A cultural travel guide to the world

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.

8 rules found

Cultural sensitivitiesDressPlace-specific guidance · Sri Lanka

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

Do

  • Cover your legs and shoulders, and take off your shoes and hat before entering a shrine

Don’t

  • 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

Cultural sensitivitiesDressPlace-specific guidance · Egypt

Egypt: dress modestly and avoid public displays of affection

Do

  • Dress conservatively in villages, mosques and markets

Don’t

  • 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

Cultural sensitivitiesDressPlace-specific guidance · Türkiye

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

Cultural sensitivitiesDressPlace-specific guidance · Cambodia

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

Do

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

Don’t

  • 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

Cultural sensitivitiesDressPlace-specific guidance · Vatican City

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

Do

  • Wear a sleeved top and something below the knee, and carry a scarf just in case
  • Take off your hat and keep quiet indoors

Don’t

  • 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)

Cultural sensitivitiesDressPlace-specific guidance · Thailand

Temples and the Grand Palace: cover shoulders and knees

Do

  • 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

Don’t

  • 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)