Travel

A handful of rules apply no matter which country you're flying to or through — this category collects the etiquette that isn't local at all.

23 rules.

Don't litter on the beach — Rio enforces it with real fines

Use three sticks of incense, never a random number

Cover up once you leave the beach

Respect Ruhezeit — quiet hours are enforced

Never smoke on a commercial flight

Tip hotel housekeeping $2–5 per night, left daily

Never touch a latte stone, and keep your voice down

Check before you shoot, and don't push past the inner sanctum

Don't sit on the Spanish Steps, or any monument steps

Stand on the correct escalator side

Don't take phone calls on trains or buses

Wash before soaking, and keep your towel out of the water

Check tattoo policy before visiting an onsen

Leave the yellow and pink subway seats empty

Don't climb the pyramids — it's illegal, not just discouraged

Dress modestly and remove hats at church

PhilippinesTravel

Greet locals warmly and avoid confrontations

PhilippinesTravel

Pass jeepney fare hand-to-hand, and say "para po" to stop

PhilippinesTravel

Ask before you photograph anyone, and skip government buildings entirely

Saudi ArabiaTravel

Never speak ill of the monarchy, never step on money

Cover shoulders and knees before entering a temple

Stand right, walk left on Underground escalators

United KingdomTravel

Never point your feet at the altar or a Buddha statue