Etiquette & taboos

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

11 rules found

Essential restrictionsSafetyPlace-specific guidance · 约旦

Jordan: stay out of canyons in the rainy season

Do

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

Don’t

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

Essential restrictionsEveryday mannersPlace-specific guidance · 约旦

Jordan: no drinking in the street

Do

Drink in bars, hotels or private homes

Don’t

Drinking in the street

It is illegal.

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

Essential restrictionsEveryday mannersPlace-specific guidance · 约旦

Jordan: don't stay in Petra outside opening hours

Do

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

Don’t

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

Essential restrictionsEveryday mannersPlace-specific guidance · 阿联酋

UAE: no kissing in public

Do

Show restraint in public

Don’t

Kissing in public

You can be arrested for it.

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

Essential restrictionsEveryday mannersPlace-specific guidance · 阿联酋

UAE: swearing and rude gestures are illegal

Do

Be polite when dealing with police and officials

Don’t

Swearing or making rude gestures (including online)

Treated as an obscene act; can lead to prison or deportation.

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

Essential restrictionsPublic transportPlace-specific guidance · 阿联酋

UAE: cross the road only at pedestrian crossings

Do

Cross at designated pedestrian crossings and watch for traffic

Don’t

Jaywalking

Illegal; you can be fined or even jailed. Even at zebra crossings, cars often don't stop.

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

Essential restrictionsEntryPlace-specific guidance · 土耳其

Türkiye: don't buy or take away antiquities

Do

Before buying old items, check whether they may be exported

Don’t

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

Essential restrictionsEveryday mannersPlace-specific guidance · 土耳其

Türkiye: you must carry photo ID

Do

Carry your passport and cooperate with police checks

Don’t

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

Cultural sensitivitiesDressPlace-specific guidance · 阿联酋

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

Do

Women should cover shoulders and knees
Wear swimwear only at the beach or pool

Don’t

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

Cultural sensitivitiesEveryday mannersPlace-specific guidance · 土耳其

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

Do

During Ramadan, check shop opening hours and be patient with people who are fasting

Don’t

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

Cultural sensitivitiesDressPlace-specific guidance · 土耳其

Türkiye: dress properly in mosques

Do

Cover shoulders and knees; women cover their hair
Ask permission before photographing people

Don’t

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