How to verify paid restrooms in EU

I saw Long road trips in Iceland - where to relieve ourselves? and it reminded me of my first trip overseas.

I'm American, the 'paying for restroom' principle is foreign to me. When I was in Rome I found many of the restrooms had someone outside collecting a fee. But, there wasn't any signage or a physical barrier to entry like you might find at a train station.

Some attendants could be observed doing cleaning or some sort of chore, but others did not seem to be doing much other than yelling at tourists about the fee.

In mainland EU (or anywhere else), how does one verify that the individual(s) collecting fees outside restrooms are "authorized" to do so?

local-customs hygiene

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Do you have to pay for restrooms in Europe?

In these large European cities in particular, it's common to pay to use public restrooms, even if they appear to be free. If there's no cost to enter, there is likely a cost for toilet paper or a tip dish for the bathroom attendant.

Why do you have to pay for restrooms in Europe?

In Eastern Europe, specifically those countries that used to be a part of the USSR, the toilets are open to get into, but you will need to pay an attendant to get in. A couple of coins ensures that they are making the money that makes it worth their while to be there and keep the place clean.

How do you ask for the bathroom in Europe?

Most European countries are short on public restrooms, but I can teach you how to sniff out a biffy in a jiffy. If you ask for a "restroom" or "bathroom," you'll get no relief. Instead, say "Toilet" or "WC" (short for Water Closet); these terms are direct, simple, and understood.

Do you have to pay to use restrooms in Germany?

Toilet Fact 2: You will probably have to pay to use a public toilet in Germany. Even in train stations and department stores there's usually an attendant or a coin-operated turnstile. The normal rate is 50 euro cents, but some places charge up to a euro. Airports are the rare exception to the pay-to-pee rule.

PAYING FOR RESTROOMS IN EUROPE | DamonAndJo

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