Etiquette & taboos

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

4 rules found

Cultural sensitivitiesDressCountry-wide guidance · Germany

Germany: Dress modestly in churches and remove your hat

Do

Dress respectfully; formal wear isn't needed, but avoid revealing outfits
Take off your hat, silence your phone and keep your voice low inside
Carry a light scarf or jacket to cover your shoulders when needed
Where a church posts its own rules at the door or online, follow them

Don’t

Don't wear revealing clothes such as bikini tops or very short sports shorts
Don't give loud commentary or take photos during a service

German churches are generally more relaxed about dress than those in southern Europe, and visitors in shorts are a common sight in Munich and Cologne. However, staff at places such as Berlin Cathedral may refuse entry to visitors in overly revealing clothing.

Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: Pieter on Tour: Church etiquette in Europe's sacred spaces

Cultural sensitivitiesDressCountry-wide guidance · France

France: Dress modestly in churches and remove your hat

Do

Dress modestly, covering shoulders, knees and midriff
Take off your hat, silence your phone and keep your voice low inside
In summer, carry a light scarf to cover your shoulders when needed
Check the signs before taking photos; ask staff if unsure

Don’t

Don't walk in front of people who are praying
Don't touch statues or eat inside the church
Don't use flash or take photos where it is forbidden

French churches rarely check clothing at the door, but revealing outfits are seen as disrespect toward a place of worship, and some churches may require modest dress and refuse entry to those who are not. Follow the notice at the door or the church's website.

Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: Viator: Know before you go to Notre-Dame

Cultural sensitivitiesDressCountry-wide guidance · United Kingdom

UK: Dress modestly in churches and remove your hat

Do

Dress modestly; avoid revealing tops and very short shorts or skirts
Take off your hat, silence your phone and keep your voice low inside
Dress more formally for a service, wedding or funeral than for a visit
Where a church posts its own rules at the door or online, follow them

Don’t

Don't treat the church as just a sight or talk loudly
Don't walk around or take photos during a service

UK churches rarely turn visitors away over clothing, and Westminster Abbey asks only for modest dress suited to a working church. Revealing clothes, or moving around and taking photos during a service, are still seen as disrespect toward a place of worship.

Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: Official site: Westminster Abbey FAQ

Cultural sensitivitiesDressCountry-wide guidance · Japan

Kimono and yukata: always right side first, so the left panel is on top from your view

Do

Wrap the right panel against your body first, then the left over it, so the left is on top as you look down
Men tie the obi around the hip bones; women tie it higher, between the solar plexus and the waist
Walk with small steps and knees slightly inward so the hem and collar stay neat
Sit shallowly on chairs so you don't crush the obi knot at your back
Lift the hem gently on stairs, and fold back your sleeves a little when eating

Don’t

Don't wrap it left side first (right panel on top); that is how the deceased are dressed
Don't pull on the inner fabric when climbing stairs
Don't wear a ryokan yukata or rented kimono beyond the area the provider allows

Wrapping left side first is tied to funeral custom and is regarded as a serious taboo; people around you or shop staff will usually point it out so you can fix it.

Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: asianbeat: Yukata guide (PDF)