Category "local-customs"

How to make change (to get coins from a banknote) in Italy?

So I arrived with my rental in Verona and it turns out that you need coins to pay for parking. What is the best way to exchange bills to coins? At 1€ an ho

What is the purpose of this cloth in hotel?

What is the purpose of the cloth across the bed? I see it at many hotels and it does not seem to serve any purpose other than make it look nice. Any idea what

Meal times in Ireland

My fiancee and I will be visiting Ireland next October for our honeymoon. We will stay there for a couple of weeks, and we will stay both in cities, like Dublin

What to do with the water served with hot chocolate in Italy?

I was in Italy recently, and whenever I ordered hot chocolate, it came with a small shot-glass of water. The water appeared to be normal tap water, and wasn't p

What kind of hat to wear for business in India?

I'm soon going to be travelling from the UK to India on business. India being pretty hot, I'll clearly need some kind of a hat to protect my head and face from

Same-sex marriage in Paris?

I don't live in France but would like to get married under the Eiffel tower. Is this possible? Can someone provide some information on the rules regarding same-

Tipping in USA: do you have to fill in the tip amount or just the post-tip total?

Let's say the bill came to $34.56 and you're paying with a credit card. A 15% tip takes that to a little over $39.74. Can you simply write $40 for the total, ci

Do you tip in the US for getting a to-go coffee? [duplicate]

I'm not familiar with the tipping system in the US. One day I'm buying a coffee and i am presented with a machine asking me to tip 15%, 18% an

Are there public Midsummer's Eve events near Stockholm I could attend?

I will be lucky enough to be in Stockholm on Midsummer's eve this year, and would be willing to travel to nearby areas. Are there public Midsummer's Eve event

Where is it expected to tip housekeeping?

Following on from Should I leave cash tips for housekeeping each day of a multi-day stay? about how it is appropriate to tip housekeeping where it is expected.

Do Mongolians still prefer receiving hard copy photos?

The seventh edition of Lonely Planet Mongolia recommends that people taking photos of Mongolians should offer to repay the favour by printing the photos out and

How to avoid getting hassled in Indonesia?

Hassling is happening quite often in Indonesia. Although not as tough as in other countries (i.e. Morocco) it can get on your nerves after a while. Does anybod

Etiquette for talking to others on public transport in Turkey

Beyond asking for directions and skipping sensitive topics like religion, politics, regional conflicts, is it considered rude to talk to strangers on Turkish pu

How should I tip for food in a UK pub? At the bar, or at my table?

I'm in a pub in England. I went up to the bar and asked for a plate of fish and chips (to be served to my table) and a pint (handed to me on the spot). My money

Why did this particular Czech toilet have no paper? [closed]

A few days ago, I visited a large, modern¹, public toilet at a Czech university which featured no toilet paper in the cabins. This wasn&r

Can I carry a poker chip set to the USA on a student (F1) visa?

Can I carry a poker chip set to the USA on a student (F1) visa? I am going there for a masters degree for two years, if that matters.

What are Samoan roadside stands selling in white styrofoam cups?

I've just spent several days driving around Samoa, Upolu to be specific. There are stands by the side of road where people sell coconuts, greens, and any number

Is it rude to tell the ice cream man in Istanbul not to mess with me?

I have never been to Istanbul but I am planning to go there with the kids. A friend of mine showed me yesterday a video of him buying ice cream from a tradition

What should someone from the US know when driving in Italy?

For instance, I know one should not turn on red lights, which is different from US/Mass. rules. What are other things which can confuse a driver from US while

Gift-giving rules for Japanese dinner host

I'm invited by a Japanese family for a home cooked dinner at their house. I'm wondering, given the Japanese gift-giving culture, what is appropriate to bring wi