A cultural travel guide to the world

Etiquette & taboos

Etiquette & taboos

Take five minutes to read this before you go. We sort local rules into three levels: red lines that are illegal or can get you refused entry, taboos that are legal but easily offend locals, and good manners that show respect. Every rule has a source and is marked as verified or not.

Red lineIllegal, or can get you refused entry · 85 rulesTabooNot illegal, but easily offends locals · 23 rulesGood mannersRespect local ways and earn a smile · 5 rules

Red lineDrivingFinland

Finland: drink-driving can mean prison

  • If you drink, don't drive
  • Drink-driving (Finland's limit is much stricter than the UK's)

Drink-driving is a serious offence in Finland and can mean prison; emergency and rescue resources are limited in remote areas of the Arctic Circle.

Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Finland travel advice

Red linePhotos & dronesNorway

Norway: register before flying a drone

  • Register as an operator in Norway or an EU/EFTA country and buy liability insurance
  • Check no-fly zones
  • Flying a drone without registering

Breaks Norwegian aviation rules; some areas are no-fly zones.

Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Norway travel advice

Red lineSafetyRussia

Russia: many governments advise against all travel

  • Before you leave, check your own government's latest safety advice
  • Check whether your travel insurance covers you
  • Ignoring official travel warnings and going anyway

Because of the risks from Russia's continuing invasion of Ukraine (drone attacks, air-defence activity, limited return flights and more), the UK Foreign Office advises against all travel to Russia; the risk of foreigners being detained has also increased. If you travel against official advice, your travel insurance may be invalid.

Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Russia travel advice — warnings and insurance

Red lineDrivingIceland

Iceland: headlights on all year when driving

  • Keep dipped headlights on all year, fit suitable tyres in winter and keep to the speed limit
  • Drink-driving (Iceland's limit is stricter than the UK's)

Breaking traffic rules brings heavy fines.

Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Iceland travel advice

Red lineSafetyIceland

Iceland: keep away from waves, cliff edges and hot-spring vents

  • Stay behind warning lines and tell your hotel your plans or register them with Safe Travel Iceland
  • Going near waves, cliff edges and geothermal vents

These are the most common causes of accidents in Iceland.

Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Iceland travel advice

Red lineTemples & religious sitesSri Lanka

Sri Lanka: don't pose with your back to a Buddha statue

  • Respect Buddha statues and religious objects
  • Standing with your back to a Buddha statue for a photo
  • Making offensive remarks about religion

Disrespecting Buddha images is a serious offence and can lead to arrest; people with visible Buddha tattoos may be refused entry or deported.

Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Sri Lanka travel advice

Red lineSafetyNepal

Nepal: you must hire a guide to trek in national parks

  • Get a trekking permit and TIMS card
  • Hire a local guide or porter
  • Trekking alone in national parks and conservation areas

Breaking the rules can mean a fine or expulsion from the protected area; above 3,000 m there are risks from weather, avalanches and altitude sickness all year.

Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Nepal travel advice

Red lineEveryday mannersIndia

India: some states ban alcohol completely

  • Before visiting Bihar, Gujarat, Mizoram, Nagaland or Lakshadweep, learn the alcohol rules
  • Drinking or carrying alcohol in a dry area
  • Drinking in parks and other public places

Drinking or possessing alcohol in a dry state can lead to arrest without bail and 5 to 10 years in prison.

Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: India travel advice

Red lineEntryIndia

India: e-cigarettes are banned

  • Leave your e-cigarette at home
  • Bringing an e-cigarette into India or buying one there

E-cigarettes and related products are banned in India.

Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: India travel advice

Red lineEntryIndia

India: no satellite phones or GPS devices without a permit

  • Before you leave, check whether your equipment needs a permit
  • Carrying a satellite phone or satellite navigation device without a permit (even in transit)

Illegal; you can be fined or arrested and the device confiscated. British tourists have been arrested for this.

Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: India travel advice

Red lineEveryday mannersUzbekistan

Uzbekistan: change money only at official outlets

  • Change money at official exchange points, and get cash in big cities before heading to smaller places
  • Changing money on the black market

Black-market currency exchange is illegal.

Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Uzbekistan travel advice

Red lineEveryday mannersUzbekistan

Uzbekistan: always carry your passport

  • Carry your original passport at all times
  • Leaving your passport at the hotel

The law requires you to carry it; police check often, and you may be fined or arrested if you don't.

Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Uzbekistan travel advice

Red lineSafetyJordan

Jordan: stay out of canyons in the rainy season

  • From November to March, check the weather before entering a canyon, and wait at least a day after heavy rain
  • If a flash flood comes, move to higher ground
  • Entering a canyon after heavy rain
  • Trying to wade through floodwater

In the rainy season, canyons can flood suddenly and are very dangerous; call 911 for rescue.

Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Jordan travel advice

Red lineEveryday mannersJordan

Jordan: don't stay in Petra outside opening hours

  • Enter and leave at the park's set hours
  • If you have questions about ticket prices or extra charges, ask at the visitor centre first
  • Staying in Petra Archaeological Park after closing

You may be arrested and prosecuted; visitors have been locked in the park overnight.

Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Jordan travel advice

Red lineEveryday mannersMorocco

Morocco: don't proselytise

  • Respect the local Islamic faith
  • Trying to convert Muslims to another religion or handing out missionary material
  • Publicly criticising Islam (including online)

Proselytising can mean a fine or up to 3 years in prison; publicly criticising Islam can mean up to 2 years.

Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Morocco travel advice

Red lineRestaurants & barsEgypt

Egypt: drink only at licensed venues

  • Drink in licensed restaurants, bars or within resorts
  • Drinking in the street or other public places

Drinking outside licensed premises is illegal and can lead to arrest.

Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Egypt travel advice

Red lineEntryEgypt

Egypt: no drones without a permit

  • Leave your drone at home
  • Bringing in or using a drone without Ministry of Defence permission

Up to 7 years in prison, or a fine of EGP 5,000 to 50,000.

Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Egypt travel advice

Red linePhotos & dronesEgypt

Egypt: ask before photographing people, and don't photograph children

  • Ask local people before photographing them
  • If in doubt, ask before taking a photo
  • Photographing children
  • Photographing military installations (including the Suez Canal)
  • Taking or sharing photos that could harm the country's image

Tourism ministry rules require written permission to photograph Egyptian citizens, and photographing children is banned; photographing military installations is illegal.

Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Egypt travel advice

Red lineEntryTürkiye

Türkiye: don't buy or take away antiquities

  • Before buying old items, check whether they may be exported
  • Buying antiquities or taking them out of the country

Illegal; can bring a fine and 5 to 12 years in prison.

Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Turkey travel advice

Red lineEveryday mannersTürkiye

Türkiye: you must carry photo ID

  • Carry your passport and cooperate with police checks
  • Going out without any photo ID

Not carrying photo ID is illegal; checks are common in Istanbul and elsewhere.

Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Turkey travel advice

Red lineSafetyChina

China: don't get physical in a dispute

  • Walk away from an argument and call the police if needed
  • Pushing, shoving or fighting

Whoever starts it, taking part in a fight can bring a fine or detention, and the injured party usually demands compensation.

Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: China travel advice

Red lineEveryday mannersChina

China: carry your original passport

  • Foreign visitors should carry their original passport
  • Carrying only a copy or photo of your passport

Police make random ID checks and do not accept printouts; if you cannot show your passport, you may be fined or detained.

Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: China travel advice

Red linePublic transportUnited Kingdom

London Underground: tap in and tap out

  • Tap your Oyster card or bank card on the yellow reader both on entry and exit, even if the gates are open
  • At interchange stations with mid-route readers, tap as instructed
  • Tapping in but not out, or not tapping before boarding

If you miss a tap you are charged the maximum fare; if an inspector finds you travelling without tapping, you may be fined or prosecuted.

Not yet verifiedSource: Wikipedia: Oyster card

Red lineEntryCanada

Canada: cannabis cannot cross the border

  • Learn the different cannabis rules in each province
  • Carrying cannabis across the border without Health Canada authorisation

Even if bought legally in Canada, taking it out of the country without authorisation will get you arrested.

Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Canada travel advice

Red lineEveryday mannersChile

Chile: no drinking in public places

  • Drink in restaurants and bars
  • Drinking in streets, squares, seafront promenades and other public places

It is illegal.

Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Chile travel advice

Red lineSafetyChile

Chile: no open fires in national parks

  • Use fire only at permitted campsites
  • Lighting an open fire outside designated campsites in a national park

You can have your tourist permit cancelled, be ordered to leave within 72 hours or be deported; starting a forest fire can also bring criminal charges.

Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Chile travel advice

Red lineSafetyBolivia

Bolivia: don't force your way through roadblocks

  • Go around a roadblock or wait
  • Driving or riding through a roadblock

Protests and road blockades happen from time to time.

Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Bolivia travel advice

Red lineEveryday mannersBolivia

Bolivia: carrying any amount of drugs is treated as trafficking

  • Stay away from drugs of any kind
  • Carrying any amount of drugs

The minimum sentence is 8 years; sniffer dogs check passengers leaving on international flights.

Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Bolivia travel advice

Red lineEveryday mannersArgentina

Argentina: even small amounts of drugs can mean prison

  • Stay away from drugs of any kind
  • Possessing even a tiny amount of drugs

Can lead to a long prison sentence.

Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Argentina travel advice

Red lineSafetyBrazil

Brazil: don't go to city beaches after dark

  • Take only a little cash to the beach
  • If you are robbed, hand over your things and don't resist
  • Going to city beaches after dark
  • Taking valuables to the beach or using your phone in the street

Gangs carry out mass beach robberies known as 'arrastão'; phone snatching peaks between 4 p.m. and 9 p.m.

Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Brazil travel advice

Red lineEntryBrazil

Brazil: e-cigarettes are completely illegal

  • Leave your e-cigarette at home before you travel
  • Carrying e-cigarettes, pods or accessories

All e-cigarettes and accessories are illegal, and customs confiscate them from checked and hand luggage.

Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Brazil travel advice

Red lineEveryday mannersPeru

Peru: carry ID at all times

  • Carry your passport or a valid ID document
  • Going out without ID

You must show it when police ask, or you may be taken to the nearest police station.

Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Peru travel advice

Red linePhotos & dronesPeru

Peru: photographing military targets is illegal

  • Put your camera away when you see a military area
  • Photographing any military facilities or personnel

Can mean 2 to 5 years in prison.

Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Peru travel advice

Red lineEntryPeru

Peru: coca leaves and coca tea cannot be taken out of the country

  • Just drink coca tea while you are there
  • Taking coca leaves or coca tea out of Peru
  • Carrying luggage for someone else

Coca products may not be taken out of Peru; drug convictions bring long prison sentences.

Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Peru travel advice

Red lineEntryMexico

Mexico: carry your original passport and entry record

  • Carry your original passport with its entry stamp, or download your electronic entry record from the immigration website
  • Carrying only a copy or photo

Immigration officers do not accept copies; you may be questioned, detained or even deported.

Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Mexico travel advice

Red lineEntryMexico

Mexico: e-cigarettes may not be brought in or sold

  • Leave your e-cigarette at home before you travel
  • Bringing e-cigarettes or vape liquid into the country
  • Smoking or vaping in public places

Customs will confiscate them and may fine or detain you; smoking in public places can bring a fine of up to MXN 3,000.

Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Mexico travel advice

Red lineEveryday mannersPhilippines

Philippines: zero tolerance for drugs

  • Stay away from drugs of any kind
  • Possessing even a small amount of drugs

Even small amounts of drugs bring mandatory prison sentences.

Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Philippines travel advice

Red lineEveryday mannersCambodia

Cambodia: drugs, including cannabis, are a serious crime

  • Stay away from drugs of any kind
  • Possessing or trafficking any drugs

Can lead to a long prison sentence, up to life imprisonment.

Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Cambodia travel advice

Red linePhotos & dronesVietnam

Vietnam: don't take photos near military bases

  • Put your camera away when you see a military area
  • Taking photos near military bases

Travel near military bases is also restricted.

Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Vietnam travel advice

Red lineDrivingVietnam

Vietnam: helmets are compulsory on motorbikes

  • Riders and passengers must both wear helmets
  • Riding or being a passenger without a helmet
  • Drink-driving

Riding without a helmet is illegal; drink-driving can bring a fine or even prison, and after an accident you may be barred from leaving the country.

Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Vietnam travel advice

Red lineEntryVietnam

Vietnam: e-cigarettes are banned

  • Leave your e-cigarette at home before you travel
  • Bringing in or buying e-cigarettes

E-cigarettes and related products are banned.

Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Vietnam travel advice

Red lineDrivingSweden

Sweden: winter tyres are compulsory in winter

  • From 1 December to 31 March, make sure your hire car has winter tyres
  • Driving on ordinary tyres in winter

It is a legal requirement.

Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Sweden travel advice

Red lineEveryday mannersSweden

Sweden: drugs, including cannabis, are strictly prohibited

  • Stay away from drugs of any kind
  • Possessing, using or carrying drugs, even in small amounts

Up to 10 years in prison and heavy fines.

Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Sweden travel advice

Red lineSafetyNorway

Norway: fires are banned in many hiking areas in summer

  • Check the local fire ban before you set out
  • Lighting a campfire where fires are banned

Police enforce the ban.

Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Norway travel advice

Red lineDrivingNorway

Norway: very strict drink-driving limits

  • If you have drunk alcohol, don't drive
  • Judging by your home country's standards that you are still fit to drive

The drink-driving limit is about a quarter of England's, and can mean a fine or even prison; on-the-spot fines for other traffic offences reach NOK 10,000.

Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Norway travel advice

Red lineSafetyPortugal

Portugal: starting a fire is illegal even if it's an accident

  • Watch for warnings in the wildfire season (April–October) and call 112 if you see a fire
  • Lighting fires in the countryside

Can be punished with a fine or prison.

Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Portugal travel advice

Red lineEveryday mannersPortugal

Albufeira, Portugal: code of conduct in public places

  • Behave appropriately in public
  • Behaving inappropriately in streets and squares

On-the-spot fines of €150–1,800.

Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Portugal travel advice

Red lineSafetyPortugal

Portugal: don't go past cliff warnings

  • Keep away from cliff edges and watch for falling rocks (especially in the Algarve)
  • Ignoring warning signs and going near the cliff edge

The authorities can fine people who ignore warnings.

Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Portugal travel advice

Red lineSafetyPortugal

Portugal: learn the beach flags

  • When the yellow flag is up, only paddle at the water's edge
  • Swim at beaches with lifeguards
  • Going into the water when the red flag is up

A red flag means no swimming; take extra care on unstaffed beaches.

Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Portugal travel advice

Red lineSafetySwitzerland

Switzerland: no fires during fire bans

  • Watch for local fire-ban notices
  • Lighting a fire during a fire ban

Starting a forest fire in a fire-ban area, even accidentally, can mean a fine of up to CHF 20,000.

Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Switzerland travel advice

Red lineEveryday mannersAustria

Austria: be ready to show your passport

  • Carry your passport
  • Assuming your driving licence counts as ID

The law requires you to be able to show your passport at all times; Austria does not accept a UK driving licence as official ID.

Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Austria travel advice

Red lineDrivingAustria

Austria: buy a vignette before using the motorway

  • Stick the motorway vignette on the inside of the windscreen
  • Driving on motorways and expressways without a vignette

You will be fined.

Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Austria travel advice

Red lineSafetyNetherlands

Netherlands: don't swim in Amsterdam's canals

  • Swim in designated swimming areas
  • Jumping into a canal to swim
  • Urinating by a canal

Swimming in a canal brings a €160 fine; urinating in a canal is also fined.

Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Netherlands travel advice

Red lineEveryday mannersNetherlands

Netherlands: cannabis is tolerated only in designated places

  • Understand that 'tolerated' does not mean legal
  • Smoking cannabis in public places
  • Buying or possessing drugs outside designated places

Using it in public is illegal; buying or possessing it outside designated places can mean prison.

Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Netherlands travel advice

Red linePhotos & dronesGreece

Greece: don't photograph military installations

  • Put your camera away when you see military-zone signs
  • Approaching or photographing military installations, vehicles and buildings

It is illegal.

Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Greece travel advice

Red lineEveryday mannersGreece

Greece: drunken rowdiness and indecent behaviour lead to arrest

  • Behave appropriately in public
  • Drunken rowdiness and indecent exposure
  • Wearing costumes that may be seen as offensive

Police will arrest you, and courts usually impose heavy fines or prison.

Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Greece travel advice

Red lineSafetyGreece

Greece: no fires, no barbecues

  • Follow fire warnings when hiking
  • Lighting fires or barbecuing in the countryside

Starting a wildfire is a criminal offence, even if unintentional.

Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Greece travel advice

Red lineDrivingItaly

Italy: don't drive into historic-centre limited traffic zones (ZTL)

  • Park outside restricted zones and walk into town
  • Driving into a ZTL zone without a permit

You will be fined.

Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Italy travel advice

Red linePublic transportItaly

Italy: validate your ticket before boarding

  • Validate your ticket in the machine before using public transport
  • Travelling with an unvalidated ticket

Inspectors will fine you on the spot.

Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Italy travel advice

Red lineEveryday mannersItaly

Italy: don't buy from unlicensed street vendors

  • Shop at proper stores
  • Buying from unlicensed street vendors

It is illegal, and local police may stop and fine you.

Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Italy travel advice

Red lineEveryday mannersItaly

Italy: rules around monuments and fountains

  • Keep the area around monuments clean and quiet
  • Going into or splashing in public fountains (Florence, Rome and elsewhere)
  • Swimming in Venice's canals
  • Eating and drinking next to major churches, monuments and public buildings
  • Sitting on monument steps, littering, or scratching or writing on monuments

All are local offences; urinating in public can bring a fine of up to €10,000.

Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Italy travel advice

Red lineEveryday mannersSpain

Spain: show photo ID when police ask

  • Carry photo ID
  • Ignoring a direct instruction from the police

Police can take you to a station until your identity is confirmed; ignoring a direct instruction from the police can count as 'disobedience'. Real police check documents only and will not ask to see your wallet.

Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Spain travel advice

Red lineSafetySpain

Spain: no dangerous stunts on hotel balconies

  • Keep a safe distance on balconies
  • Climbing over, crossing or jumping between balconies

The hotel will throw you out and you may be fined; travel insurance may not cover accidents on balconies.

Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Spain travel advice

Red lineEveryday mannersSpain

Spain: drinking in the street is banned in some areas

  • Drink in bars and restaurants
  • Walking around drinking in the street

Illegal in some areas; you can be fined on the spot.

Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Spain travel advice

Red lineDressSpain

Spain: don't walk around town in swimwear

  • Put clothes on before leaving the beach
  • Wearing only a bikini or swimming trunks, or going shirtless, on the seafront promenade and nearby streets

Illegal in some areas; you can be fined.

Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Spain travel advice

Red lineEveryday mannersFrance

France: carry your ID

  • Carry your passport or official photo ID
  • Leaving all your documents at the hotel

You must show ID on the spot when police ask, or at a police station within 4 hours.

Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: France travel advice

Red lineDressFrance

France: face coverings are banned in public places

  • Showing your face in public places
  • Covering your face in streets, shops and other public places

It is illegal, with a fine of up to €150; the law also applies to tourists.

Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: France travel advice

Red lineSafetyAustralia

Australian beaches: swim between the red and yellow flags

  • Swim only between the red and yellow flags where lifeguards are on duty
  • If you don't know the conditions, ask a lifeguard
  • Swimming at unpatrolled beaches or outside the flags

Outside the flags there may be rip currents, and lifeguards cannot reach you in time.

Not yet verifiedSource: Surf Life Saving Australia: beach safety signs

Red lineEveryday mannersAustralia

Uluru: climbing is not allowed

  • Walk the base track around Uluru and learn about Anangu culture
  • Climbing Uluru

The climb closed permanently on 26 October 2019; climbing breaks the federal Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act and is punished.

Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park: climb closure

Red lineEntryAustralia

Entering Australia: food, plant and animal products must be declared

  • Truthfully declare all food (even small, packaged snacks), plants and animal products on your arrival card
  • If in doubt, declare it
  • Bringing fresh fruit and vegetables, meat, seeds or wooden souvenirs without declaring them

You can be issued an infringement notice; your visa may be cancelled, you may be refused entry and barred from returning for up to 3 years.

Not yet verifiedSource: Australian Department of Agriculture: travelling to Australia

Red lineDrivingUnited States

Driving in the US: what to do when police pull you over

  • Signal right and pull over safely to the right
  • Roll down your window after stopping, before the officer reaches you
  • At night, turn on the interior light
  • Keep both hands on the wheel and ask passengers to keep their hands visible too
  • Getting out and walking towards the police car
  • Suddenly reaching for the glovebox, a pocket or under the seat

Sudden movements may be read as a threat and become dangerous. The wording of the rules varies slightly between states.

Not yet verifiedSource: Texas Department of Public Safety driver handbook

Red lineEveryday mannersItaly

Rome's Spanish Steps: no sitting, eating or drinking

  • Walk up the steps and keep moving after your photo
  • Sitting, resting, eating or drinking on the steps

Banned by Rome's urban police regulations since 2019; media report fines of €250, rising to €400 for dirtying or damaging the steps.

Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: ANSA: Rome bans sitting on the Spanish Steps (2019)

Red lineEveryday mannersIndonesia

Nyepi in Bali: a whole day of island-wide silence

  • Stay in your accommodation all day, lights off and quiet
  • Adjust flights and check-in or check-out dates in advance
  • Going out into the street or to the beach
  • Booking flights in or out of Bali on that day

Everyone on the island, including tourists, must comply; I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport closes for the whole day.

Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Indonesia travel advice

Red lineEntrySingapore

Singapore: chewing gum, e-cigarettes and littering

  • Clear chewing gum out of your luggage before arrival (except medical and dental gum approved by the Health Sciences Authority)
  • Put rubbish in the bin
  • Carrying or using e-cigarettes; bringing them in for personal use is also illegal
  • Littering

E-cigarettes are completely illegal; police can fine you on the spot for littering.

Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Singapore travel advice

Red linePhotos & dronesThailand

Drones must be registered in Thailand

  • Register with Thailand's National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) within 30 days of arrival or purchase, even if you don't plan to fly
  • Bringing in an unregistered drone

Fines of up to THB 100,000 or 5 years in prison, or both.

Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Thailand travel advice

Red lineEntryThailand

E-cigarettes are completely illegal in Thailand

  • Leave e-cigarettes, pods and e-liquids at home before you travel
  • Carrying or using e-cigarettes, pods, e-liquids or heated-tobacco devices

Confiscation, fines (usually THB 5,000–30,000), detention and prosecution; no exceptions for tourists or personal use.

Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Thailand travel advice

Red lineEveryday mannersThailand

Never insult the Thai royal family

  • Treat portraits of the royal family and related topics with respect and care
  • Posting or sharing any criticism of, or jokes about, the royal family, online included

The lèse-majesté law is interpreted very broadly and can bring long prison sentences; it applies to past and present members of the royal family.

Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Thailand travel advice

TabooDressSri Lanka

Sri Lanka: cover legs and shoulders and remove shoes and hats at Buddhist temples

  • Cover your legs and shoulders, and take off your shoes and hat before entering a shrine
  • Nude or topless sunbathing

At Buddhist temples you must cover your legs and shoulders and remove shoes and hats, or you will offend worshippers; nude or topless sunbathing is not allowed.

Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Sri Lanka travel advice

TabooTemples & religious sitesNepal

Nepal: temple etiquette

  • Wear clothes that cover your knees and shoulders in temples
  • Take off your shoes when asked
  • Wearing shorts or a vest at holy sites
  • Entering areas reserved for Hindus

It offends worshippers; some areas of Hindu temples are closed to non-Hindus.

Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Nepal travel advice

TabooPhotos & dronesUzbekistan

Uzbekistan: check before you take photos

  • Ask before taking photos near airports, border posts, military bases, bridges, police stations and metro stations
  • Photographing government buildings

It may annoy the authorities; posting content on social media that disrespects the flag, food or customs can lead to fines or detention.

Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Uzbekistan travel advice

TabooEveryday mannersMorocco

Morocco: avoid public displays of affection

  • Show restraint near religious sites and in tourist areas
  • Kissing or hugging in public

It causes offence; same-sex intimacy can be prosecuted in Morocco.

Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Morocco travel advice

TabooEveryday mannersMorocco

Morocco: during Ramadan, don't eat or drink in public by day

  • Check opening hours during Ramadan
  • Dress according to local custom
  • Eating, drinking, smoking, chewing gum or swearing in public during the day

It offends people who are fasting.

Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Morocco travel advice

TabooDressUnited Arab Emirates

UAE: cover shoulders and knees in malls and other public places

  • Women should cover shoulders and knees
  • Wear swimwear only at the beach or pool
  • Wearing see-through clothes or clothes with offensive images or words

It offends local people; some venues have their own dress codes.

Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: United Arab Emirates travel advice

TabooDressEgypt

Egypt: dress modestly and avoid public displays of affection

  • Dress conservatively in villages, mosques and markets
  • Kissing or hugging in public (holding hands is usually fine)

Behaviour accepted in resorts may be seen as offensive elsewhere.

Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Egypt travel advice

TabooEveryday mannersTürkiye

Türkiye: during Ramadan, don't eat or drink in public by day

  • During Ramadan, check shop opening hours and be patient with people who are fasting
  • Eating, drinking, smoking or chewing gum in public during the day (including in a car)
  • Playing loud music, dancing or swearing

It offends people who are fasting.

Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Turkey travel advice

TabooDressTürkiye

Türkiye: dress properly in mosques

  • Cover shoulders and knees; women cover their hair
  • Ask permission before photographing people
  • Wearing shorts or a vest in a mosque or holy site

It offends local people; inappropriate dress is more likely to cause offence during Ramadan.

Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Turkey travel advice

TabooSafetyCanada

Canada: keep your distance from wildlife in national parks

  • Follow park rules
  • Take all rubbish and food with you so you don't attract animals
  • Approaching wildlife, including marine animals and birds

Keeping a safe distance is a basic park rule.

Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Canada travel advice

TabooEveryday mannersPhilippines

Philippines: avoid too much intimacy in public

  • Behave appropriately in public
  • Overly intimate behaviour in public

It may be treated as 'grave scandal', punishable by a fine or 6 months in prison.

Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Philippines travel advice

TabooPhotos & dronesCambodia

Cambodia: ask before photographing monks

  • Ask before photographing people, especially monks
  • Photographing monks and religious figures without permission

Respect local customs.

Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Cambodia travel advice

TabooDressCambodia

Cambodia: cover shoulders and knees at Angkor Wat and other religious sites

  • Cover your shoulders and wear trousers or a skirt below the knee
  • Wearing shorts or a skirt above the knee

You may be refused entry to Angkor Wat and other religious sites.

Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Cambodia travel advice

TabooDressVietnam

Vietnam: cover shoulders and knees at temples and cultural sites

  • Cover your shoulders and knees when entering religious and cultural sites
  • Wearing a vest or shorts into a temple

Respect local customs.

Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Vietnam travel advice

TabooPublic transportNetherlands

Netherlands: cycle paths are not footpaths

  • Before crossing, look for bicycles and e-bikes first — they have priority over cars
  • Use pedestrian crossings
  • Standing or walking on a cycle path

Traffic on cycle paths is fast; crossing outside a pedestrian crossing can bring a fine.

Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Netherlands travel advice

TabooTippingUnited States

USA: tipping is almost always expected

  • Restaurants with table service: 15–20% of the pre-tax bill
  • Bartenders: US$1–2 a drink, or 15–20% of the bill
  • Taxis: 15–20% of the fare, at least US$1
  • Hotel housekeeping: US$2–5 a day
  • Not tipping at restaurants with table service

Not illegal, but seen as very rude.

Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: Emily Post Institute: tipping guide

TabooDressVatican City

The Vatican and churches: cover shoulders and knees and keep quiet

  • Wear a sleeved top and something below the knee, and carry a scarf just in case
  • Take off your hat and keep quiet indoors
  • Entering St Peter's Basilica in a sleeveless top, shorts or a miniskirt

You will be turned away at the entrance.

Not yet verifiedSource: Vatican dress code (travel guide)

TabooEveryday mannersMalaysia

Malaysia: pass things and eat with your right hand

  • Use your right hand to eat with your fingers, to pass and receive things, and to shake hands
  • To point the way, make a loose fist and point with your right thumb
  • Pointing at people or things with your index finger

Not illegal, but seen as rude.

Not yet verifiedSource: Tourism Malaysia: travel guide

TabooDressThailand

Temples and the Grand Palace: cover shoulders and knees

  • Wear sleeved tops and long trousers or skirts below the knee
  • Take off your shoes before entering a hall
  • When seated, don't point the soles of your feet at a Buddha image
  • Entering in a vest, shorts or see-through clothes
  • Covering a sleeveless top only with a shawl may not be accepted at the Grand Palace

You will be refused entry and will need to rent or buy a sarong at the gate.

Not yet verifiedSource: Grand Palace dress code and visiting rules (travel guide)

TabooEveryday mannersJapan

Take off your shoes when you see a genkan (entrance step)

  • Take off your shoes at the entrance of homes, some restaurants, temples and hot-spring facilities
  • If unsure, look for a shoe rack or slippers at the entrance
  • Stepping onto tatami or indoor wooden floors in shoes

It is seen as very rude.

Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: JNTO: Japanese etiquette

TabooPublic transportJapan

No phone calls on trains and the shinkansen; queue to board

  • Put your phone on silent; on the shinkansen, take calls in the area between carriages
  • Queue at the marked spots on either side of the train door, and let people off before you get on
  • Give priority seats to older people, pregnant women and passengers with limited mobility
  • Talking on the phone or playing sound aloud in the train

Not illegal, but you will get looks and a reminder from the conductor.

Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: JNTO: Japanese etiquette

TabooHot springsJapan

If you have tattoos, check the rules before using a hot spring

  • Before you go, email the facility to ask about its rules
  • Small to medium tattoos can be covered with skin-coloured patches (some onsen sell them)
  • Choose a tattoo-friendly onsen, or book a private bath (kashikiri-buro) in advance
  • Ignoring 'no tattoos' signs and getting in anyway

Most onsen do not allow guests with tattoos to bathe, but rules vary by facility and are often more relaxed for foreign visitors.

Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: JNTO: tattoo rules and etiquette at onsen

TabooHot springsJapan

Wash your body thoroughly before getting into a hot spring

  • Before getting in, sit on the small stool in the washing area and wash your whole body with the shower or a bucket, leaving no soap
  • Leave your small towel at the edge of the bath or fold it on your head
  • Getting into the bath without rinsing first
  • Dipping your towel in the bath water
  • Leaving a used towel in the washing area

Not illegal, but other guests and the staff will see it as very rude. Most onsen require you to be fully naked in the bathing area.

Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: JNTO: a beginner's guide to onsen

Good mannersPublic transportUnited Kingdom

London Underground escalators: stand on the right

  • Stand on the right on Underground escalators and leave the left for people in a hurry
  • Standing still side by side on the left of the escalator

There is no penalty, but you block people behind you. The habit dates back to 1921, when Underground announcements first told passengers to 'stand on the right'.

Not yet verifiedSource: Wikipedia: London Underground

Good mannersTippingAustralia

Australia: tipping is not required

  • When service is especially good, round up or leave a small tip
  • Feeling bad about not leaving a tip

There is no penalty; Australian wages do not depend on tips.

Not yet verifiedSource: Mozo: tipping in Australia

Good mannersEveryday mannersGermany

Germany: most shops close on Sundays

  • Shop for food and essentials on Saturday
  • If you need to shop on Sunday, go to shops at railway stations, airports or petrol stations
  • Planning a shopping trip for Sunday

There is no penalty — you will just find everything closed. Sunday is protected as a day of rest by the constitution, and each state allows only a few 'open Sundays' a year.

Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: Library of Congress law blog: Germany's shop opening laws

Good mannersTippingJapan

There is no tipping in Japan

  • Say thank you with 'arigatō gozaimashita'
  • Pressing loose change on staff

Japan is a no-tipping country and bills usually include service; if you press a tip on staff, some will politely refuse.

Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: JNTO: Japanese table manners

Good mannersRestaurants & barsJapan

An izakaya's otoshi is a cover charge

  • Accept the otoshi as an appetiser
  • Arguing with staff about it or asking for it to be taken back

There is no penalty: before you order at an izakaya, a small dish of otoshi always arrives. It doubles as the cover charge and cannot be chosen or swapped.

Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: JNTO: drinking in Japan