This study investigates effective approaches to disseminating information that shape individuals’ leisure consumption during the COVID-19 pandemic. Using survey data from 1,572 respondents in Japan, the United States, and Germany, it identifies variations in trust and fairness across information sources, with healthcare professionals perceived as most reliable. The findings reveal gender- and country-specific differences in information-gathering, outing, and home activity behaviors. While information strongly influenced home activities, it exerted only limited effects on reducing outings. The study concludes that expert-driven and context-specific information strategies are essential for fostering social compliance during crises.