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.

18 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 · Iceland

Iceland: keep away from waves, cliff edges and hot-spring vents

Do

  • Stay behind warning lines and tell your hotel your plans or register them with Safe Travel Iceland

Don’t

  • Going near waves, cliff edges and geothermal vents

These are the most common causes of accidents in Iceland.

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

Essential restrictionsSafetyPlace-specific guidance · Nepal

Nepal: you must hire a guide to trek in national parks

Do

  • Get a trekking permit and TIMS card
  • Hire a local guide or porter

Don’t

  • Trekking alone in national parks and conservation areas

Breaking the rules can mean a fine or expulsion from the protected area; above 3,000 m there are risks from weather, avalanches and altitude sickness all year.

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

Essential restrictionsSafetyPlace-specific guidance · Jordan

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 restrictionsSafetyPlace-specific guidance · China

China: don't get physical in a dispute

Do

  • Walk away from an argument and call the police if needed

Don’t

  • Pushing, shoving or fighting

Whoever starts it, taking part in a fight can bring a fine or detention, and the injured party usually demands compensation.

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

Essential restrictionsSafetyPlace-specific guidance · Chile

Chile: no open fires in national parks

Do

  • Use fire only at permitted campsites

Don’t

  • Lighting an open fire outside designated campsites in a national park

You can have your tourist permit cancelled, be ordered to leave within 72 hours or be deported; starting a forest fire can also bring criminal charges.

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

Essential restrictionsSafetyPlace-specific guidance · Brazil

Brazil: don't go to city beaches after dark

Do

  • Take only a little cash to the beach
  • If you are robbed, hand over your things and don't resist

Don’t

  • Going to city beaches after dark
  • Taking valuables to the beach or using your phone in the street

Gangs carry out mass beach robberies known as 'arrastão'; phone snatching peaks between 4 p.m. and 9 p.m.

Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Brazil 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

Essential restrictionsSafetyPlace-specific guidance · Australia

Australian beaches: swim between the red and yellow flags

Do

  • Swim only between the red and yellow flags where lifeguards are on duty
  • If you don't know the conditions, ask a lifeguard

Don’t

  • Swimming at unpatrolled beaches or outside the flags

Outside the flags there may be rip currents, and lifeguards cannot reach you in time.

Not yet verifiedSource: Surf Life Saving Australia: beach safety signs

Cultural sensitivitiesSafetyPlace-specific guidance · Canada

Canada: keep your distance from wildlife in national parks

Do

  • Follow park rules
  • Take all rubbish and food with you so you don't attract animals

Don’t

  • Approaching wildlife, including marine animals and birds

Keeping a safe distance is a basic park rule.

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