Heading abroad this summer? Watch out for hefty fines for wearing flip-flops, jaywalking & more

MSE_Sarah

You've booked your trip, packed your bags and learned a bit of the lingo. But have you checked up on any local laws or customs which might catch you out on your holiday? Don't fall foul of the rather weird and not-so-wonderful rules on budgie smugglers in France, hiking in flip-flops in Italy or wearing fancy dress in Greece.

Read the full blog: Heading abroad this summer? Watch out for hefty fines (or worse) for wearing flip-flops, jaywalking or even inhaling Vicks

Doshwaster

I was stopped by the police for jay-walking in Warsaw last year for crossing the road directly outside my hotel. I was very apologetic (I had just arrived and really hadn't a clue that it was illegal and, unlike other countries, was actually enforced). They took my details but let me off with a warning.

I would like to see the police in London try to enforce jay-walking. It would be impossible.

Pollycat

Anybody 'hiking in flip-flops' anywhere in the world needs their head examined.

Pollycat

Wearing high heels. It's been reported that a number of historical sites, such as the Odeon of Herodes Atticus theatre in Athens, ban high heels and stilettos to prevent damage (many visitors recommend wearing sturdy footwear anyway).

Ditto to this ^^^^ too.
Who in their right mind would wander round an ancient site - often pretty unsafe underfoot - in high heels or stilettos?

Sarahemm

Not illegal as such but when we were in Texas every time we crossed the road not at a crossing we always got shouted at by a driver going passed. In the end we saw it as a bit of a game. One bloke who had "f**k Trump" on the back of his pick up was quite vocal.

Wanderingpomm

Sarahemm wrote: »

Not illegal as such but when we were in Texas every time we crossed the road not at a crossing we always got shouted at by a driver going passed. In the end we saw it as a bit of a game. One bloke who had "f**k Trump" on the back of his pick up was quite vocal.

You mean when I was jaywalking in Texas...

Sarahemm

Yeah. It's not illegal in Texas, we checked! :j

Doshwaster

Sarahemm wrote: »

Not illegal as such but when we were in Texas every time we crossed the road not at a crossing we always got shouted at by a driver going passed. In the end we saw it as a bit of a game. One bloke who had "f**k Trump" on the back of his pick up was quite vocal.

Actually, it probably was technically illegal but the enforcement of jaywalking varies massively between different cities and states.

In Boston fines are pretty much unknown. One journalist even spent a whole day trying to get a ticket for it: https://www3.bostonglobe.com/lifestyle/2017/05/24/what-does-guy-have-get-jaywalking-ticket-this-town/

Enforcement has always been stricter further south and west where the car is king and walking is seen as a strange activity.

londoninvestor

Pollycat wrote: »

Ditto to this ^^^^ too.
Who in their right mind would wander round an ancient site - often pretty unsafe underfoot - in high heels or stilettos?

Also, there are plenty of places in the UK - National Trust stately homes and so on - which have this rule, to protect the historic and fragile floors.

I guess there's not an actual rule against it at, say, Stonehenge, but it would be unwise as (like you say) you want to have a sturdy footing.

But never mind that, look at the crazy foreigners!!

Sarahemm

It's not enforceable and in fact it doesnt matter where you cross the road the cars have to give way to all pedestrians, the only caveat to that is you are not allowed to suddenly step out in front of oncoming traffic. Who knew, jaywalking is legal in a state that still has the death penalty and guns in every home!

rufford155

The island of Madeira - it is illegal to fish in the sea with a net, even a small one like kids might use on the beach here.
Rod and line is fine though.