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Currently reported don'ts for 'Northern Ireland, United Kingdom': 41

United Kingdom (UK)

United Kingdom (UK)
  • Capital

    Capital

    London

  • Local time

    Local time

    19:14

  • Population

    Population

    65.35 m

  • Driving side

    Driving side

    Left

  • Calling code

    Calling code

    +44

  • Currency

    Currency

    £ GBP (pound)

Read more facts about United Kingdom (UK)
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United Kingdom (UK)

United Kingdom (UK)
Socket
  • Capital

    Capital

    London

  • Local time

    Local time

    19:14

  • Population

    Population

    65.35 m

  • Driving side

    Driving side

    Left

  • Calling code

    Calling code

    +44

  • Currency

    Currency

    £ GBP (pound)

  • Average Salary

    Average Salary

    $ 3 461

  • Petrol price

    Petrol price

    € 1.92 pl

  • Precipitation

    Precipitation

    1 220mm /year

Geography & travel

  • Country Area

    Country Area

    244 820 km2

  • Protected Area

    Protected Area

    28%

  • Forest Area

    Forest Area

    13%

  • Agricultural area

    Agricultural area

    71%

  • Railways

    Railways

    16132km

  • Annual air passengers

    Annual air passengers

    145.12 m

Population

  • Ethnicity

    Ethnicity

    English - 83 %
    Scottish - 8 %
    Welsh - 4 %

  • Religion

    Religion

    Christian - 71 %
    Muslim - 7 %

  • Languages

    Languages

    English

  • Armed Forces

    Armed Forces

    152 350

  • Alcohol consumption

    Alcohol consumption

    12 l/person

  • Smoking

    Smoking

    19.9%

  • Diabetes

    Diabetes

    4.7%

  • Tuberculosis

    Tuberculosis

    10 per 100k

Economy

  • Industries

    Industries

    machine tools, electric power equipment, automation equipment, railroad equipment, shipbuilding, aircraft, motor vehicles and parts, electronics and communications equipment, metals

  • Agriculture

    Agriculture

    cereals, oilseed, potatoes, vegetables, cattle, sheep, poultry, fish

  • Natural Resources

    Natural Resources

    coal, petroleum, natural gas, iron ore, lead, zinc, gold, tin, limestone

  • Energy Import

    Energy Import

    39%

  • Natural Resources

    Natural Resources

    coal, petroleum, natural gas, iron ore, lead, zinc, gold, tin, limestone

  • Renewable Energy

    Renewable Energy

    7%

  • CO2 Emissions

    CO2 Emissions

    419 820kt

  • Ease of Business

    Ease of Business

    7 (Best=1, Worst=200)

  • ATMs per 100k people

    ATMs per 100k people

    132

Back to results

What not to do when visiting Northern Ireland

1/41
Marker United Kingdom (UK)
Street & Behavioral

Don't reach over someone's plate for something, ask for the item to be passed. Don't take food from your neighbours plate.

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Tick
2/41
Marker United Kingdom (UK)
Street & Behavioral

Don't sit on the table, don't put hats, bags or other pocket stuff on tables.

Cross
3/41
Marker United Kingdom (UK)
Street & Behavioral

Don't forget to say "sorry" if you accidentally bump into someone.

Tick
Did you know

Did you know?

There is a British overseas territory called the Sandwich Islands.

4/41
Marker United Kingdom (UK)
Street & Behavioral

Don't pick food out of your teeth with your fingernails.

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Tick
5/41
Marker United Kingdom (UK)
Street & Behavioral

Don't forge to eat with fork in the left hand and the knife in the right. The British pay attention to good table manners. Even young children are expected to eat properly with knife and fork.

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Tick
6/41
Marker United Kingdom (UK)
Street & Behavioral

Don't start eating before everyone has been served unless your host says so - wait until your host starts eating or indicates you should do so if you are a guest.

Cross
7/41
Marker United Kingdom (UK)
Business & Communication

Don't ask personal or intimate questions such as "How much do you earn?", "How much do you weight?", "Why aren't you married?". Respect others' privacy.

Cross
8/41
Marker United Kingdom (UK)
Business & Communication

Don't use English in England, Scotland and Wales - use British instead.

Cross
Did you know

Did you know?

The subject of the first printed book in England was about chess.

9/41
Marker Northern Ireland
Business & Communication

Don't let it get you. Swear and be prepared to sworn at casually all the godfucking time. Northern Ireland is one of the most casually profane areas on the planet and you will be called a dickhead, shitebag, cunt, fucker, fuckface, arsewipe and wankshaft on a daily basis.

Cross
10/41
Marker United Kingdom (UK)
Street & Behavioral

Don't throw any rubbish or cigarette puffs on the floor in the street or anywhere.

Cross
11/41
Marker United Kingdom (UK)
Street & Behavioral

Don't overtake the queue - stand in the line if there is a queue and wait patiently for your turn.

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Tick
12/41
Marker United Kingdom (UK)
Street & Behavioral

Don't do the V-sign with the palm facing inward - it's extremely rude.

Cross
13/41
Marker United Kingdom (UK)
Business & Communication

Don't be late - be punctual, the British place value on punctuality. If you are unable to keep an appointment, it's expected you call the person you are meeting.

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Tick
Did you know

Did you know?

All pilots on international flights identify themselves in English regardless of their country of origin.

14/41
Marker United Kingdom (UK)
Street & Behavioral

Don't forget to place your knife and fork together on your plate when finished.

Cross
Tick
15/41
Marker United Kingdom (UK)
Business & Communication

Don't be impolite - always say thank you when served with something. It shows appreciation.

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Tick
16/41
Marker Northern Ireland
Business & Communication

Don't be surprised with the rounds system in pubs - it's common in Ireland and the UK. Be prepared.

Cross
17/41
Marker United Kingdom (UK)
Business & Communication

Don't hesitate to get familiar with the word "Cheers" which are quite commonly used instead of "Thank you" and "Goodbye".

Cross
18/41
Marker United Kingdom (UK)
Business & Communication

Don't be offended when you are called by different "affectionate" names, such as dear, honey, love, mate, guy, son…it's quite normal.

Cross
Did you know

Did you know?

England's Stonehenge is over 5,000 years old.

19/41
Marker United Kingdom (UK)
Street & Behavioral

Don't forget to stand on the right-hand side of the escalator while travelling on the Tube, so others can pass over the left side.

Cross
Tick
20/41
Marker United Kingdom (UK)
Street & Behavioral

Don't pick your nose nor spit in public - use handkerchief instead.

Cross
21/41
Marker United Kingdom (UK)
Business & Communication

Don't stare - privacy is highly regarded in the UK. It's impolite to stare on anyone in public.

Cross
Tick
Tell us your experience

Tell us your experience

We love to hear from people who have travelled the world and know ‘what not to do’. Why not help other people on their travels?

Submit your story

22/41
Marker United Kingdom (UK)
Business & Communication

Don't mix the Scottish terms - Scotch is what you drink, Scots or Scotsmen are people of Scotland.

Tick
23/41
Marker United Kingdom (UK)
Street & Behavioral

Don't rest your elbows on the table.

Cross
Tick
Did you know

Did you know?

England's first great industry was wool.

24/41
Marker United Kingdom (UK)
Street & Behavioral

Don't fail to be a gentleman - 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.

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Tick
25/41
Marker United Kingdom (UK)
Street & Behavioral

Don't greet people with a kiss. Kiss is normally used between close friends and relatives.

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Tick
26/41
Marker United Kingdom (UK)
Street & Behavioral

Don't wear hats inside buildings if you are a man - it's impolite for men to wear hats indoors including restaurants and churches.

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Tick
27/41
Marker United Kingdom (UK)
Street & Behavioral

Don't 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.

Cross
28/41
Marker United Kingdom (UK)
Street & Behavioral

Don't forget to cover your mouth with your hand when yawning or coughing.

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Tick
29/41
Marker United Kingdom (UK)
Street & Behavioral

Don't visit someone's home empty-handed. Bring a gift for the host and hostess - a bottle of wine, a bunch of flowers or chocolates are all acceptable.

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Tick
30/41
Marker United Kingdom (UK)
Business & Communication

Don't talk with food in your mouth.

Cross
31/41
Marker United Kingdom (UK)
Street & Behavioral

Don't be impolite - say "Excuse me" if someone is blocking your way and you would like them to move out of your way.

Tick
32/41
Marker United Kingdom (UK)
Business & Communication

Don't smoke before the Loyal Toast (toast at Her Majesty's health) at a formal dinner in Great Britain.

Cross
33/41
Marker United Kingdom (UK)
Business & Communication

Don't use first names unless you are asked to do so. Use last names with appropriate courtesy titles 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.

Cross
Tick
34/41
Marker United Kingdom (UK)
Business & Communication

Don't forget Republic of Ireland is its own country. Northern Ireland is part of the united kingdom.

Cross
35/41
Marker United Kingdom (UK)
Business & Communication

Don’t forget the UK is a crowded country - people cope with it by generally being reserved in public, politely ignoring strangers, quietly minding their own business, and marking out and defending their private spaces and homes. They expect others to do the same.

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36/41
Marker Europe
Business & Communication

Don’t forget to handshake when greeting (men). Women usually greet with light kisses on both cheeks (”air kisses” where you just touch cheeks and kiss the air), a handshake is common on first meeting. Eye contact is important.

Cross
Tick
37/41
Marker Europe
Business & Communication

Don't smack or slurp - it's not appreciated.

Cross
Tick
38/41
Marker Europe
Business & Communication

Don't avoid eye contact business and personal conversations. It's a sign of courtesy.

Cross
Tick
39/41
Marker Northern Europe
Social Events

Don't forget to disrobe completely before you sauna - bring a towel (only) if you are shy.

Cross
40/41
Marker Europe
Street & Behavioral

Don't enter buses, trains or similar before everyone who wants to get out has done so.

Cross
Tick
Tell us your experience

Tell us your experience

We love to hear from people who have travelled the world and know ‘what not to do’. Why not help other people on their travels?

Submit your story

41/41
Marker Europe
Street & Behavioral

Don't forget to wear reflectors when riding a bike or walking at dark.

Cross
Tick

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