DeborahAnn

We are planning our first trip to Venice this October. I see that you can buy a toilet card for Venice. Are public toilets scarce enough that this is an "essential tourist card"?

Is it incorrect to assume that most restaurants and museums will have toilets for the use of their customers?. If you purchase a toilet card are these private toilets that you can only access with the card? Can they only be purchased online or can you buy them at a TI when you are in Venice?

Thanks for any information you can give about the card. In all the years we've traveled to Europe, this is the first time I've seen a toilet card!! Deborah

gh21

We were in Venice last October. I never saw a public toilet or signs for a public toilet, so even if you purchase a card you may spend quite a bit of time looking for the facilities. We had no problem finding a bathroom to use when necessary. Yes, museums and restaurants have bathrooms.

Judy

We've been to Venice 3 times and I've never heard of a toilet card. Is this something fairly new?

charnees

Perhaps you could let us know where you read about this card, so we can see what it's all about.

A related piece of info: toilets in Europe usually have an attendant, and it is customary to put a piece of change (Euro, or usually, less) in a dish set out for tips. (Although the quality of the service the attendant gives is not at all consistent.)

adrienne

I've never had a problem using the bathrooms in cafes/restaurants or in museums. Here's some info on the toilet card:

http://www.veniceconnected.com/node/1609

It's E2 per day or E7 per week. If there's a matron I'm sure you still have to tip her, especially if you want any TP.

kerouac

"Usually" ? This system has all but disappeared in France.

ellenem

I have been to Venice more than a dozen times, have heard about the toilet card for some years, but have never felt the need to purchase one. I follow the rule "If there's a restroom, use it." I never leave the hotel, a museum, or a restaurant without visiting the restroom. For most people, I suspect that would be adequate. And if it's an emergency, I'll stop at a coffee bar, buy and espresso, and use their facilities--cheaper than the pay toilet and you get a coffee as well!

DeborahAnn

Thanks for the comments. We use the toilets with attendants in France and Germany where fees were 50 cents or so and I've read that in Venice it was 1.50 to 2 euros to use toilets. We also use the "If there is a toilet symbol, seek it out before leaving the building" rule

The mere fact that such a card was offered, and it was with veniceconnected which gives information about the vaporetti, made me question the need for such a card. Thanks again, Deborah

MareW

I used the public toilet during our last trip. You have to pay to enter. I can't remember the price, but it did seem very high compared to other cities in Europe. I knew about the card, but doubted I would break even. (I was right.)

Peter_S_Aus

In Venice, there is a turnstile at public toilets, and admission costs two euro, I think, via coin in the slot. There is generally an attendant – and there is no need to tip.

danon

Just go to a nearest hotel....

michele_d

We bought the toilet card on our first trip and did not this time. I really do not think it is necessary. Just be sure to keep coins on you so you can access a bathroom if you need to.

LSky

That would be a handy thing to have throughout Europe.

"it is customary to put a piece of change (Euro, or usually, less) in a dish set out for tips."

I've never seen it as an optional service. No fee, no pee.

kappa1

I'm with Ellenem. And for me, there is not enough number of them in Venice to justify to buy a card. Use it at cafés/restos whenever possible.

michele_d

Money wise I think it equals out to about the same, but the list of bathrooms to use it at is very tiny and not always convenient.

Tesana

i never bought a card, just stop in an osteria. however it is customary to buy something in the bars/osterias to use the toilets: ie, espresso, spritz, etc., or just carry change if using the public restrooms, but it is more fun having a drink at the osteria!