Public Restrooms in Coast Rica: What you need to know!

Feb 182 min read

Are you traveling from the USA to Costa Rica, and you know some things will be different, but you don't know how they will be different. And that's intimidating!

Let me tell you how restrooms/toilets are different in Costa Rica.

First of all, the good news is there are apps for finding public restrooms in Costa Rica. The apple one is "Flush Toilet Finder & Map" and the android one is "Where is Public Toilet."

The bad news is that public restrooms (just available on the street or down some stairs like in Europe) are not common in Costa Rica. But they are more commonly available with development of fast food restaurants, modern supermarkets, shopping malls, and service stations.

Shops may require a small payment (or you might have to buy something) to use the restroom so it's a good idea to keep some change handy.

When asking where the bathroom is, ask for "bano" and offer 200 colones for using the bathroom.

Here's what you can expect regarding restrooms/toilets in Costa Rica:

Availability:

Gas stations and restaurants usually have restrooms available for use but as noted above, you may have to pay to use them or buy something.

Beach Restrooms:

A few beaches are starting to offer pay-per-use facilities, including restrooms and showers.

Cleanliness:

Some gas stations, particularly large chain stations, are known for having clean and well-stocked restrooms. However, cleanliness can vary, so it's a good idea to have toilet paper and wipes on hand.

Cost:

While many establishments offer free restrooms, some restaurants may charge a small fee (around 200 to 500 colones) for non-customers. Bus terminals and roadside restaurants that serve local buses may also charge a fee (500-1000 colones).

Toilet Paper:

Due to the small and antiquated septic systems in Costa Rica, it's common practice not to flush toilet paper. Instead, dispose of toilet paper in the provided trash can.