Search Results for Category: Europe

Welcome to Switzerland!

Switzerland is one of the richest countries in the world with Zurich and Geneva ranked as the cities with the second and third highest quality of life in the world. Switzerland comprises three main linguistic and cultural regions: German, French, and Italian, which showcase three of Europe’s most distinct cultures – beer-drinking, sausage-eating German-speaking Swiss in the northeast; wine drinking and shopping spills effortlessly French Swiss in the south-west; the cappuccino-sippers loitering in Italian-style plazas in the south-east; and the classic Swiss flugelhorns and mountain landscapes in the centre.  Swiss are relatively reserved people, polite and helpful, but rather discrete with highly respected privacy. Respect their culture and etiquette, and bear in mind the following Swiss travel tips, taboo, dos and donts will make Switzerland a glorious whirlwind trip.

Switzerland Travel Taboo

Pointing your index finger to your head is considered an insulting gesture.

Switzerland Travel Donts

• Do not speak loudly in public, especially on a cell phone. Nor make big noise, or joking loudly. As a rule Swiss do not like noise and dislike others make jokes about them.
• Do not address someone by their first name until invited to do so. Use surnames and titles instead.
• Do not give expensive or extravagant gifts which can be viewed as tacky or bribery. Nor give anything sharp, such as knives or scissors, which signifies severing off the friendship. Wine, high quality chocolates, or flowers are good gifts. But avoid white chrysanthemums and white lilies which are for funerals.
• Do not drink until after the first toast given by the host. Do not ask for salt and pepper if it’s not already on the table.
• Do not feel obligated to tip. A service charge is included in restaurants and hotels.
• Do not put your hands in pockets while talking to people. Nor chew gum, litter, or clean your nails in public.
• Do not ask personal questions, such as salary, age, or religion. Swiss respects privacy highly.
• Do not eat out which can be very expensive. Making lunch your main meal of the day. The same meal in the evening doubles up.
• Do not hike unless you think you are fit or hike often. Carry your joggers or any pair of light shoes.

Switzerland Travel Dos

• Do respect traditional Swiss greeting with three kisses on the cheek, though a handshake is the norm on a first meeting.
• Do dress conservatively and neatly. A suit and tie in business for men, and a suit or dress for women.
• Do appreciate tolerance and be patient in Switzerland. Swiss are rather discrete, let them follow their own rhythm.
• Do keep both hands on the table during a meal, but keep elbows off the table. Eat everything off your plate and put your knife and fork side by side at the 5:25 position when you’re done eating.
• Do use fork to cut food such as salad and potatoes instead of a knife, and break bread with your hand, but most other food should be eaten with utensils.
• Do recognize that German, French and Italian are widely spoken in Switzerland, and Romansch is spoken in isolated pockets. More French around the west and South is Italian. Other areas are more German in style, but speak Schweiz-Deutsch (Swiss-German), a dialect that even Germans don’t understand.
• Do be punctuate for a dinner party, although 15 minutes late is acceptable. Do send flowers to your hosts either before a party or the next day, along with a thank you note.
• Do ask for your tax-free shopping cheque and reclaim the VAT if your purchase costs at least CHF. 500. Switzerland is a shopper’s paradise with so much irresistible stuff around.

© 2010 traveltaboo.com

Welcome to Cyprus! 

Cyprus is an odd mixture with its cultural influenced by Western Europe, but its geographic proximity to the East. There are two major ethnic groups that inhabit the island: the Greek-speaking Greek Orthodox community (78%) and the Turkish-speaking Muslims (18%), which make this small island its own definite and beguiling character. Cypriots are laid-back and friendly, but extremely polite and somehow formal when interacting with the elderly or speaking in a professional environment. As a foreigner, respect Cypriot culture, knowing their taboo, dos and donts will help you to make the most of your holiday in Cyprus.

Cyprus Travel Taboo 

The “moutza”, which consists of extending all five fingers, palm out, towards a person in a forward motion. The closer the hand is to the other person’s face the more offensive it’s considered. Similar to the American “talk to hand” gesture.

Cyprus Travel Donts

• Do not give white lilies as a gift, as it’s used for funerals. Traditionally, give something edible, such as pastries, which make a wonderful host gift. Gifts are not opened when received until later.
• Do not enter a mosque without removing your shoes. Do not walk in front of someone who is praying.
• Do not eat, drink, smoke, or chew gum in public during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.
• Do not sit until told to sit down. Do not begin eating until after the host does. Do not pass dishes with your left hand. Finish everything on your plate and lay your knife and fork parallel on the right side of your plate to indicate that you are done eating.
• Do not refuse an offer of Greek coffee or a cold drink which is considered impolite.
• Do not pre-book your hire car. You can always get a much cheaper rental car locally when you arrive.
• Do not cross hierarchy rank. Cypriots are extremely respectful of hierarchy. People are respected for their age and position. Older people are served and introduced first.
• Do not open displays of affection if you are a gay. There is not wide social acceptance of gay people in Cyprus, and recognised gay venues are scarce.  

Cyprus Travel Dos 

• Do shake hands, smile, and maintain direct eye contact during the greeting. Very religious Muslims do not shake hands with women.
• Do respect elders. The family is the centre of the social structure of Cyprus. Elders are respected and children expect to take care of their parents when as they become old and or infirmed.
• Do learn a few Cypriot Greek words to help you get to know the locals. Cypriot Greek is quite different from mainland Greek due to the strong dialect spoken by many of the locals especially in the more remote mountain villages.
• Do develop personal relationship and trust, which form the cornerstone of business. Cypriots prefer face to face meetings rather than by telephone or in writing. It is imperative to show deference and respect to those in positions of authority.
• Do avoid confrontation. Cypriots do not like publicly admitting they are incorrect.
• Do be punctuate, although you should be prepared to be kept waiting. Avoid hyperbole and making exaggerated claims about your products or services.
• Do dress conservatively if going to a monastery or church. Men should wear pants and shirts. Women should wear pants or long skirts and cover their arms.
• Do bring good walking shoes, a swimsuit and some sunscreen in your bag.  
• Do try something different in Cyprus. Diving, mountain biking, rock climbing, water-skiing or paragliding can all be enjoyed on the island.
• Do make sure your jeep has air conditioning while taking jeep safaris to see the more remote parts of the island.
• Do wear casual for most occasions. Beachwear is confined to the beach or poolside and more formal wear is required for business and exclusive social functions.
• Do take caution for photograph. Photography is strictly prohibited in the areas surrounding military facilities and security zones.
• Do tipping a little. Although a 10% service charge is included in the prices listed on every menu, it is customary to leave the waiter a little something extra.

© 2010 traveltaboo.com

Welcome to Germany!

Germany is a great country, famous for the cars, beer and remarkable history, best known as the land of thinkers and poets, although there are many clichés about the Germans’ punctuality, thoroughness, reserve and lack of humor. Travelling to a foreign country is always an experience. The Germans are known for their culture and etiquette, there are customs and behaviors that differ from those common at home. Do be prepared for culture shock, but by bearing in mind the following Germany travel tips, do’s and don’t, you will be better prepared for your trip to Germany. To avoid troubles, then check in advance.

 Germany Travel Taboo

Using the signs of “Nazi salute”, shout “Heil Hitler”, or show swastikas or other symbols of the Third Reich is a criminal offense and punishable up to five years imprisonment. 

Making a circular motion using the index finger while pointing to the side of one’s head is a rude gesture indicating that someone is crazy or deranged.

Germany Travel Donts

• Do not be late. Germans attach great importance to punctuality. You will win their favor if you keep your appointment on time!
• Do not wait to be seated at a German restaurant. It is common to share tables with a stranger.
• Do not ever, under any circumstances, show the “Nazi salute”, shout “Heil Hitler”, or show swastikas or other symbols of the Third Reich, which is a criminal offense.
• Do not get drunk. Public drunkenness is frowned upon.
• Do not put your elbows on the table when eating. Put only your hands on the table.
• Do not jaywalk. Nobody else does, and you might get fined.
• Do not eat with your fingers.
• Do not ever ask for tap water at a restaurant, which will be equated with stinginess.

Germany Travel Dos

• Do be on time. Germans are extremely punctual, so be on time for your appointment.
• Do shake hands with everyone including children, say “Guten Tag” (good day), “not how are you!” and keep eye contact when greet somebody. Shaking hands is the established form of greeting in Germany.
• Do use title and last name to address people. Say Herr (Mr) or Frau (Mrs.) and use the formal pronoun “du” when talking to elderly people.
• Do be formal. Dress formally for business functions. No shorts and extremely casual wear. Ladies do not wear flashy jewellery and accessories.
• Do learn a few common German before you travel to Germany. Germans
• Do have proper medical insurance when visiting Germany. Medical care is expensive, get health insurance especially when you stay longer.
• Do remove your shoes before enter a German house, and present the hostess with a bunch of flowers, but do not give carnations (symbolize mourning) or lilies or chrysanthemums (used at funerals). Yellow or tea roses are always well received.
• Do say ‘Guten Appetit’ (good appetite) before eating, and say ‘Prost’ (cheers) before you sip your beer. Keep your hands but not your elbows on the table.
• Do feel free to have serious discussions on politics and philosophy. They do not like idle chit-chat.
• Do have cash with you. Cash is king in Germany, and many restaurants don’t take credit cards.
• Do tip. It is customary to leave a tip of 5-10% at a restaurant or pub if the service was good, and leave a larger tip around Christmastime.
• Do be aware that some women may bathe topless or even full nudity at the beach.  The nude beaches are labelled with “FKK” for “Freikörperkultur” which means free body culture.

© 2010 traveltaboo.com

Welcome to Spain!

Spain is a great and enjoyable country to visit and the Spanish are very patriotic and proud of their heritage. It can do more harm than good if things are going wrong. So it is extremely important to know some information about the local customs and the governing laws in order to fit in and respect those around you, also avoid any kind of crime or harm. The more prepared a traveler is, the lesser problems may encounter. So prior to travelling to Spain, bear in mind the following Spain travel tips of dos and donts. 

  Spain Travel Taboo

Any aggression directed towards the elderly are not tolerated.

Spain Donts

• Do not complain about smoking. Spanish believes whoever complains about smoking are actually afraid of life.
• Do not get involved with any drugs. The penalties for the possession of any kind of drugs are severe in Spain.
• Do not wear shorts in public.
• Do not eat with your hands. Not even fruit!
• Do not get drunk and do not walk around at night alone.
• Do not carry your wallet in back jeans pocket, nor do the ladies sling your bags over the backs of chairs.
• Do not be tempted to walk home if you are out after the Metro and the buses are shut down.
• Do not cross the eight lane roads anywhere except at the crossings.
• Do not walk anywhere uphill in the heat and humidity.
• Do not dally watching the street entertainers as the pickpockets are there making a living too.
• Do not go to Starbucks, the coffee elsewhere is better and cheaper.

Spain Dos

• Do shake hands with everyone, from the oldest to the kids, and expect a kiss on each cheek, a hug or a pat on the back from those you know.
• Do dress stylishly, but modestly. Wear nice accessories too.
• Do get ready to become a second-hand smoker if you are not a smoker, and pretend that you are fine with it. Smoking is widely accepted in Spain.
• Do leave your valuables in the hotel safe. Wear a money belt or something to keep money really close to your body to avoid pickpocket attack.
• Do carry small changes for using the public toilets.
• Do be prepared for late lunch and dinner. In Spain, no one goes out much before 10pm to eat or for a drink, try to have a light snack about 5pm to put you on.
• Do tips if you are satisfied with services. Tipping is not customary in Spain.
• Do rest your wrists at the edge of the table when eating.
• Do put your knife and fork on your plate parallel with the handles facing to the right to show that you have finished eating.
• Do give a high quality gift, such as brandy or whiskey, and bring a small gift for children as well. Open your gift immediately when receiving a gift.
• Do be patient. The Spanish have a very relaxed view of time.
• Do be aware that dining is important to business relationships in Spain.
• Do make use of the public transport system. Well organised and one ticket fits all.

© 2010 traveltaboo.com

Welcome to Italy!

 “When in Rome, do as the Romans.” Italy is a country full of wonders for tourists, the food, the fashion, the art and the three thousand years of rich history make travelling in Italy easy, safe and enjoyable. Italy has deep Roman catholic roots, customs and traditions are rooted in the family, whether nuclear or extended, as well as in institutions and organizations in the community. Italians are also much more formal than most foreigners imagine and newcomers should tread carefully to avoid offending anyone. As a foreigner you’ll probably be excused if you accidentally insult your host, but you may not be invited again. The following Italy travel tips of dos and donts aim to help you making your trip in Italy hassle free.

Italy Travel Taboo

Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines.

Italy donts

• Do not wear shorts which are unacceptable in public. Be sure that your shoulders, knees and midriff are covered when visit churches. If possible, wear a hat or scarf.
• Do not use first names in Italian business. Personal and professional titles are used constantly in either casual conversation or formal writing.
• Do not enter a taxi without a meter.
• Do not keep wallets in pockets or handbags. Carry only what is needed for the day.
• Do not use ATMs if possible. Invisible portable devices installed on ATMs, and wireless technology has been blamed for the cloning of credit cards.
• Do not walk in dark, deserted streets near train or bus stations. Bag snatchers treat these streets their hunting places.
• Do not talk about religion, Vatican, Mafia and politics, or questions about private family concerns.
• Do not show up ten minutes early. Italians are not very punctual. Be prepared to wait 15-45 minutes before your Italian counterpart appears.
• Do not give even number of flowers. Do not give chrysanthemums which are used for funerals. Do not give a brooch, handkerchiefs, or knives as they connote sadness.
• Do not eat with your hands, not even fruits. Do not leave the table during dinner, which is considered rude.
• Do not point with your index finger and pinkie finger at the same time, which is considered extremely vulgar in Italy.
• Do not do right turns on red which are forbidden in Italy. Driving is on the right. Using hand phones while driving is illegal, and fines can exceed 100.
• Do not book long distance overnight train journeys, which could be dangerous for gangs of thieves.

Italy dos

• Do shake hands for greeting. Use “Signore” (Mr.) and “Signora” (Mrs.), plus the family name for strangers. Do not use first names unless you are asked to do so.
• Do wear stylish clothing. Italians take pride in their appearance. Dark suits are most common for men in business, with expensive ties, cuff links, and watches. Women should dress stylishly with make-up and jewellery.
• Do use public transportation, which is usually capillary and fast.
• Do carry cash that is only enough for the day, and leave the rest in the hotel safe.
• Do be aware of groups of children in or around train or bus stations. Some of these baby gangs have been trained to pilfer wallets, cameras, even jewellery.
• Do keep both hands above the table when dinning, even when you are finished eating.
• Do expect a 10%-15% service charge to be added to your restaurant bill and do leave a small tip on top if the service was really good.
• Do give your host a nice gift such as gift-wrapped chocolate, a wine or flowers, but not in black or gold, as those colors are reserved for funerals.
• Do insist repeatedly that you don’t want more food once you are full. Do place your fork and knife on the right side of the plate to indicate that you are done eating.

© 2010 traveltaboo.com

Welcome to France!

Travelling overseas requires knowledge and cultural insight of your travelling destinations. France is well known for its rich cultural heritage, the rules are different, and the culture of your own country will not translate well into French. For example, French has two different words for you: tu and vous. In English, the word you can be used to address any person or number of people, whatever the age, social status etc of that person, but in French, these distinctions are very important. You must understand when and why to use each of them. Otherwise, you may inadvertently insult someone by using the wrong you. The following travel tips of France Dos and Donts help you to make your trip in France hassle free and avoid some of the more common faux pas (stumble), but keeping your eyes open and observing local manners and traditions is the only way to avoid gaffes.

France Travel Taboo

Making a fist with one hand and slapping the top of it with the other hand is a rude gesture in France. 

France Donts:

• Do not start a talk with a Frenchman in English. The French take pride in their language, and the best way to show your respect for that is to do your best to speak French, even if it’s just a badly pronounced word.

• Do not shake hands if you should exchange ‘la bise’, the kiss on the cheek. After the first kiss on the cheek, the maneuver is repeated at least once on the opposite cheeks.

• Do not address anyone using ‘tu’ if you should have used ‘vous’. Tu is the familiar you, which demonstrates a certain closeness and informality, whilst Vous is the formal you. It is used to show respect or maintain a certain distance or formality with someone.

• Do not try to get things done between noon and 2 pm, do not call anyone at 11:55 either. The French will not accept your trying to push work into their lunch break, which is sacred. Try to have lunch earlier, as the restaurants in France general closed at 1:30 pm and after that time you can only eat some sandwich or crepe in the stands by the street.

• Do not try to impress others with your wealth, which would be seen as bad taste, and it’s not an accepted measure for social status. Typical discussion subjects are culture, food, vacation, politics, family, office gossip etc. Not money!

• Do not present red carnations to your friends as this flower is believed to symbolize bad will in France.

• Do not complain about how long it takes for your order in Cafés. For the French, the social aspect of lingering over a coffee is the relaxing experience and part of the pleasure. If you’re in a rush, order a café at the bar and you’ll be “in and out” in no time.

• Do not communicate across hierarchy lines. France is a very hierarchical society, talk to the boss. do not waste time talking to someone who is not responsible.

• Do not dig through a stack of sweaters to find your size when shopping. Let a sales person help you to find a size or a color, and pick it out of the pile for you.

• Do not sit with legs spread apart as it is considered impolite in France.

• Do not start your eating in France until the hostess says ‘bon appetit’. Do not eat too much of the first course and avoid leaving food on your plate. Do not eat foods with your fingers, which is strictly limited when you are at the dinner table.

• Do not order only one dish at a restaurant. Do not drink soft drinks or coffee with a good meal, never ask for a doggy bag.

• Do not expect ice when order a drink as the café won’t have it. Parisians do not add ice to their drinks.

• Do not take a cab when you explore the city, walk or use metro instead. No building in Paris is more than a few hundred yards from a Metro stop. The cabs in Paris are expensive and you pay by distance and the amount of time in the cab. In terms of traffic jam, the cost of a short trip can be astronomical!

• Do not be paranoid about pickpockets. Carry what you need and leave excess cash and valuables in a hotel safe. Women should take a bag with the shoulder strap draped diagonally across your body. If in a highly trafficked area with a lot of jostling, pull the purse towards your abdomen and hold it across the front zipper. Men should carry their wallets in an inside front pocket.

France Dos

• Do learn some key French phrases before travelling to “break the ice”. ‘Bonjour’ means ‘Hello’, followed by Monsieur (male), Madame (female), Mademoiselle (young female); ‘Merci’ means ‘Thank you’, ‘S’il vous plait’ means ‘Please’; ‘Je ne parle pas francais. En anglais, s’il vous plait’ means ‘I do not speak French, in English please’.

• Do bring a present to your friends and relatives. For flowers, present in odd numbers but not in 13 which is considered unluckily.

• Do place your napkin in your lap immediately after being seated and do keep your hands on the table. It is polite to make eye contact as you say, “Santé”, which means health in English.

• Do tear your bread into a bite-sized piece before eating it. It is very impolite to take a bite from the whole piece of bread. After each course, you should wipe your plate with a piece of bread.

• Do dress well as the French are very fashionable people.

• Do shop in Paris, and do say “Bonjour Madame” and “Au Revoir”, the French view their shops as an extension of their homes. So remember to say hello and goodbye when in Paris.

• Do ride the Metro, and hold your ticket until you exit the station. If you do not have your ticket when the Metro police inspected by the Metro police, you will be fined a €35 on the spot.

• Do get ready to pay for everything in Paris, even using the toilettes in the bar will cost you 2 francs. Be ready to pay 20 to 30 francs for a 1/4 L. bottle of water. Coffee is about half that price.

© 2010 traveltaboo.com

Welcome to United Kingdom!

The name of the United Kingdom refers to the union of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. “England” sometimes is wrongly used to refer the whole United Kingdom, or Britain, or British Isles which is not only incorrect but can cause offence to people from other parts of the UK. The diverse history of England, Scotland and Wales has led to very different cultural traditions; The Scots and Welsh have right to feel aggrieved whenever the term ‘English’ is used wrongly to mean all three. In general, the British are very reserved in manners, dress and speech. They are famous for politeness and self-discipline. Manners are treated highly important in Britain, ‘Please’, ‘Thank You’, and ‘Excuse Me’ are widely expected. The following travel tips of UK travel dos and donts listed what are acceptable social behaviors, and what you should do or not do when travelling to the UK. Get yourself prepared and ready for the idiosyncrasies of British life.
 

UK Travel Taboo

In the UK, the V-sign with the palm facing inward is extremely rude.

UK Donts

• Do not use first names, unless you are asked to. Use last names with appropriate courtesy titles such as ”Mr”, ”Mrs”, ”Ms” or academic or professional title. The title Sir is reserved for only those who have been knighted. You have to address the person as Sir and his first name.
• Do not talk loudly in public. When in Scotland make an effort to speak in a low, moderate tone of voice. Talking too loudly in public is sometimes considered offensive and embarrassing.
• Do not pick your nose in public. Use a handkerchief instead. Do not spit. Spitting in the street is considered very bad manner.
• Do not throw any rubbish or cigarette puffs on the floor in the street or anywhere.
• Do not stare. Privacy is highly regarded in the UK. It is impolite to stare at anyone in public.
• Do not greet people with a kiss. Kiss is normally used between close friends and relatives.
• Do not burp in public. If you can not stop a burp from bursting out, cover your mouth with your hand and say ‘excuse me’ afterwards.
• Do not pass wind in public. Go somewhere private and let it out. If you accidentally pass wind in company say ‘pardon me’.
• Do not be offended when you are called by different ‘affectionate’ names, such as dear, honey, love, mate, guy, son, etc, this is quite normal.
• Do not wear hats inside buildings if you are a man. It is impolite for men to wear hats indoors including restuarants and churches.
• Do not chew with your mouth open. No one wants to see food being chewed or hearing it being chomped on. It is impolite to have your elbows on the table while you are eating.
• Do not reach over someone’s plate for something, ask for the item to be passed. Do not take food from your neighbours’ plate. Never pick food out of your teeth with your fingernails.
• Do not blow your nose on a napkin (serviette). Napkins are for dabbing your lips and only for that.
• Do not ever eat off a knife when having a meal, nor lick or put your knife in your mouth.
• Do not ask personal or intimate questions such as “How much do you earn?” “How much do you weigh?” or “Why aren’t you married? Respect others privacy.
• Do not wear stripe ties of any kind in Scotland. This is because British “regimental” neckties appear in a variety of striped patterns, each representing a different institution, such as a public school or military unit. Your wearing a tie that resembles a striped regimental pattern could be perceived as a crass affectation.
• Do not group the Scots with the English, as the Scots are very proud of their distinctive heritage.

UK Dos

• Do maintain reserve and grunt hello when greeting someone for the first time. British people are quite reserved. Handshake is the most common form of greeting and is customary when you are introduced to somebody new. Kiss is normally used between friends and relatives. In Britain one kiss is generally enough.
• Do get familiar with the word of ‘cheers’ which are quite commonly used instead of ‘thank you’ and ‘good bye’.
• Do bring a gift for the host and hostess when being entertained at someone’s home. A bottle of wine, bunch of flowers or chocolates are all acceptable.
• Do eat with fork in the left hand and the knife in the right. The British pay much attention to good table manners. Even young children are expected to eat properly with knife and fork.
• Do wait until your host starts eating or indicates you should do so if you are a guest. It is impolite to start eating before everyone has been served unless your host says that you do not need to wait.
• Do chew and swallow all the food in your mouth before taking more or taking a drink. Never talk with food in your mouth. Always say thank you when served something. It shows appreciation.
• Do break off a piece of bread before buttering when eating rolls. It is good manners to take some butter from the butter dish with your bread knife and put it on your side plate, then butter pieces of the roll using this butter.
• Do place your knife and folk together on your plate to let others know that you have finished eating.
• Do be punctuating. British people place considerable value on punctuality. They are very time conscious, If you are unable to keep an appointment, it is expected that you call the person you are meeting. Some general tips follow.
• Do stand in line if there is a queue, and wait patiently for your turn. ‘Queue jumping’ is frowned upon.
• Do say “Excuse Me” if someone is blocking your way and you would like them to move out of your way.
• Do cover your mouth with your hand when yawning or coughing.
• Do say sorry if you accidentally bump into someone. They probably will too, even if it was your fault! This is a habit and can be seen as very amusing by an ‘outsider’.
• Do drive on the left side of the road.
• Do open doors for other people. Men and women both hold open the door for each other. It depends on who goes through the door first.
• Do stand on the right-hand side of an escalator while travelling on the Tube, so that others can pass over from left-hand side.
• Do pay for drinks at the counter as you order them in pubs and other types of bars Do buy one back when your new friends and someone buys you a drink at the pub.
• Do give a 10-15% tip if it is not included in the bill. Gratuity is usually included in restaurant bills.
• Do get out into the countryside and appreciate Scotland’s unspoiled beauty.

© 2010 traveltaboo.com