Etiquette & taboos

Take five minutes to read this before you go. We sort local rules into three levels: red lines that are illegal or can get you refused entry, taboos that are legal but easily offend locals, and good manners that show respect. Every rule has a source and is marked as verified or not.

Red lineIllegal, or can get you refused entry · 85 rules TabooNot illegal, but easily offends locals · 23 rules Good mannersRespect local ways and earn a smile · 5 rules

Red lineDressSwitzerland

Ticino and St Gallen, Switzerland: face coverings are banned

Showing your face in public places

Covering your face in public places

Fines of CHF 100–10,000.

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

Red lineDressSpain

Spain: don't walk around town in swimwear

Put clothes on before leaving the beach

Wearing only a bikini or swimming trunks, or going shirtless, on the seafront promenade and nearby streets

Illegal in some areas; you can be fined.

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

Red lineDressFrance

France: face coverings are banned in public places

Showing your face in public places

Covering your face in streets, shops and other public places

It is illegal, with a fine of up to €150; the law also applies to tourists.

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