6 Etiquette Mistakes That Can Lead to a Fine Overseas

Many travelers are keen to immerse themselves in different cultures and explore destinations they haven’t yet discovered. When doing so, it’s important to brush up on local etiquette so you don’t accidentally offend anyone — or worse. Sometimes, an etiquette faux pas won’t just land you in hot water with locals — it can potentially result in a fine from local authorities. So, if you’re keen to experience new places without incident, you likely want to read about these six etiquette missteps that could prove costly overseas.

Driving Off-Road in Iceland

Iceland’s breathtaking scenery is a major draw for overseas visitors, but it’s far more fragile than it looks. The delicate moss that shrouds lava fields and canyons is easily trampled, and the imprints left by car tires in the loose volcanic soil are long-lasting and can speed up erosion. According to the Environment Agency of Iceland, it can take years or even decades for a damaged area to repair itself, in part due to the cold climate and short growing season. 

Little wonder, therefore, that off-road driving is banned, with a substantial fine of up to 100,000 ISK (approximately $825 USD) awaiting anyone who’s caught doing so illegally. There are some exemptions, however, such as during permitted construction projects and for vehicles involved in agriculture, rescue operations, or police work. If you’re keen to rack up some adventurous miles — legally — know that tackling some of Iceland’s official highland F-roads still involves rough terrain and challenging river crossings.  

Carrying a Bulky Suitcase on the Paris Metro

Using public transportation can be a game changer while traveling. Not only can it save you a significant amount of money compared with taxis, but it’s also an opportunity to experience a city as the locals do. 

In Paris, however, it pays to travel light. RATP — the transit authority responsible for overseeing the Metro and RER network — has strict rules about how much baggage you can bring on board. A bulky suitcase is considered a hindrance to other passengers in much the same way as traveling with other large items such as skis, scooters, or bicycles. Technically, if you fall foul of the rules, you face a fixed penalty fine of 150 euros (around $175), though locals suggest that this fine is rarely enforced.

Swimming in a Venice Canal

These days, swimming in one of Venice’s storied canals can land an unsuspecting visitor with a 350-euro ($410) fine. But that hasn’t always been the case. Writing in his 1866 memoir Venetian Life, American consul William Dean Howells noted, “From the beginning of June till far into September all the canals of Venice are populated by the amphibious boys, who clamor about in the brine, or poise themselves for a leap from the tops of bridges…”

Even aside from a potential fine, you probably wouldn’t wish to do the same now for the sake of your health and safety. Venice’s waterways are busy thoroughfares, and you’d be dodging everything from vaporetti to gondolas as you took your dip. The water isn’t generally considered sanitary, either, possibly as a consequence of thoughtless trash disposal, antiquated plumbing, and inadequate sewerage systems. 

Scrunching Up a Bank Note in Thailand

According to Article 112 of the Thai Penal Code, “Whoever defames, insults, or threatens the King, the Queen, the Heir-apparent, or the Regent shall be punished with imprisonment of three to 15 years.” While making a joke about the royal family or refusing to stand while the national anthem is played won’t win you any friends, even crumpling up a banknote featuring their likenesses as you put it into a pocket or throwing one on the counter of a bar could be misconstrued as disrespecting the royal family. So, when handing over baht to pay for something in Thailand, make sure it’s pristine.

Cycling on a Sidewalk in the Netherlands

Cycling is a big deal in the Netherlands. The nonprofit organization Dutch Cycling Embassy claims that there are around 21,750 miles of dedicated cycle paths in the country, while an official report from the Netherlands Institute for Transport Policy Analysis estimated there were 23.9 million bikes for a population of just 18 million. 

Cycling is a way of life, and the Dutch authorities have done much to encourage the population to ditch their cars for short journeys by installing dedicated cycle lanes, offering financial incentives for cyclists, and even designating fietsstraaten, “bicycle streets” where the car is the guest. 

However, if you’re keen to spend at least some of your Netherlands vacation on two wheels, you should be aware that there are a few reasons you can be fined. These include a 75-euro ($88) penalty for cycling in a pedestrian area such as a sidewalk and a 45-euro ($53) penalty for not having a working bell.

Forgetting To Flush in Singapore

Tourists heading to Singapore should be aware of its reputation as a heavily regulated country. Jaywalking’s a strict no-no, vapes are banned, and even eating or drinking on public transportation can cost you SGD 500 (about $390). There’s also a zero-tolerance policy for those who discard trash on the street — under the Environmental Public Health Act of Singapore, dropping a cup, cigarette butt, or wrapper can cost you SGD 2000 ($1,550) if you’re caught. Repeat offenders face higher fines and corrective work orders to encourage them to alter their behavior. 

Even visiting a public restroom requires concentration. If you walk away without flushing, you’re technically breaking the law. Cracking down on unsociable actions such as these is part of the Clean and Green Singapore campaign, in which residents and visitors alike are invited to participate.