What Americans call a toilet, where to find one, the gaps in stall doors, and what you can flush.
Finding a toilet is a real daily question when you are new. Here is how it works.
The words
Restroom or bathroom is the polite word in public. "Toilet" usually means the object itself.
Men's and Women's rooms, and often an all-gender or family restroom for one person or a parent with a child.
To ask: "Excuse me, where is the restroom?"
Where to find one
Large stores, malls, libraries, train stations, airports, gas stations and fast-food restaurants usually have one.
Some city cafes and shops keep restrooms for customers only, with a code on the receipt or a key at the counter. Buying something small is the polite way to use it.
Parks have public restrooms, but some close in winter or at night.
Map apps often show public restrooms if you search "restroom".
Inside
Stall doors in the US often have gaps at the sides and bottom. This is normal.
Toilet paper goes into the toilet and is flushed. US plumbing is built for it.
Do not flush wipes (even "flushable" ones), paper towels or period products. Use the small bin in the stall.
Many toilets, faucets and soap dispensers are automatic. Wave your hand under them.
Many restrooms have seat covers: thin paper in a dispenser on the wall.
Bidets are rare. Some people carry a small travel bottle.
Accessible restrooms
Restrooms in public places must have an accessible stall for wheelchair users. Use it if you need it; if you do not, leave it free when others are waiting.
Common mistakes
Throwing used toilet paper into the bin. In the US it goes into the toilet.
Flushing wipes and blocking the pipes in your apartment, which you may have to pay to fix.
Waiting too long on a road trip. Gas stations and rest areas are the usual stops.