In Germany, many lavatories at service stations on the Autobahn have pay toilets with turnstiles, though as in France, customers typically receive a voucher equal to the toilet fee. Elsewhere, while public toilets may not have a set fee, it is customary to provide change to restroom attendants for their services.

Yes, it is very common and culturally expected to pay for the use of public toilets in Germany. At major train stations (Hauptbahnhof), shopping malls, and highway rest stops (such as those operated by Sanifair), you will typically encounter an automated turnstile that requires a payment of €0.50 to €1.00. When you pay at a Sanifair facility, you often receive a voucher (usually worth €0.50) that can be used as a discount on food or drinks at the same location. In more traditional settings, like a restaurant or a department store, there may not be an automated gate, but a "toilet attendant" (Putzfrau or Toilettenmann) will be present with a small dish for tips. It is customary to leave €0.50 as a token of appreciation for keeping the facility clean. This "pay-to-go" system ensures that public restrooms in Germany are generally maintained to a very high standard of hygiene. While "free" toilets are rare in public spaces, you will not be charged in museums if you have an entry ticket, or in bars and cafes if you are a paying customer—though even then, leaving a small coin for the attendant is considered a polite gesture.