“It Throws Me Off”: Unisex Public Restrooms in SA Stuns American Tourist

• A man from the United States of America took to his TikTok account to share his confusion about South Africa's public restrooms
• The international traveller shared that in the States, there weren't any unisex restrooms, and the ones in South Africa threw him for a loop
• While some members of the online community resonated with what he had to say, others didn't appreciate him generalising the situation

When touching down in South Africa, seeing things you don't normally see in your country can be a shock for international tourists. This was the case for a traveller from the United States of America when he pointed out the difference in public restrooms between the two countries.

Local lavatories strike confusion

Using the handle @coming4africa, the American man uploaded a video on his TikTok account sharing how confused he was when he entered a restroom at an unknown establishment that did not indicate if it was for men or women.

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The man said in his post:

"I guess it's unisex, but it throws me off because I'm always making sure I don't go into the wrong restroom. I've done that before by mistake. In the States, we don't have this. It's totally separate, and it's not this close. Why is it unisex? Why don't you separate it?"

Watch the TikTok video below:

Mzansi has mixed responses

While some South African online users agreed with the traveller's confusion regarding the restrooms, others felt the man should have aired his grievances differently and not make it sound as if all public restrooms in South Africa were unisex.

@avril.mathir placed the blame on local politicians ruling the country, writing:

"Welcome to our useless government departments. They are clueless and incompetent."

@fortunatemzwane said to the man:

"Saying South Africa is generalising. How many South African restrooms have you been in?"

@fifiluxe1 shared their opinion in the comment section:

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"Think of them as built on trust and that everyone will behave accordingly - like an honesty bar. It's a space and courtesy gesture from the restaurant. They are separated everywhere else, though. For example, in the malls."

@hatimagal, who was also unaware of the restroom setup, stated to the traveller:

"Chommie, this is new to us, too. Where is that? We need a meeting with the owner."

@shawanel told the public with a laugh:

"My dad hates these restrooms and the fact that there aren’t any urinals."

@foreverlebo added to the comments with a smile:

"We are living in 2050."

US vs South Africa cultural differences

Americans and other tourists visiting South Africa can enjoy an enriching cultural experience thanks to the country's diverse cultures.

There are some cultural differences tourists should be aware of to ensure a smooth and respectful visit.

1. Greetings and social interactions

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According to Dr. Jacques du Plessis, an associate professor at the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, South Africans, especially in formal settings, tend to be more formal in their greetings than Americans. Handshakes are common, and eye contact is valued.  

In more relaxed settings, especially among women, cheek kissing is common.

2. Tipping

Tipping is customary in South Africa, similar to the United States.  

Expect to tip waiters at restaurants 10 to 15%, taxi drivers around 10%, gas station or petrol attendants a small gratuity and what you feel is appropriate for services rendered by tour guides and hotel staff.

3. Language and diversity:

South Africa is known as The Rainbow Nation for its incredibly diverse cultures, with 11 official languages. Be prepared to encounter a wide range of accents and dialects.  

English is widely spoken, especially in urban areas and tourist destinations, but understanding local nuances is important.  

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3 Other stories about Americans in Mzansi

• In another article, Briefly News reported about a group of Americans who were gifted land in South Africa because of their desire to grow it.
• South African online users felt they needed proof when an American traveller vented about experiencing discrimination and being treated like a "second-class citizen" in the country.
• A man from the United States living in Mzansi shared with fellow Americans why they shouldn't visit Cape Town, leaving locals feeling thankful.

Source: Briefly News