Don’t be a travel faux pas offender: Essential international etiquette for food, clothing, housing, and transportation before going abroad

▲ Different countries have different international etiquette—don’t be an unqualified traveler. (Photo / Darzzii / Illustration)

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

Do you consider yourself a well-mannered, globally minded traveler? Each country has its own unique customs, and what might be overlooked in Taiwan could unknowingly offend people overseas. To be a responsible traveler,Skyscannerwe’ve specially compiled international etiquette for food, clothing, housing, and transportation in Japan, Korea, Europe, and America—worth checking out before your trip.

▲ In Western countries, it’s common for everyone to pay their own way or split the bill evenly. (Photo / Darzzii / Illustration)

Food
Once abroad, it’s hard not to indulge in delicious local cuisine, but table manners are often overlooked. For example, when dining with Japanese people, if serving chopsticks and spoons are provided, be sure to use them to serve others. When traveling to Korea, it’s customary to keep your bowl on the table and eat rice with a spoon, which differs from Taiwan. If you’re drinking with Japanese or Korean friends, it’s polite to pour drinks for others first, especially for elders—it shows thoughtfulness.

If you’re visiting Western countries, regardless of whether you have a phone reservation, you must wait for the server to seat you—don’t rush to the dining area. Also, when dining out or going to the movies with Western friends, the norm is usually “going Dutch” (splitting the bill) or “AA system” (each person pays their share), so enthusiastic Taiwanese travelers shouldn’t rush to pay the whole bill.

● 《ETtoday News Cloud》 reminds you: Don’t drink and drive, and don’t drive after drinking.

Clothing
Japan places great emphasis on politeness. Before trying on clothes, shop assistants usually help customers find the right size and guide them to fitting rooms. Female shoppers should also be careful not to smudge clothes with makeup when changing. When visiting high-end restaurants, it’s also recommended to dress more formally.

Additionally, dressing appropriately according to local customs is important. For formal occasions such as temples or palaces, even in hot weather, avoid wearing sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts, sandals, or flip-flops to show respect for the sacred environment.

Accommodation
Visiting Japan? Soaking in an onsen is one of life’s great pleasures. Most onsen in Japan are clothing-free—no swimsuits needed. Be sure to rinse your body thoroughly before entering the bath. When staying at a traditional Japanese inn or visiting a local friend’s home, remember to take off your shoes and place them neatly before switching to indoor slippers. When eating with Korean friends, let the elders sit first and adjust your eating pace to theirs—these gestures leave a good impression.

In many countries, tipping service staff is customary, such as in Europe or Southeast Asia. Try to avoid giving coins as a sign of respect.

▲ In Japan, many taxi doors open and close automatically, so just wait for the door to open before getting in or out. (Photo / Darzzii / Illustration)

Transportation
In Japan, many taxi doors open and close automatically, so don’t rush to get in or out—wait for the door to open first. When using public transport, also be mindful of your volume when talking or blowing your nose, and try not to disturb others.

In Europe (especially Germany), most train stations don’t have ticket inspectors because they trust passengers to buy tickets. But if you’re caught without one, the fines are extremely steep and can result in a lifelong record—so always buy your ticket voluntarily when taking trains or subways. Don’t risk it.

Also, photography and selfie sticks are prohibited in many places. It’s best to ask for permission from the venue or check the rules in advance.