In the United States and the United Kingdom, the average pipes of the sewage system are about four inches in diameter. In Greece, they're approximately half the size with a two-inch diameter. If you flush toilet paper or other hygiene products in Greece, you'll run the risk of clogging or breaking the pipes.
Much of Greece's sewage systems was installed during the 1930's and 1940's (by the British) using small bore pipe-work that simply cannot cope with paper waste. A pedal bin is usually provided by the side of the WC in which paper should be placed.
There are many countries in the world where the plumbing system does not allow paper flushing. Greece is one of them.
The waste pipes are simply not wide enough. With only 5 centimeters (a little less than 2 inches), it is less than half of the pipes in other countries. Flushing toilet paper in Greece can easily cause constipation in the sewer system from which a whole town will suffer. So don't do it!
While Americans in particular are used to flushing their used toilet paper down the pipe, they must break that habit if they are traveling to Turkey, Greece, Beijing, Macedonia, Montenegro, Morocco, Bulgaria, Egypt and the Ukraine in particular.
Unlike many countries around the world, the Australian sewerage system can cope with flushing toilet paper. Obviously, flushing reasonable amounts at a time is recommended; don't try to flush the whole roll at once!
France, Portugal, Italy, Japan, Argentina, Venezuela, and Spain: Instead of toilet paper, people from these countries (most of them from Europe) usually have a bidet in their washrooms. A bidet like a toilet, but also includes a spout that streams water like a water fountain to rinse you clean.
If you've been to Greece you may know about the practice of throwing toilet paper in the bin rather than flushing it away. It's something that I've never come across anywhere else in Europe but wherever you go in Greece you'll see signs in the bathrooms.
While tap water is safe to drink in major cities, it's worth mentioning that some parts of mainland Greece may receive water through old pipes, which can result in an odd taste and brackish water. There is also a possibility of bacterial contamination in certain areas.
The custom is to put it into a bin next to the toilet. That is the way things are done in Greece. If you flush the paper you run the risk of blocking the drains which, if traced back to your apartment, may result in a charge for unblocking them.
Santorini » Articles » Can you flush toilet paper in Santorini? No, in Santorini you cannot flush toilet paper down the toilet bowl. As with most places in Greece, toilet paper cannot be flushed down the toilet. You should place the used toilet paper into a special trash bin located next to it.
In Southern and Eastern Europe including parts of France, in Greece, Albania, Balkans, and Russia they are common, especially in public toilets. But the trend in Russia is to move away from squat toilets. Squat pit latrine toilets are present in some rural areas of Eastern Europe.
Don't Flush Toilet Paper in Athens
After a little research, I discovered the pipes in Athens (and other places around Greece) are just too narrow for paper.
Some of Greece's pathways aren't exactly designed for the influx of modern travel, much like their sewer system. In Greece, you'll almost always place soiled toilet paper into a toilet-side trash bin. Typically, these trashcans can be operated by foot, and the lids tightly shut, making the process more pleasant.
Yes, tipping is customary in Greece. Remember, tipping is discretionary, and the amounts mentioned are just general guidelines. Feel free to adjust the tip based on the quality of service you received. It's always a good idea to carry some cash in smaller denominations to make tipping more convenient.
In some countries, such as Peru the pipes could be smaller. Poop does break up with water, but toilet paper has a harder time. Toilet paper can also stick together increasing the chance of blockage (that's NOT good). Usually, there is a garbage can next to the toilets in Peru, where you are supposed to throw your poop.
It is safe to brush your water teeth with tap water in Greece because it meets EU standards. Even if the water tastes slightly brackish because it comes from a desalination plant, it is still safe to brush your teeth with and to drink.
The answer is yes. Tap water in Athens is absolutely safe to drink.
Yes, you can drink tap water in Greece – it is not unsafe.
Do You Pay for Public Bathrooms in Greece? Public restrooms in Greece cost money (around 50 cents). Most restrooms are fairly clean, but many of the toilets don't have seats so you'll need to squat over them. To be safe, I recommend carrying around some hand sanitizer in case the bathroom you visit doesn't have soap!
People stand on them because they are not kept clean enough to sit on. Eventually, after being broken repeatedly, they are no longer replaced for one of two reasons. Either the proprietors decide there's no point in continuing the cycle, so they consign their toilet to the ranks of the seatless.
Public toilets often do not equip each toilet stall with toilet paper in Russia. Sometimes toilet paper is available outside the stalls. Sometimes there is none to be had. You can purchase small, travel-sized rolls from hygiene-product travel sections in supermarkets or convenience stores.