What are the most common fines in Europe?
Lots of European countries have rules around drinking in public spaces. So, depending on where you are, you might want to think twice before cracking open a cold one.
In Malta and Poland, for example, drinking in the street or on public transport is a no-go. And in Spain, drinking in an alcohol-restricted area can land you with a €3,000 fine.
Clothing slip-ups are common, too. And dressing inappropriately - even if done accidentally - can be costly for tourists. Rules differ depending on the local area, but in some parts of Spain you could be fined up to €600 for wearing swimwear outside of the beach or pool areas.
And, in Greece, wearing high heels at archeological sites is strictly prohibited, so as not to scratch or damage any surfaces. A €900 fine for the sake of fashion? It’s not a good look.
Niche rules for long-haul destinations
Flying long-haul? Depending on where you’re headed, there are some key rules and etiquette practices to know about before you start jet setting. Let’s take a look.
- United Arab Emirates: Being drunk in public is illegal and public displays of affection, like kissing on the street, can lead to a hefty fine and - in some cases - it can land you in prison.
- Thailand: Vapes are banned in Thailand, with possession resulting in fines up to 30,000 Thai Baht (£650). The laws around drugs are some of the strictest in the world, too.
- Australia: It pays to be aware of biosecurity laws when you're entering Australia, as failure to declare certain restricted items could set you back thousands in fines.
- Japan: Penalties for drug possession and drink-driving are pretty severe. And, if you’re taking the train, it’s good to be clued up on the rules around luggage size.
- USA: Rules vary state by state. In Florida, drinking on public beaches is a no-go. And, over in California, you’ll need a driver’s licence or permit if you want to drive an e-scooter.
These examples are a good starting point, but they don’t cover everything you need to know. So, it’s always worth checking the rules of your specific destination before you travel.
What are the financial risks of driving in Europe?
You might be clued up on the common offences and driving no-gos in the UK. But, if you’re planning a trip in Europe, it pays to be hot on the rules specific to the country you’re visiting.
Using a mobile phone when driving is off-limits in lots of countries, including Norway, Croatia and Portugal. And in places like Cyprus, you can get done for eating and drinking behind the wheel, too - even if it’s just a sneaky sip of water.
Ran out of fuel while driving on the motorway? In Germany that’s seen as preventable negligence and can set you back €30-€70 in fines, plus the cost of getting your car towed.
Over in France, wearing headphones while driving is a fineable offence (yes, even if you have great music taste). And, in many cities, you’ll need an eco sticker, known as Crit'Air, if you want to drive through the more central zones.
It might seem like a chore, but sticking to the rules is pretty important. That’s because breaking local laws can lead to your car insurance being invalidated in that country. And, let’s face it, nothing screams ‘buzz kill’ more than a mid-holiday liability case.
Why are tourist taxes and entry fees increasing in 2026?
Tourist tax is pretty much what it says on the tin. Essentially, it’s a mandatory fee that’s added to your nightly accommodation bill when you’re away.
The rate is set by the local authority and, typically, it’s charged per person, per night. How much you’ll be charged depends on the place. But, by and large, tourist tax in Europe sits between €1-€8.
In some cities - like Venice, Barcelona, and Amsterdam - tourist tax rates have seen an increase in recent years. And in Edinburgh, the tax is being introduced for the first time, starting in July 2026.
For the most part, tourist tax is a good thing. It helps to offset damage caused by overtourism and contributes to the upkeep of local infrastructure. But the costs can add up - especially if you’re staying somewhere for a while.
Our top tip? Check out our online tool to find out how much you’ll be charged. That way, you can factor it into your holiday budget and save it from eating into your beer money.
Will your travel insurance cover local fines and penalties?
Most of the time, your travel insurance won’t cover you if you get fined for breaking local laws.
There can be the odd exception, so it’s worth having a good read over the ‘legal expenses’ section of your policy. But chances are it’ll only cover legal costs for accidents or mishaps if it’s not your fault.
So, if you get fined for feeding pigeons during your city break to Prague (yup, it can happen), you probably won’t be able to make a claim. Instead, it’s on you to cough up the koruna and cover the cost.
And, if breaking the law leads to more serious consequences, such as being arrested, it could invalidate your travel insurance policy. Plus, if you're detained and end up missing your flight home, you’ll have to fork out for the return fare.
But that doesn’t mean you should throw caution to the wind and skip getting insured. And, depending on where you're travelling to, it could be mandatory.
It’s all about knowing what the rules are, what’s covered, and where you stand if something goes wrong while you’re away.
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