What Is a Bidet?
If you've never used one, you're not alone. Most Americans haven't. But in much of the world, bidets are as standard as a sink.
The Short Answer
A bidet is a fixture that uses a stream of water to clean you after using the toilet. That's it. Instead of wiping with dry paper, you rinse with water. It's faster, more hygienic, and significantly more comfortable. If you grew up in the Philippines, you probably already know this — the trusty tabo has been doing the job for generations.
Types of Bidets
Standalone Bidets
The original design — a separate porcelain basin that sits next to the toilet. Common across Europe, South America, and the Middle East. You straddle it after using the toilet and use the faucet or spray to clean up. These require dedicated plumbing and floor space.
Bidet Seats
A toilet seat replacement with a built-in nozzle. These are hugely popular in Japan (where over 80% of households have one) and are the most common type sold in the U.S. They range from basic cold-water models to high-end electric seats with heated water, air dryers, night lights, and remote controls.
Bidet Attachments
A thin plate that mounts under your existing toilet seat. A retractable nozzle sprays water when you turn a dial or press a button. The most affordable option — many are under $40 — and they install in minutes without any modifications to your bathroom.
Handheld Sprayers (Telephone Shower)
Also called a “bidet shower,” “shattaf,” or “telephone shower” — the name most Filipinos know it by. It's a small spray head on a hose, mounted to the wall or toilet. Extremely popular across the Philippines, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and South Asia. You control the aim and pressure manually. In many Filipino homes, this sits right next to the tabo as a modern upgrade.
The Tabo 🇵🇭
Not technically a bidet, but it deserves a spot here. The tabo — a small plastic dipper — is the OG water cleansing tool in Filipino bathrooms. You scoop water from a bucket and pour. It's simple, effective, and deeply cultural. Many Filipinos abroad still keep a tabo in their bathroom, even if they also have a sprayer or bidet seat. If the rest of the world is “discovering” water hygiene, the Philippines has been there all along.
Why Use a Bidet?
- Cleaner. Water cleans better than dry paper. If you got mud on your hands, you wouldn't just wipe them with a paper towel.
- Gentler. Reduces irritation, which matters a lot for people with sensitive skin, hemorrhoids, or postpartum recovery.
- Less toilet paper. You'll use 70–80% less paper. Good for your wallet and for the 27,000 trees cut down daily to make toilet paper.
- Better for plumbing. Less paper means fewer clogs. Your pipes will thank you.
Common Concerns
“Isn't it cold?”
Basic attachments use unheated water. It's brisk but not uncomfortable — most people get used to it in a day or two. Electric bidet seats heat the water if you prefer.
“Is it sanitary?”
Yes. The nozzle doesn't touch you — it sprays from below. Most modern bidets have self-cleaning nozzles that rinse before and after each use.
“Do I still need to dry off?”
A quick pat with a few squares of toilet paper or a dedicated towel does the job. Some electric seats have built-in air dryers for a fully paper-free experience.
Bidets Around the World
Over 80% of Japanese homes have a bidet seat. In Italy, bidets are required by law in every home. They're standard in Argentina, South Korea, Egypt, and many other countries. The U.S. and Canada are the outliers — but that's changing fast, with bidet sales growing over 300% since 2020.
The Philippines is in a unique position. Most Filipino households already practice water cleansing — whether with a tabo, a telephone shower, or both. But outside the home, public restrooms in malls, restaurants, and transit hubs don't always have a sprayer. That's exactly why we built this map — so you can find a bidet when you're out and about in Metro Manila, Cebu, Davao, or anywhere else.
Ready to Try One?
Find a public bidet near you on our bidet map. Or check out our guide on how to install one at home.