Anyone who makes a mistake on vacation risks embarrassing moments or even fines. Seven cultural peculiarities that travelers should know.
April 26, 2026, 10:40 p.mApril 26, 2026, 10:40 p.m
Jennifer Buchholz / t-online
Different countries, different customs – travelers in particular notice this quickly. Misunderstandings and small cultural mistakes can easily lead to unpleasant situations or even fines. We’ll show you seven typical mistakes and how you can avoid them.
Great Britain: No tipping in the pub
There is no service in British pubs. Guests order and pay at the counter. A tip is unusual. Instead, you can buy the bartender a beer – with the words “and one for yourself”. When you order, however, you shouldn’t just order “a beer”, but rather say exactly what you want. For example, a lager or ale – also specify the size in which you would like the drink.
By the way: The best time to visit the pub is around 6 p.m. during the week.
Japan: toilet shoes and toilet paper
Before entering a Japanese apartment or house, guests must take off their shoes and place them neatly on a special mat. Sometimes there are also slippers that guests wear around the house. But be careful: Japanese toilets often have special toilet shoes that guests have to wear. They have to be taken off again after using the toilet and left in the bathroom.
Tip: Japanese toilets are equipped with a butt shower. Therefore there is rarely toilet paper in the toilets. This is what travelers should know.
There is also a trap when eating: sticking your chopsticks vertically into the rice is a mortuary ritual and therefore impolite. You belong on the chopstick bench.
Finland: Sauna without rules
There are hardly any rules in Finnish saunas. You stay as long as it is comfortable and infusions are permitted at any time. Clothing is optional. However, it is preferred that guests wear swimwear. This is perceived as more hygienic.
Luxembourg: cake with knife and fork
In Luxembourg, cake is traditionally eaten with a knife and fork. This custom dates back to the 18th century and is still practiced today.
Poland: address with first name
In Poland people often address each other by their first names, supplemented by “pan” for Mr. or “pani” for Ms. So basically “Mr. Peter” or “Ms. Barbara”.
However, titles are very important for Poland. They are often used to express respect. The person is often only addressed by their title and without their first name – for example, “Mr. Director” then meets “Mrs. President”.
Thailand: colors of the days of the week
In Thailand, days of the week are assigned specific colors. This tradition is based on Hindu mythology and is often respected in everyday life. The colors are:
By the way: In many countries the residents also speak German. You should therefore refrain from making complaints in your native language. Because others can then partially understand you and take your complaint or anger as an insult. (fwa)