Etiquette & taboos

Understanding local customs is where a journey begins. Find the topics that matter to you and feel at ease wherever you go.

6 rules found

Essential restrictionsDrivingPlace-specific guidance · Finland

Finland: drink-driving can mean prison

Do

If you drink, don't drive

Don’t

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

Essential restrictionsDrivingPlace-specific guidance · Sweden

Sweden: winter tyres are compulsory in winter

Do

From 1 December to 31 March, make sure your hire car has winter tyres

Don’t

Driving on ordinary tyres in winter

It is a legal requirement.

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

Essential restrictionsDrivingPlace-specific guidance · Norway

Norway: very strict drink-driving limits

Do

If you have drunk alcohol, don't drive

Don’t

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

Essential restrictionsDrivingPlace-specific guidance · Switzerland

Switzerland: buy a vignette before using the motorway

Do

Buy and display a motorway vignette

Don’t

Driving on a Swiss motorway without a vignette

You may get a heavy fine.

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

Essential restrictionsDrivingPlace-specific guidance · Austria

Austria: buy a vignette before using the motorway

Do

Stick the motorway vignette on the inside of the windscreen

Don’t

Driving on motorways and expressways without a vignette

You will be fined.

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

Essential restrictionsDrivingPlace-specific guidance · Italy

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

Do

Park outside restricted zones and walk into town

Don’t

Driving into a ZTL zone without a permit

You will be fined.

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