A concise country-by-country guide to paying, tipping, Sundays, alcohol shops, clothing, transport habits and a few useful words. Local rules and opening hours still need checking before travel.
Plan for card payments, quiet public spaces and weather that can change the shape of the day. A little preparation matters more than elaborate etiquette.
Information checked 31 August 2026
Tipping
Tipping is optional. In bars and restaurants, people may add something when service or food has been especially good, but there is no compulsory percentage.
Payments
Cards and phone payments are accepted almost everywhere. Carry a second card and a small cash backup for the occasional exception; foreign cash is rarely useful.
Alcohol
Wine, spirits and stronger beer are normally bought through Vinmonopolet. Supermarket alcohol sales and monopoly-store hours are restricted, so check the official opening time and carry ID.
Sunday opening
Most ordinary retail shops close on Sundays. Some grocery, convenience and souvenir shops are exceptions; museums and restaurants set their own hours.
Clothing
Dress in layers and carry a waterproof, wind-resistant outer layer. Winter footwear needs grip; even summer mountain and coastal days can turn cold quickly.
Public transport
Ticket systems vary by region. Buy or activate the correct ticket before boarding when required, keep it available for inspection and expect reduced service on public holidays.
Sweden is easy to navigate with a card and a transport app. Punctuality, personal space and a calm queue are useful habits to borrow.
Information checked 31 August 2026
Tipping
Tipping is welcome but not expected. Rounding up a restaurant bill is common when service has been good; leaving nothing is not considered rude.
Payments
Sweden is highly cashless. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted, while some businesses do not take cash; bring a chip-and-PIN card and a backup.
Alcohol
Systembolaget remains the principal state retail channel for stronger alcoholic drinks, with limited opening hours. Small producer sales have narrow conditions, so travellers should still plan around official stores.
Sunday opening
There is no reliable nationwide Sunday pattern for every venue. City shopping is often available, but independent shops, attractions and rural services may use shorter or seasonal hours.
Clothing
Pack for large seasonal differences: insulated layers and grippy footwear in winter, plus a light waterproof layer even in summer. Northern conditions differ sharply from the south.
Public transport
Regional operators use different tickets and apps. Purchase or activate the correct ticket before travel, stand clear of doors and let passengers leave before boarding.
Everyday life is informal, punctual and bicycle-aware. Keep cycle lanes clear, follow local signals and avoid treating a quiet carriage as a conversation space.
Information checked 31 August 2026
Tipping
Service is included in hotel, restaurant and taxi bills. An additional tip is entirely optional and has no fixed formula.
Payments
Cards are widely used and some businesses are cashless. Keep a second international card because acceptance and possible fees can vary at smaller businesses.
Alcohol
Unlike the other countries in this guide, Denmark has no state alcohol-shop monopoly. Retail and licensed-venue rules still apply, so carry ID and confirm current opening and age requirements.
Sunday opening
Many supermarkets and shopping centres open on Sundays, while specialist shops may close or shorten their hours. Public holidays bring additional legal exceptions.
Clothing
Wind and showers matter more than dramatic cold for much of the year. Bring a breathable waterproof layer, comfortable walking shoes and gloves for exposed winter cycling or waterfront time.
Public transport
Plan the journey and buy the required ticket before boarding. On escalators and platforms keep through-routes clear, and never walk or wait in a marked cycle lane.
Silence is not awkward, punctuality is appreciated and sauna rules should be taken from the host rather than assumed. Ask before photographing people.
Information checked 31 August 2026
Tipping
Service is included and tipping is not expected. Rounding up or leaving a small amount for exceptional service is optional.
Payments
Cards and mobile payments are accepted almost everywhere. Finland uses the euro; a small cash backup can still help in remote places.
Alcohol
Alko remains the state retailer for much stronger take-away alcohol, while lower-strength products may be sold elsewhere under current rules. Check Alko and the retailer directly because the framework has changed in recent years.
Sunday opening
Urban supermarkets and shopping centres commonly trade on Sundays, often with shorter hours. Independent, rural and seasonal businesses still vary considerably.
Clothing
Four distinct seasons require different kits. Winter needs insulated layers and grippy footwear; summer still warrants a light waterproof, insect protection and an eye mask in the north.
Public transport
Many cities use mobile tickets. Buy or activate before boarding where required and retain the ticket for random inspection; operators and payment methods differ outside major cities.
Island life runs around weather, ferries and small communities. Close gates, follow marked access, keep your voice low outdoors and accept that nature sometimes changes the plan.
Information checked 31 August 2026
Tipping
Tipping is not generally expected. If service has been exceptional, rounding up or leaving a small amount is optional rather than a fixed custom.
Payments
Cards are widely useful, but carry a second card and some Danish or Faroese kroner for smaller or remote exceptions. Faroese notes have the same value as Danish kroner.
Alcohol
Stronger take-away alcohol is sold through the government monopoly rather than ordinary shops. Opening is limited, so check the current outlet and carry ID.
Sunday opening
Do not assume normal Sunday hours. Tórshavn has some options, but village shops, cafés, attractions, buses and ferries can be limited or seasonal.
Clothing
Bring layers, a waterproof and windproof shell, warm hat and gloves in every season. Sturdy waterproof footwear matters even for short walks.
Public transport
Buses and ferries are coordinated by Strandfaraskip Landsins, but some services are infrequent or require advance notice. Check the exact outbound and return journey before leaving.
The practical etiquette is simple: respect closures, marked paths, weather warnings and swimming-pool hygiene rules. Never let a schedule outrank local safety advice.
Information checked 31 August 2026
Tipping
Tipping is not expected. A small amount for exceptional service is appreciated but never required.
Payments
Cards and contactless payments are accepted almost everywhere. Know your PIN for larger purchases and keep a second card; foreign cash is rarely useful.
Alcohol
Take-away alcohol is primarily sold through state-run Vínbúðin stores rather than ordinary supermarkets. Outlets and opening hours are limited, so check the official store listing and carry ID.
Sunday opening
Reykjavík has useful Sunday shopping and attractions, often on shorter hours. Rural shops, museums and seasonal services can be much more limited.
Clothing
Use warm layers beneath a waterproof and windproof shell in every season. Bring sturdy footwear; umbrellas are often less useful than a hood in strong wind.
Public transport
Reykjavík and regional services use different tools and frequencies. Plan and buy tickets through the current operator, and never assume a rural return service without checking it.