WHY NOT rules

RULES TO KNOW

IT IS TOTALY WORTH IT to know the law and respect the local culture. “DO NOTs” rules  is there to keep in harmony with the customs and traditions of a country to avoid any awkward moment or drastic consequences that could end up ruining your entire trip!

 

* For that matter if someone forgot… in any country any criminal activity* (Murder, human trafficking, any drug related offences) is a big “DO NOT” and follows by serious consequences which you must avoid

SAUDI ARABIA - DO NOT...

  • DO NOT engage in any criminal activity* (Murder, human trafficking, any drug related offences)

 

  • DO NOT discuss and mock openly the culture, religion , laws, Royal family, and politics

 

  • DO NOT go to Mecca or Medinah as a non-Muslim, the two holiest cities in Islam*

 

  • DO NOT hold two passports at the time you crossed the boarder( One passport will be confiscated if it will be discovered)

 

  • DO NOT importing pork products 

 

  • DO NOT Stay together in the hotel if you are unmarried

 

  • DO NOT dine with an unmarried woman in the family section of a restaurant 

 

  • DO NOT (for women)not have signed permission from a close male relative, including husband, son, father, uncle or grandson (mahram) before crossing the border and travel

 

  • DO NOT (for women)not wearing hijabs or covering up your head 

 

  • DO NOT subject women or children to anything that could put them in danger, including jokes/pranks

 

  • DO NOT display public affection (3,000 riyals=$800)

 

  • DO NOT take a sit in a priority seats (200 riyals= $53)

 

  • DO NOT play a loud music in public- especially during each of the 20-minute prayer times (five times a day) (fine is 500 riyals= $133,  during the prayers 1,000 riyals)

 

  • DO NOT use Your Left Hand To Greet Anyone (Considered unclean as reserved for the personal hygiene)

 

  • DO NOT cary pornographic material, or of illustrations of scantily dressed people, especially women

 

  • DO NOT bringing drones for commercial or personal use with you (Need an approval of  the Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation)

 

  • DO NOT make pictures without permission

 

  • DO NOT have drugs /Bring and carry all your medicines without a doctor’s prescription 

 

  • DO NOT eat-in public during Ramadan*

 

  • DO NOT lighting barbecues or shisha pipes in public

 

  • DO NOT gamble *

 

  • DO NOT cuss in public and while driving as well as make any rude hand gestures 

 

  • DO NOT ignore the queuing etiquette 

 

  • DO NOT spitting in the streets

 

  • DO NOT have adult content books 

 

  • DO NOT bring any products that are made in Israel

 

  • DO NOT have with you bacon or any pork related items

 

  • DO NOT practice cross-dress( dressing as per your gender) and showing that you are gay or transgender

 

  • DO NOT waving your Bible around the streets 

 

  • DO NOT being careless about celebrating some of non-muslims dates -Valentine’s Day*

 

  • DO NOT drink in Public

 

  • DO NOT dance In Public

 

*Most common crimes – theft

 

*Mecca and Medinah  are forbidden cities for non-Muslim. Dont try to go there if you are not practicing Islam. Sufficient fine, deportation or other type of punishment will be applied. 

 

*Gambling is prohibited and can cause serious troubles. Online gambling is perhaps the one way that some use in the country but be mindful about it and remember about ‘private network’ system.

 

*Non-muslim celebrations like Valentine’s day. Even though country does not taking it to a legal extreme it is still formally banned and so keep in mind dont try to impress your partner on the Valentine’s Day if you are in Saudi Arabia… 

Qatar - DO NOT...

  • DO NOT walk past a person praying from the front

 

  • DO NOT wear shoes in worship places

 

  • DO NOT show the OK gesture– forefinger touches the thumb (signalling homosexuality) 

 

  • DO NOT ignore the table Etiquette*

 

  • DO NOT go against smoking at the dinner table

 

  • DO NOT disrespect anything that related ramadan

 

  • DO NOT take a cab without a taxi logo

 

  • DO NOT wear revealing clothes

 

  • DO NOT leaving food on your plate

 

  • DO NOT misuse the Turkish language

 

  • DO NOT consume an intolerable amount of alcohol. Stay sober or just a bit tipsy 😁

 

  • DO NOT in public directly addressing a Turkish woman 

 

  • DO NOT buy cultural artefacts (stones or fossils)

 

  • DO NOT buy stuff without bargaining

 

  • DO NOT disrespect Kemal Ataturk*

 

*On your plate put your knife and fork side-by-side to indicate you are done. Left hand should not be used when dining (considered unclean).  Smoking while eating is common so don’t ask your dining partners to stop.

 

*Ramadan is important tradition to follow in Turkey,  including fasting for an entire month as one of the Five Pillars of Islam. Celebrated according to the Islamic calendar and if you travel at this period then try to not drink or eat anything in public nor offer/ give a gift  to a Turkish citizen who practices Ramadan.

 

*It’s illegal to export stones and fossils, and know that  many shopkeepers will try to make you buy it even though most of them are fake. 

 

* Respect to founding fathers of the Turkish Republic, Ataturk.

Jordan - DO NOT...

Quite liberal compared to some of its neighbours 

 

  • DO NOT engage in any criminal activity* (Murder, human trafficking, any drug related offences)

 

  • DO NOT wear inappropriately (short clothes)

 

  • DO NOT drink or consume drugs

 

  • DO NOT disrespect mosques

 

  • DO NOT disrespect or flirt with women 

 

  • DO NOT carry weapons

 

  • DO NOT wear something that shows you are from Israel

 

  • DO NOT mock unique heritage and tradition

 

  • DO NOT litter at an Omani tourist sites, including the attraction, or break any public property –“Take nothing BUT memories ,Leave nothing BUT footprints”

 

  • DO NOT refuse the invitation from the host to visit his home ( Offensive if only you have a good reason not to go)

 

* Most common crimes – pickpocketing and bag snatching.

OMAN - DO NOT...

  • DO NOT engage in any criminal activity* (Murder, human trafficking, any drug related offences)

 

  • DO NOT wear inappropriately (short clothes)

 

  • DO NOT drink or consume drugs

 

  • DO NOT disrespect mosques

 

  • DO NOT disrespect or flirt with women 

 

  • DO NOT carry weapons

 

  • DO NOT mock unique heritage and tradition

 

  • DO NOT litter at an Omani tourist sites, including the attraction, or break any public property –“Take nothing BUT memories ,Leave nothing BUT footprints”

 

  • DO NOT refuse the invitation from the host to visit his home

 

*Most common crimes – robbery.

KUWAIT - DO NOT...

  • DO NOT engage in any criminal activity* (Murder, human trafficking, any drug related offences)

 

  • DO NOT walk on a prayer mat

 

  • DO NOT stare at people when praying

 

  • DO NOT entering a mosque without permission

 

  • DO NOT stay together in the hotel if you are unmarried

 

  • DO NOT display public affection (PDA)

 

  • DO NOT use your Left Hand to greet anyone (Considered unclean)

 

  • DO NOT make pictures without permission

 

  • DO NOT bring and carry all your medicines

 

  • DO NOT eat-in public during Ramadan*

 

  • DO NOT cuss in public and while driving as well as make any rude hand gestures 

 

  • DO NOT have adult content books and even women fashion magazines

 

  • DO NOT ave with you bacon or any pork related items

 

  • DO NOT practice cross-dress*

 

  • DO NOT wear Ripped jeans

 

  • DO NOT drink In Public

 

  • DO NOT dance In Public

 

*Most common crimes – corruption and bribery.

 

*Important to dress as per your gender! Otherwise would be the case of serious offences.

 

EURope

FRANCE - DO NOT...

  • DO NOT engage in any criminal activity* (Murder, human trafficking, any drug related offences)

 

  • DO NOT expect a big breakfast

 

  • DO NOT forget that cars may not stop at pedestrian crossings

 

  • DO NOT think of bicycle lane only for bicycles 

 

  • DO NOT ignore complimenting others before asking for a favour 

 

  • DO NOT expect to reach out to officials via online as well as have businesses completely online* 

 

  • DO NOT expect an immediate reply to your enquires 

 

  • DO NOT assume all the stores to be open on Sundays

 

  • DO NOT come empty-handed to someone’s house/party

 

  • DO NOT make slurping noises 

 

  • DO NOT ignore the table manners*

 

  • DO NOT offend the host by not finishing your plate

 

  • DO NOT spitting in the street

 

  • DO NOT yawning mouth wide open

 

  • DO NOT sneezing loudly

 

*Most common crimes – vandalism and theft

 

*Usual practice is to call or send an envelope via post instead of using an email 

 

*Hands should always be visible meanwhile elbows should be hidden 

 

Germany - DO NOT...

  • DO NOT engage in any criminal activity* (Murder, human trafficking, any drug related offences)

 

  • DO NOT use the Nazi Salute gesture 

 

  • DO NOT jaywalk

 

  • DO NOT walk on the bicycle lane

 

  • DO NOT discuss about the World Wars

 

  • DO NOT chew gum while talking

 

  • DO NOT enter someone’s house with shoes on

 

  • DO NOT ignore “be on time” rule 

 

  • DO NOT ignore to look in the eyes when greet somebody

 

  • DO NOT forget to use title and last name to address people

 

  • DO NOT run out of fuel on the Autobahn

 

  • DO NOT tune the piano at midnight

 

  • DO NOT forget to sort the trash – general waste/recycling/ glass/ wood and for forth 

 

  • DO NOT swearing at the police – could cost you 600 Euros fine (depends on your income) 

 

*Most common crimes – theft, fraud, and street crime  (vandalism).

 

Switzerland - DO NOT...

  • DO NOT engage in any criminal activity* (Murder, human trafficking, any drug related offences)

 

  • DO NOT being careless about pickpocketing gangs

 

  • DO NOT breaking eye contact while handshake somebody

 

  • DO NOT sleeping in a car on a parking 

 

  • DO NOT recycle on Sundays

 

  • DO NOT make a noise or have a party after 8 or 10 pm to 6 or 7 am

 

  • DO NOT ignore “be on time” rule* 

 

  • DO NOT drinking without a toast

 

  • DO NOT come empty-handed to someone’s house/party

 

  • DO NOT invading someone’s personal space

 

  • DO NOT bringing certain products with you from other countries*

 

*Most common crimes – theft and criminal damage.

 

*Alcoholic beverages, All products containing the biocide dimethylfumarate (DMF), Animals and animal origin products from third countries (non-EU member states & Norway), Coffee, Oil products, Plants.

Norway - DO NOT...

  • DO NOT engage in any criminal activity* (Murder, human trafficking, any drug related offences)

 

  • DO NOT expect to buy beer or strong alcohol in the supermarket at any time and day*

 

  • DO NOT comment negative about the King of Norway

 

  • DO NOT compare the country out loud with others, especially with Sweden   

 

  • DO NOT get a taxi without checking their budget first

 

  • DO NOT on a weekday drink in public

 

  • DO NOT ignore the rule “eat at burger places and pølse (hot dog) stands”

 

  • DO NOT expect everyone speaks English 

 

  • DO NOT use big bank notes when trying to buy a train ticket* 

 

  • DO NOT forget that there are many places that only accept kort (card) and not kontant (cash)

 

*Most common crimes – theft, burglary, and robbery.

 

*Alcohol is sold at certain hours and certain days – Monday – Wednesday (10am to 5pm) and Thursday-Friday (10am to 6pm), Saturdays (10am to 3pm), closed on Sundays.

 

*Safe and clean taxi isn’t cheap. Locals rarely taking a cab. The cost can vary depending on type of taxi company you are using and which city you are in. Therefore, the cost of the taxi from the Gardermoen airport to Oslo will be about $60 to $150.

 

* Many train ticket vendors accept bank bills up to 500 kr($50) but if you have only big bank notes then you should buy a ticket on board by choosing the wagon with a conductor (marked wagons). This will cost you about 25% more so its better to use coins or card.

SWEDEN - DO NOT...

  • DO NOT engage in any criminal activity* (Murder, human trafficking, any drug related offences)

 

  • DO NOT talk about the money

 

  • DO NOT talk about religion (religion should remain personal)

 

  • DO NOT compare with other countries, especially with Scandinavian  

 

  • DO NOT offend, whistle, or just gaze in a lascivious way at the opposite sex  

 

  • DO NOT smoke weed

 

  • DO NOT think of sex as something shameful (sex is openly discussed)

 

*Most common crimes – theft, burglary, and robbery

NORTH AMERICA 

CANADA - DO NOT...

  • DO NOT engage in any criminal activity* (Murder, human trafficking, any drug related offences)

 

  • DO NOT unsafely drive around wildlife 

 

  • DO NOT put yourself and the wild animal in danger when approach wildlife (dont try to get out of the car when you see a bear or other animals) 

 

  • DO NOT forget to tip (especially at the restaurant)

 

  • DO NOT underestimate the boarder control/Reluctant to boarder control requirements  

 

  • DO NOT leave the trash ( pick up any rubbish you see ehre you visit)

 

  • DO NOT think the cold weather is not equal sunburn

 

  • DO NOT disrespect others

 

  • DO NOT be without ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) when arriving (including transiting through Canada) – make sure you have done it as its quite easy and cheap to do so – at www.canada.ca (https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/eta.html)

 

*Most common crimes – theft of personal property 

USA - DO NOT...

  • DO NOT engage in any criminal activity* (Murder, human trafficking, any drug related offences)

 

  • DO NOT forget to tip

 

  • DO NOT underestimate the boarder control/Reluctant to boarder control requirements  

 

  • DO NOT infringe on personal space

 

  • DO NOT touch or push strangers (if you accidentally touched someone don’t forget to say sorry as Americans dont like to be touched) 

 

  • DO NOT underestimate the size of the USA

 

  • DO NOT think you can smoke anywhere

 

  • DO NOT ignore “Be on Time”rule 

 

  • DO NOT use American slang

 

  • DO NOT use the metric system *

 

  • DO NOT visit without health/ travel insurance

 

  • DO NOT be shocked if you were asked about your religion or if  someone try to discuss their religion with you

 

  • DO NOT forget to be kind and show it – greet strangers with smile, say “please” and “thank you,” and be patient

 

*Most common crimes – theft, burglary, and robbery

*USA has Imperial system of measurement – feet, inches, pounds, ounces, etc

MEXICO - DO NOT...

  • DO NOT engage in any criminal activity* (Murder, human trafficking, any drug related offences)

 

  • DO NOT forget to tip 

 

  • DO NOT drink the tap water ( make sure ice cubes as well as salads, fruits are not washed under bottled water not from the tap)

 

  • DO NOT drink (alcohol) on the street in big cities

 

  • DO NOT underestimate spicy Mexican food 

 

  • DO NOT negatively comment on Mexican cuisine

 

  • DO NOT be impatient (Its is cultural to be a bit late/have a flexible time)

 

  • DO NOT skip the market ( cultural and economic centre of life)

 

  • DO NOT bring  and wear all shiny jewellery (keep your jewellery, visa, passport, and other valuables safe, perhaps locked in hotel)

 

  • DO NOT show off your camera when it is not in use 

 

  • DO NOT pick or hail some random taxi/cab (Instead use the full licensed cabs which would be suggested by your hotel or the official taxi sites, which you also can find in airport) especially in Mexico City and Guadalajara

 

  • DO NOT forget comfy walking shoes 

 

  • DO NOT miss out on the small areas (Tepoztlán or Tapalpa) of major cities (Mexico City or Guadalajara)

 

*Most common crimes –  drug trafficking

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