The Unexpected Toilet Rule Tourists Need To Know Before Visiting South America

Traveling to a new country generally means having to adapt and adjust to a series of new customs and social norms. From figuring out whether or not you should be tipping at hotels in Europe to understanding unspoken train etiquette rules in Japan, and even learning basic greetings in the local language, traveling requires flexibility and an open mind in order to make the most of each experience. After all, these small — yet important — adjustments can help you blend in with the locals, all while showing respect for the places you're visiting and the people you meet along the way.

That said, not all customs and practices are that easy to anticipate. Take, for example, a surprising bathroom rule that catches plenty of tourists off guard while visiting South America: Don't flush your toilet paper down the toilet. While this might seem unusual to visitors from North America or Europe, it's actually a common practice throughout the continent that'll save you from making an embarrassing bathroom mistake.

Instead, plenty of destinations suggest that you dispose of any used paper, tissues, and wipes in the trash cans provided — otherwise, you might risk the hassle of clogging the pipes and causing plumbing issues. Embarrassing and expensive, right? We thought so too.

What's the big deal about flushing your TP? Well, it all boils down to infrastructure. In different cities and towns across South America, the plumbing differs significantly from what you're probably used to back home. Unlike the U.S., local sewage systems often feature older or narrower pipes and lower water pressure — which, in turn, makes them particularly vulnerable to blockages. And even though toilet paper eventually breaks down in water, some local systems simply can't process the volume of paper effectively. This ultimately leads to frequent clogs and maintenance issues that can take the fun out of any toilet-going experience abroad.

Don't worry, though — no flushing doesn't mean no wiping. Most bathrooms will provide a small waste bin with a lid next to the toilet, and signs that clearly instruct guests about proper disposal. Also, as a pro tip, if you're feeling a little uncertain about disposal, make sure to always fold the paper inward. That way, your used paper (ahem) won't be in plain view.

And while you'll typically notice this rule enforced most strictly in hostels and budget accommodations — where the plumbing systems face heavy daily use — it's possible that newer buildings and luxury hotels (especially in larger cities) might have updated plumbing that can handle paper. Nonetheless, when in doubt, it's always best to skip the flush and opt for the bin instead.