A guide to customs and dress in England.
What to wear, what to do and why.
DRESS
The UK is a western society and jeans and
t-shirts are acceptable for every day wear
so travellers should not feel too under
dressed. However English women can dress
up and coats and boots are certainly fashionable.
If you are working in London make sure you
have good clothes for work. Men may need
full business suits.
If you are simply travelling here bring
one set of formal clothes to wear out (literally)
for more dressy occasions. For the most
part, sensible clothing that is not too
skimpy or tight will suffice. Keep yourself
tidy and your clothes clean and ensure sufficient
body cover, particularly when visiting churches
and other religious establishments.
Make sure you also bring clothers for the
climate including heavy overcoats or anoraks
for cold wintry weather to raincoats and
umbrellas, for weather rain.
Summers can get hot, but not often, and
be prepared for wet weather even in the
supposedly hotter months. Most people tend
to dress up to go out for dinner. If you
want to shop for clothes the best sales
are in January and August.
HISTORY AND STEREOTYPES
It has often been said that the British
are reserved in their manners, dress and
speech. They are also famous for politeness,
self-discipline and a sense of humour.
FOR WOMEN
Women in Britain enjoy equal respect and
status with men in all areas of life and
have more independence and responsibility
than in other cultures. Women do travel
alone, can drink beer, eat alone in a restaurant
and have few formalities about dress.
HOSPITALITY
When visiting, guests usually bring a gift
such as chocolate or flowers. For a meal
you may bring something to drink. Sending
a thank you note is also considered appropriate.
DO'S AND DON'TS
Here are some do's to survival in England:
Do stand in line:
In England people like to form orderly queues
(standing in line) and wait patiently for
their turn eg. boarding a bus. 'Queue jumping'
is frowned upon.
Do say "Excuse Me":
If you bump someone or need to pass this
is the golden phrase.
Do Pay as you Go:
Pay for drinks as you order them in pubs
and other types of bars.
Do say "Please" and "Thank-you":
It is very good manners to say "please"
and "thank-you" and rude if you
don't
Do cover your Mouth:
If you yawn or cough cover your mouth.
Do Shake Hands:
When you are introduced to someone, shake
their right hand with your own.
Do Smile:
A smiling face is a welcoming face.
Do Drive on the left side of the road
Do not greet people with a kiss:
English people only kiss people who are
close friends and relatives.
Do not talk loudly in public
Do not stare at anyone in public
Privacy is highly regarded
Do not pick your nose in public
Do not spit
Do not pass wind in public
Do not speak with your mouth full of food
Do not ask personal or intimate questions
Do not eat off a knife when having a meal
INTRODUCTIONS
‘How do you do?’ is a greeting
not a question and the correct response
is to repeat ‘How do you do?' A handshake
is the most common form of greeting and
when you are introduced to someone shake
their right hand with your own. You would
only kiss close friends and relatives.
EATING
English people eat continental style with
the fork in the left hand and the knife
in the right. It is ok to eat while moving
around eg walking in the street but there
may be rules about eating in public areas
like on buses or trains.
TITLES AND GREETINGS
Try to use Sir, Madam or Miss when addressing
people unless they give permission for you
to use their first name. Always greet people
on arrival and departure.
APPOINTMENTS
Try to arrive within 15 minutes of the appointed
time and ring if you are going to be late.
BUSINESS HOURS
Most places are open 9am-5pm and closed
on weekends.
