Etiquette & taboos

Etiquette & taboos

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

9 rules found

Essential restrictionsSafetyPlace-specific guidance · Russia

Russia: many governments advise against all travel

Do

Before you leave, check your own government's latest safety advice
Check whether your travel insurance covers you

Don’t

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

Essential restrictionsSafetyPlace-specific guidance · Norway

Norway: fires are banned in many hiking areas in summer

Do

Check the local fire ban before you set out

Don’t

Lighting a campfire where fires are banned

Police enforce the ban.

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

Essential restrictionsSafetyPlace-specific guidance · Portugal

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

Do

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

Don’t

Lighting fires in the countryside

Can be punished with a fine or prison.

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

Essential restrictionsSafetyPlace-specific guidance · Portugal

Portugal: don't go past cliff warnings

Do

Keep away from cliff edges and watch for falling rocks (especially in the Algarve)

Don’t

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

Essential restrictionsSafetyPlace-specific guidance · Portugal

Portugal: learn the beach flags

Do

When the yellow flag is up, only paddle at the water's edge
Swim at beaches with lifeguards

Don’t

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

Essential restrictionsSafetyPlace-specific guidance · Switzerland

Switzerland: no fires during fire bans

Do

Watch for local fire-ban notices

Don’t

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

Essential restrictionsSafetyPlace-specific guidance · Netherlands

Netherlands: don't swim in Amsterdam's canals

Do

Swim in designated swimming areas

Don’t

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

Essential restrictionsSafetyPlace-specific guidance · Greece

Greece: no fires, no barbecues

Do

Follow fire warnings when hiking

Don’t

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

Essential restrictionsSafetyPlace-specific guidance · Spain

Spain: no dangerous stunts on hotel balconies

Do

Keep a safe distance on balconies

Don’t

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