Rules of conduct in public places in European countries (Poland, Germany, Ukraine)

If you are planning a trip to one of the EU countries, it is not enough for you to pack your things, buy travel insurance and prepare a passport. It is important to know the rules of conduct in public places, because they are often quite strict.
It is better to buy transport tickets in advance, in this case you can find the best deals. On the euroTICKET website you can book a seat on a bus from Europe to Ukraine and back.

Rules of conduct in European countries depending on your location

By following them, you demonstrate your respect for the cultural characteristics and laws of the country you are in. In addition, if you violate the rules, serious misunderstandings and even fines are possible. In order not to get into an unpleasant situation, it is better to study the requirements for tourists and visitors in advance.

Rules of conduct in public transport

Even if you like to walk, you will have to use buses, trams or the metro to quickly get to your destination. The rules of cultural behavior in public transport may vary depending on the country, but they always exist, and therefore they must be followed.
The main, universal requirements:

  1. Before entering, let passengers exit. This is especially important during rush hour and in tourist areas where there are constantly many tourists.
  2. Do not sit in additional seats intended for carrying luggage.
  3. Do not put a bag or other items on the seat next to you. This is necessary so that other passengers can also sit down.

Watch your belongings. In public transport, you can often encounter scammers, especially in large cities where there are many tourists. Always keep your wallet, phone, and documents with you.
Keep in mind that in many countries it is forbidden to eat and drink in public transport.
Find out in advance how to pay for your fare, because the fine for not having a ticket can be very large. In many cities, there are no controllers and no opportunity to pay the driver for the service. You need to buy tickets, for this there are special kiosks or machines.
The culture of behavior in public places is of great importance for Europeans. That is why following the rules is not just an opportunity to avoid problems and fines. In this way, you demonstrate respect for the country you are in. This is very important if you have arrived for a long time or are planning to move.

Rules of behavior in museums and restaurants

When planning a trip to one of the European countries, the program usually includes visiting a museum, exhibitions, galleries, going to a restaurant or cafe. However, in such places you need to follow certain rules of behavior. This is especially important if you are traveling with children.
Keep in mind that there are other visitors in the museum besides you. Therefore, you need to behave very quietly, do not run, and it is often forbidden to touch the exhibits with your hands, especially if they are very old. General rules:

  • do not talk too loudly, do not shout. In this case, you distract other visitors, and also prevent tour guides and employees from doing their job;
  • explain to children that it is forbidden to touch the exhibits. Museums store many not only old, but also very valuable things that can be easily damaged due to carelessness;
  • you should behave quietly in a restaurant or cafe. There are other visitors in such places, it is important that you do not cause discomfort to them;
  • use headphones when watching videos or listening to music. This is a universal rule that also applies in public transport, at the train station, bus station, airport.

Children will behave correctly if you tell them about the rules in advance and explain why it is important. Then the rest will not turn into a problem for you, but will give pleasure.

Rules of conduct on the street

An integral part of any cultural program is visiting parks or squares. Here also apply general rules of conduct abroad, which must be followed. This is important not only in order to avoid problems with the police. In this way, you will show the responsibility and upbringing of Ukrainians in general.
On the street, you should:

  1. Do not litter. Do not throw even small pieces of paper or other small garbage directly into the street, Europeans have long stopped having this habit. There are enough garbage cans in parks and squares.
  2. Respect the personal space of others. Remember that people are not obliged to answer your questions or respond to requests to take their picture. Always remain polite.
  3. Do not make noise. Use headphones to communicate or listen to music. Do not talk too loudly.
  4. Feed animals or birds unless you have special permission. If you do, pay attention to other signs (for example, about what kind of food you can give).
  5. Follow traffic rules. This applies not only to drivers, but also to pedestrians. Cross the street only in the designated place.

Also pay attention to the rules when walking with animals. In European countries, it is customary to clean up after your pets.
Consider also the fact that in the EU, in particularin Germany, the rules for sorting garbage are followed. Paper, glass and other items must be thrown into different bins marked with the appropriate colors. Now garbage sorting is being introduced in Ukraine, so it will not be difficult to get used to it.

How to dress when traveling

The dress code depends on the place you plan to visit. So, if it is a church or cathedral, you cannot be inside in clothes with bare shoulders, in very short shorts or skirts. In elite restaurants you need to look more formal and restrained.
The rules of conduct in public places in Europe, in particular on the street or in transport, do not provide for special clothing requirements. People in these countries are used to dressing freely and comfortably, so you can adhere to the usual, everyday style.
Before you go on a trip to another country, learn more about the mentality of its inhabitants. It will not hurt to learn a few basic words in their language (for example, how to say hello or thank you). Be polite, and communication with foreigners will give you pleasure.