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Public transport rules around the world 🌎

Anna Allgaier

23.06.23 (updated more than 1 year ago)

Read time 2 minutes

Wise is committed to transparency, we make everything public so you can send and spend your money around the world, but when it comes to getting yourself from A-Z outside of your comfort zone, not everything’s as out in the open.

Different cultural norms, etiquette, signage, laws. Even if you’re heading somewhere a stone's throw away, a lot can differ from culture to culture.

Exhibit A: When I’m in my home country of Germany, people sometimes laugh at my jokes. In England, they do not.

So while my other colleagues at Wise are doing important things to help you live your best international life, I’m going to write an article on how not to look like a plonker abroad with some social rules, as well as some actual rules to stop you from getting into trouble.

Make the world your oyster

Public transport rules around the world

London

The UK is all about queuing, apologising even if somebody else bumps into you and calling things ‘interesting” when you really mean “that is both outrageous and ridiculous.” So naturally, the capital's public transport etiquette will be stringent.

Stand on the right side when you’re on the escalator, don’t eat anything stinky and take off your backpack. We also have adverts plastered over the tube to ensure you never have to look at anybody. On a moral note, TFL have also created “Baby on board” badges so always give up your seat if you see someone wearing one, and do the same for children, the elderly or anybody who looks like they need a seat.

Actual trains (not the tube) have silent carriages where you must respect the “shhh”, and for some reason smelly food and drinking is more allowed aboard a choo choo. It’s all very confusing.

Oh, and if you’re on a bus don’t forget to press the stop button or you’ll be stuck on it until it reaches the depot.

Tokyo

I’ve never experienced Tokyo’s public transport system. It’s a city I’ve always wanted to visit, but as a woman with a soy allergy, I’ve prioritised other trips for now. Having spoken to Wisers who’ve actually gone, I can relay some things to note down before you go;

Don’t bring your luggage on board
It gets busy during peak times, and “train pushers” are employed to shove you into the carriage like a game of human tetris. Fear not, it isn’t aggressive and is the perfect way to wake you up before a day in the office. If this doesn’t sound appealing to you, avoid the trains from 7:30 - 9:30am and 5:00 -8:00 pm.
No food, no drinks
There are women-only carts on trains
Wait for passengers to get off the train, and follow the crowd when it comes to queueing to get on

Abu Dhabi

We’ve all heard about the “no chewing gum” law in Singapore, but it’s also illegal on public transport in Abu Dhabi. So put your Hubba Bubba away. And while you’re at it, don’t smoke, swear, make rude gestures or forget to buy a ticket because all of these things will get you a fine. Not the ideal souvenir. Now for some unspoken rules. Showing the soles of your feet in the Middle East is considered to be offensive and it’s also a modest-dressing culture, so bear this in mind when picking your attire.. P.S if you’re over 60 years old or have a disability, you can travel the city for free.

Bangkok

Quite possibly one of my favourite rules to hit this list. In Bangkok, always, always give your seat up to a monk when they hop on board. Another fun little good-to-know is that the national anthem gets played everywhere at 8:00 and 6:00 pm, so you’ll be hearing that on your journey.

Berlin

There are no unspoken rules. In fact, there are no rules at all. You will see everything. From the funny, to the interesting to the “oh god I wish I could burn that image out of my brain.” I lived in Berlin for 5 years and public transport was an experience. Expect smells, drinking, pungent Döner eating, furniture moving, and staring. Staring is acceptable in Germany. We love to stare.

You’re now sort of covered for your travels to five different cities, if in doubt, just follow the locals and if I was no help at all, at least our Wise card can be of use to you.

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