Every traveller has a foreign bathroom scary toilet story. For all activities in foreign countries that incite culture shock, nothing gets as personal or as shocking as visiting a strange bathroom.

Unfortunately, not every bathroom or toilet is as clean or as luxurious as those found in Japan. Read Need to Pee in Japan? What to Expect! for more on bidet toilets in Japan and why they're so great. On the other hand, there are toilets in Finland where you're required to send a text message to open the stall. Find out more: Need to Pee in Finland? Send a Text Message!

Since you're may not be traveling to Japan or Finland, then read about TripAtlas.com's 5 Tips to Help You Pee All Over the World. You'll soon become a seasoned traveller, adventurer and bathroom expert after you've finished reading this article.

1) Always bring toilet paper & antibacterial & menthol rub with you
Triple layered toilet paper is a gift from the gods. Never assume that toilet paper is a given nor that it will automatically be provided for you by restaurants, stores, etc. Even if a bathroom does have toilet paper, it may remind you more of cardboard than toilet paper. If you're picky, then bring rolls with you when you travel (taking the cardboard out of the middle and squishing the roll helps you fit more).

Antibacterial rub is great when you don't find water, sinks, soap -- or after you've touched the bathroom door handle. Dab or spread menthol rub, lip balm or moisturizing lotion under your nose to keep you from gagging if you've found yourself in the worst or smelliest of bathrooms.

2) Get used to the Squat Toilet
From Africa to Asia, to Europe and anywhere outside North America, squat toilets are standard and they are everywhere. So if you're planning on travelling, you might as well get used to them. There's no such thing as pride when it comes to relieving oneself!

They range from dirt holes in the ground with space for your feet; to holes in the ground with no space for your feet because someone peed all over the space; to ceramic holes in the ground with space for your feet -- and a flushing system. Some may be stalls with doors, so they may be open, indoors and outdoors. Surprisingly, sometimes these may be much cleaner than typical American flush toilets!

As long as you master the squat toilet, you'll be set to go anywhere. Bring shoes (not sandals) you won't mind sacrificing as you're likely to find bleach or other matter on the floors. Hold on to the walls if you have weak quads -- you don't want to fall in.

3) Bring coins/change with you to open the stalls or tip attendants
As shocking as it may be that you have to pay to use a washroom that's being "taken care of" by a crabby attendant, it's part of the custom and it's got to be done -- even if the bathroom looks filthy. Some places like Turkey have supervised bathrooms to make sure you don't splash -- it's like you're toilet-training all over again.

In Paris, London and other tourist cities, even San Francisco, you'll find coin-operated public cabins on the streets. Insert coins and the door opens automatically. You have 15 minutes to finish. Once you're done the cabin steam cleans and disinfects itself for the next user. Spic and span!

4) Ah, the Elusive Flush
Some flush, some don't. Some are levers, some are buttons, handles, pulled strings or chains. Some you pull, push, turn. Some have two buttons. Unfortunately, you'll have to trust your quick wit and intuition when it comes to flushing. If all else fails, it's all right to give up. Just hope that there are no witnesses.

5) Museums, McDonalds, Starbucks and Big Hotel Chains
If you find one of these, it's likely you'll find a great bathroom -- as long as you can get over the same disinfectant smell that seems to be the international bathroom cleaning detergent for all McDonald's restaurants. When you find one, then go to the bathroom even if you don't "need" to go. You may thank yourself for it later.