Location Do's & Don'ts | Kilted Traveller

Locations Do's & Don'ts

Here you will find basic do's and don't when you are at a particular location. These are just a small basic list. Please Do your research.

Ireland

Don't complain because the beer isn't ice cold. Cellar temperature is the proper way to serve a nice pint of Guinness.
Don't look at a map and think that you can get there from here. Well, you can, but it's gonna take a lot longer than you think.
Don't expect fast service at a bar or restaurant. It takes time to pour a perfect pint or prepare a good meal.
Don't complain about the weather. There is a reason that Ireland is so green - it rains a lot. Bring appropriate clothing and footwear; an umbrella won't help when it is raining sideways.
Don't fail to observe the social niceties. People in the service industry will usually be interested in a little small talk; if you are nice in return, your stay will be much more enjoyable. If you are brusque and demeaning, well feck you anyway.

Japan

Slurp to your heart's content
Taste the local cuisine
Master the ways of the chopstick
Dont walk while eating
Hang on to your rubbish
Don’t count your change
Don’t bombard the geishas and maiko for selfies for your gram
Don’t blow your nose in public
Know your way around the Escalator
Be quiet on public transport
Take your shoes off indoor
Learn some useful Japanese phrases
Learn the customs of bowing
Purchase tickets to major attractions in advance
Don’t let the nudity hold you back from enjoying an onsen

Korea

Accept things using your two hands
Take off your shoes before entering someone’s house
Segregate your trash
Learn Korean basic words
- Where? – Eodie/Eodi-ye?
- How much? – Eolmayeyo?
- Thank you – Kamsahamnida
- I’m sorry – Jwesonghamnida
- Hello – Annyeonghaseyo
These examples are just phrases but would be a big help when you go to South Korea.
Use your palm when calling a taxi
Don’t blow your nose in public areas
Don’t write someone’s name in red ink
Giving tip is not necessary
Don’t take pictures of someone without their permission
Don’t be noisy in public transport

Italy

Scotland

Australia

1. DON’T Tip

2. DON’T get offended when we swear

3. DO Understand Australian Road Rules

4. DO observe the green man at pedestrian crossings.

5. DON’T Drink and Drive

6. DO be aware that Australia is a BIG country.

7. DO order a Beer in Australia.

8. DO Drink Coffee

9. DO go out for an Australian Breakfast.

10. DO try Vegemite

11. DO carry ID.

12. DO Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek, Slide

13. DO wear thongs

14. DON’T worry about Australia’s deadly animals.

15. DON’T pat a Koala

16. DON’T smoke

17. DON’T ever throw a cigarette butt

18. DO Swim between the flags at patrolled beaches.

19. DON’T ride a bike without a helmet

20. DO learn how to use the term ‘mate.’

21. DO understand we shorten a lot of words in Australia.

22. DON’T Litter

23. DO be courteous using Public transport.

24. DON’T jump the queue

25. DON’T climb Uluru

26. DON’T spread your germs

27. DO Watch out for drop bears

1 DO be conscious of how you dress

2 DONT try to say “ciao” when first meeting someone

3 DO remember to look after your belongings

4 DONT forget to look both ways when crossing the street

5 DO remember to cover your knees & shoulders

6 DONT forget to learn the basics

7 DO remember to carry some cash around with you

8 DONT try to wear flip flops while walking around Italy

9 DO try an Italian coffee

10 DONT forget to have fun and immerse yourself in Italian culture

France

Don’t refill your own glass. Instead, wait to be served.

Do round up to the next number when tipping.

Do buy two baguettes, not one.

Don’t cut baguette with a knife.

Do keep both hands on the table.

Don’t make slurping noises.

Don’t cut your salad

Do cut the cheese with a specific knife.

Do leave the sports gear at home.

Don’t go all out either. We know, we know, it’s a fine line.

Don’t be awkward Bise-ing can feel a bit strange, Dive in and air kiss your acquaintance on both cheeks while gently pouting and making a kissing sound. To make things more interesting, the number of kisses vary by region.

Do greet everyone individually.

Do use ‘vous’ for people you don’t know.

Don’t show too much emotion.

Don’t drink before everyone has been served.

Do sip slowly

Peru

Italy

1. Stick with small talk unless you are friends. This includes the weather, traveling in Scotland, and outdoor activities. The Scottish prefer indirect communication because they don’t want to insult anyone accidentally.

2. It’s smart to avoid topics like Politics and Religion. However, if you are asked about them, feel free to state your opinions and where you stand on topics.

3. They call mountains in Scotland ‘hills.’ So if anyone asks you to go hiking on a hill, you have been warned, it is not a hill, but something much larger and more exhausting.

4. Don’t photograph someone unless you have their permission first.

5. Never make remarks against Scottish people since they are very proud of their country.

6. Be careful when talking about their neighbours to the South. They have a long history and don’t always like one another. It may be best to not even bring them up.

7. Don’t wear a tartan that does not belong to your family. Even if you feel like being cultural, it’s looked down upon if you are wearing something that symbolizes another family.

8. Be polite and talkative. If you see someone walking by say ‘hello’ to them and smile.

9. Always say ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ and hold eye contact with others. The Scottish are very polite and may become offended if you do not mind your manners. This includes saying ‘sorry’ if you bump into someone or someone bumps into you.

10. Do not complain about anything.

11. The Scottish speak English, but have their own dialect with a thick accent and their own words. I suggest looking into a list of common words used before you go.

12. Don’t snap your fingers or wave your hand at a waiter in a restaurant.

13. Don’t ask to take home food as leftovers. This is more of a social-standing issue. If you can afford to eat out at a restaurant, you can afford to buy other food to eat later.

14. There is a customary tip of 10% with every meal and it is not expected of you to leave more. If you really enjoy your meal and your service, you can always leave more if you choose to do so.

15. Bring something over to their house as a gift. This can be a bottle of whiskey.

16. Don’t mention that you don’t like the host’s food. Try to eat everything that is on your plate if you can. It’s smart not to take more than you know you can eat.

17. Do not burp or wipe your nose at the dinner table.

18. Wait for the host to make a toast to the guest of honour first before eating.