There’s a pretty big stereotype in third world countries regarding people just going to the toilet anywhere they can. To be fair, I kind of understand it.

A lot of these places are underdeveloped and unless you’re in a touristy location, public toilets are non-existent. Meanwhile you’re absolutely busting and miles away from home.

Sure you could walk into a cafe or restaurant but that’d mean buying something. Not really being able to read menus or know what a shop is selling until you’ ve had a good look means your asking for trouble if all you want is to use a toilet.

In Taiwan, if you’re within earshot of a 7-11, Family Mart, Hi-Life or Ok Mart then chances are you’ll find a toilet there and be able to relieve yourself. The convenience stores here are pretty cool about you just using their toilets, with so many customers you don’t even so much as get a death stare if you don’t buy anything.

Having said that although incredibly difficult (Taiwan has possibly the highest concentration of convenience stores in the world), it’s not impossible to find yourself stranded.

This happened to me a few weeks ago and in desperate search of a toilet I ran into this:

Although somewhat crude the sign got its message across. If you follow the arrow however down the tile path, about twenty meters away was a wall, with no visible sign of a toilet in sight.

Unfortunately I was in a rush and had other things on my mind (like trying to find a toilet!) so didn’t realise I’d only taken a photo of the sign itself until I got home.

Despite not really being a third world country I’ve seen people go to the toilet anywhere and everywhere in Taiwan. Public spaces are public spaces and with an abundance of large open grates on the roads it’s not uncommon to see someone relieving themselves (usually old men or parents with kids).

I’m not sure if we were supposed to use the wall as a toilet or not but I’m happy to report that I sucked it up and held it in till I found a proper toilet (about fifteen minutes later).

I’m definitely not local Taiwanese enough yet to feel comfortable flopping it out in broad daylight to go for a whizz on a wall in full public view.

…somehow I don’t think I’ll ever be.

1. Are these the most sophisticated public toilets ever?
2. Using outdoor toilets in Taiwan
3. Taiwan toilets: The toilet paper problem
4. How to access Taipei’s free public WIFI internet
5. Taiwan pisses all over toilet sign language barrier…