Spain is a very popular tourist destination for Scots, but just like here in the UK, laws are constantly changing and evolving so it’s important to keep up to date.
When you are in a foreign country, it is important to respect your destination by informing yourself about local laws and customs so as not to make mistakes during your trip or end up facing a fine.
And while some rules are more obvious than others (such as those governing violence or drink-driving), others are less well-known. One of them, which Spanish authorities are cracking down on, governs the purchase of “fake” designer clothes from street vendors.
New research from Haypp has shown that 80% of people are unaware of the changing laws that apply abroad, so the team has put together some of the most important ones you may not yet know about.
And a warning to holiday shoppers who love to buy the odd ‘fake’ bag on the beach during the summer, as this has been banned. In an effort to remove unlicensed street vendors from tourist areas, Spain has announced a €200 (£170) fine for any tourist caught buying something from them.
The government has announced this in an attempt to reduce the sale of illegal items, so be careful next time you search for “fakes” this summer.
With that in mind, here are some little-known laws that everyone should be aware of during this year’s holiday season.
Peeing in the sea
It’s safe to say that most people will have gone to the sea to urinate at some point. However, one city in northern Spain, Vigo, has introduced a ban on urinating in the sea.
If caught, they could face a fine of up to £640. Although the ban is in place, it is unclear how the authorities enforce it, but it is recommended to avoid doing so.
Vaping
Vaping laws are constantly changing, not just in the UK, but around the world.
Australia, Thailand and Turkey are just some of the countries that have banned disposable vapes entirely. If someone is caught with a vape in a place where it is illegal, they could face a fine of up to £2,000 or, worse still, a prison sentence.
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crossing the road
Simply crossing the street could lead to heavy fines for those travelling to Germany, Switzerland, Australia or the United States this summer.
The law, also known as ‘jaywalking’, is implemented to reduce accidents and any tourist seen crossing the road in undesignated areas will be fined.
Wearing a swimsuit
This summer, swimwear must be left at the pool or beach. While many people may think it’s OK to wear a bikini or swimming costume, many popular holiday destinations, such as Spain, Italy and Croatia, actually ban swimming costumes, with fines of up to €500 imposed on anyone seen wearing a swimsuit in public areas.
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