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

TabooPublic transportNetherlands

Netherlands: cycle paths are not footpaths

Before crossing, look for bicycles and e-bikes first — they have priority over cars
Use pedestrian crossings

Standing or walking on a cycle path

Traffic on cycle paths is fast; crossing outside a pedestrian crossing can bring a fine.

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

TabooPublic transportJapan

No phone calls on trains and the shinkansen; queue to board

Put your phone on silent; on the shinkansen, take calls in the area between carriages
Queue at the marked spots on either side of the train door, and let people off before you get on
Give priority seats to older people, pregnant women and passengers with limited mobility

Talking on the phone or playing sound aloud in the train

Not illegal, but you will get looks and a reminder from the conductor.

Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: JNTO: Japanese etiquette