Toodleoo lol
Viny
In modern Greece, people are instructed by the extremely corrupted state and the 'elite' thugs which rule the country to do 2 (two) things;
1. To collect toilet papers full of shit, i.e. not to put the toilet paper down the toilet. This is absolutely disgusting, because it turns the bathroom into a manure storage facility.
2. To collect receipts for the Tax Office and for the Taxman. This is simply because the extremely corrupted state and the 'elite' thugs which rule the country are reluctant to catch the massive tax evasion, and they are asking every kind of bullshit you can imagine.
I fully agree with Thanos that:
‘This is more about cultural norms and ignorance than a plumbing issue. Go ahead and flush the toilet paper down the toilet. You won't have any issues.’
I would strongly suggest to every visitor in Greece to put the toilet paper down the toilet, because it will not really cause any problem and it will follow the rules of modern sanitation.
DO NOT FLUSH PAPER IN GREEK RURAL AREAS ( small islands)
it is not just about the small bore pipes. Many Greek homes in rural areas are not on mains sewage. they are use a sewage pit
this is essentially a stone lined hole in the ground. liquid seeps away and is naturally filtered through the bedrock. solids are broken down into harmless soil by bacteria. these can take decades to fill up if used corectly
( unlike a septic tank which is a sealed system that fills up quickly and has to be periodically pumped out by a sewage truck)
on such a system you should never pour large quantities of harsh chemical cleaners down the toilet. this can kill the bacteria in the pit so they won't be able to break down your wastes.
you should also NEVER put toilet paper down into such a system. cellulose does not break down quickly. the paper pulp ends up blocking the lining of the pit stopping the liquids from flowing away.
This is stupid. You can flush toilet paper in Greece! You can use a toilet paper in Greece as everywhere in the world. This is stupid and biased article.
I just returned from a week in Athens and can definitely say we are asked to deposit the used toilet paper in a bin beside the toilet everywhere we go.
My wife's cousin specifically asked us when visiting him to put the paper in the bin if we go #2. He lives in a fairly modern unit.
Another cousin, who lives in a newly constructed building (2012) also has a bin next to the toilet but didn't specifically mention what to do. Same for another cousin we stayed with for several nights, although their building is about 15 years old.
A restaurant in downtown Athens had a very clear sign in 3 languages saying to not put toilet paper in the basin but in the bin beside the toilet.
We were very aware of the no toilet paper rule and there wasn't a single toilet anywhere that didn't have the little covered bin right next to the toilet, with a plastic liner in it.
We flushed the toilet paper down regardless and didn't have any blockage problems at all, thankfully.
Never mind toilet paper, why can’t they put bolts on the doors of public wc’s? Wouldn’t need to keep slamming it in people’s faces when they walk in on me.
Having just returned from Kefalonia we experienced the bin by the toilet which we did use. A big question for me is the environmental effect. Where are all these plastic bags full of paper going? Surely toilets could be fitted with macerators, alternatively camping toilet paper could be used. There is a huge emphasis on recycling and environmental issues and it appears to me that Greece needs to sort out these toilet paper rules and recycling in general.
I’ve been visiting Greece regularly since 1976. I have ALWAYS flushed the toilet paper down the toilet - with no issues at all. As well, none of my relatives ever mentioned to put paper in a bin.
This thing about having to put toilet paper in a bin is bizarre. It’s almost as though half the country is living in a different realm of reality. If you’re visiting Greece and aren’t using an outdated toilet in some village or island, feel free flush it down.
First week in Athens.. Toilet is blocked. Seems to be a lot of mixed messages regarding this but Greece seems to be the first country ive ever had this issue in.
Your "facts" on the drinking water needing to be boiled in several cities is utter nonsense. It's a developed country with 100% safe drinking water. All tap water is treated.
Well, I'm more confused now that I was before I read these entries. I think I'll just do what is asked of me while I'm there.
I am in Santorini and I’m told do not drink the tap water. Do not put toilet paper in the toilet. Water seems to be shut off at late night hours. I woke up at 3am due to jet lag and no running tap water at all. I had no idea Greece was a third world country, but make No mistake it is absolutely a backwards country.
Greece checks all the boxes of third world society:
1. Traffic: unorganized and out of control
2. Plumbing: terrible
3. Tap water: don’t drink it
4. Internet: Sketchy or nonexistent (not sure if this message will even go through)
5. Economy: failing or already failed
6. Government: corrupt as $hit
7. Food: the food is excellent!
8. The people: the Greek people are kind and thoughtful
Travel to Greece at your own risk if you really want to see it. However, I don’t see any reason for this to be on anyone’s bucket list. You’re not missing anything special.
At a hotel in Athens right now, the only reason I'm on this article is because I'm definitely in a don't-flush-the-toilet-paper part of Greece. I thought the sign in my bathroom referred only to feminine stuff but ZERO toilet paper will go down. I started using the bin though it felt suuuuper wierd. I didn't even know if I was supposed to, but I had no where else to put it! This article puts my mind at ease. Bin is tightly sealed when closed so no smell, but holy cow this is wierd.
Conclusion: there is at least one bathroom in Greece where a fella needs to put his tp in the bin.