Fined for a selfie? The cultural taboos catching travelers out

Around the world, local laws and unfamiliar customs are catching travelers off guard, and in some cases, landing them with hefty fines or worse, imprisonment. From understanding public drinking laws and cultural taboos, today’s travel planning involves more than just booking flights and accommodation to ensure the experience is as memorable, and safe, as it can be.

Europe’s recent crackdown on traveler behaviour

Some European destinations are turning to strict travel laws to curb over-tourism, moderate traveler behavior and preserve cultural landmarks. Many local authorities are rolling out increasingly specific rules, and some with high penalties.

In Venice, day-trippers are required to pay an entry fee to manage the impact of tourism on the famous city. And in Portofino on the Italian Riviera, if you linger at the area’s many beauty spots, taking your time to get the best selfie, you could face a fine of up to EUR 275 (USD 310). Local authorities say the restrictions are necessary to stop pedestrian traffic jams at peak times during the holiday season.

And be careful what you wear. Save your swimwear for the beach only as coastal towns in Spain, Italy and Croatia have imposed fines for walking around in swimwear when you’re not at the beach. Fines range from EUR 150 to 500 euros (USD 170 to USD 570).

Also, don’t forget to check what shoes to wear in Greece, as high heels are banned at archaeological sites like the Acropolis to prevent damage.

Driving in flip-flops? Think again.

In Spain, Italy, France, Portugal, and Greece, driving in flip-flops or barefoot isn’t exactly illegal but if your footwear is found to impair control of a vehicle, you could face fines of EUR 200 (USD 230) or more.

Spanish authorities especially target tourists in coastal holiday hotspots, where flip-flops are common. So switch into secure shoes before driving a rental car.

Planning a holiday is all about the anticipation of new sights, tastes and experiences, but even the best-planned adventures can unravel without some basic travel safety tips and up-to-date destination advice.

That’s why Zurich Cover-More’s travel insurance brands — Cover-More, Travelex Insurance, Freely, World Travel Protection and Universal Assistance — have made cultural tips and local law information a key feature of their mobile apps, helping travelers avoid missteps, misunderstandings, and unnecessary risks.

Why cultural awareness isn’t optional

It’s easy to assume that good intentions are enough. But in many destinations, cultural taboos are deeply rooted and breaking them, accidentally or otherwise, can offend or alienate the very people you’ve traveled to connect with.

Chief Sales Officer of Cover-More Travel Insurance in Australia and New Zealand Todd Nelson says in some Pacific destinations such as American Samoa, it’s important to seek locals’ permission to use the beach, as a show of respect.

“It will generally be granted but it is a cultural norm to ask. And everyday activities such as swimming may not be permitted on a Sunday, as that’s reserved for church and rest, so it’s always best check before you dive in.

“For a nation of beach goers like Australia that can be hard to fathom, that’s why we encourage travelers to check out cultural advice on their destination on our Cover-More Travel Insurance app,” he says.

Even gestures of friendliness can backfire. In The Seychelles, complimenting someone’s child is believed to bring bad luck. And in Benin, wandering into areas during a Vodun (voodoo) ceremony can be dangerous and deeply disrespectful.

In Saint Vincent, a tropical island in the eastern Caribbean, calling out someone’s name in public can even be seen as impolite.

Will Nihan, CEO of Travelex Insurance in North America, said every destination has its local customs and ways of doings things so it’s best to be as prepared as you can when visiting somewhere new.

“Saint Vincent is a popular island destination in the eastern Caribbean where the locals regard the act of calling out someone’s name in public to be rude. So, if you’ve lost track of each other wandering through a village or trekking through nature, you’ll need to rely on sight, not sound, to reconnect, if possible.”

“We’ve included this and more detailed destination-specific advice on our Travelex Insurance Travel On app,” he said.

In Brazil, one of the most visited countries in Latin America (LatAm), using your thumb and forefinger formed into a circle to signal ‘OK’ is considered rude and offensive. Use the ‘thumbs up’ sign instead.

Also, according to Fernando García Ruiz, CEO of Universal Assistance in LatAm, remember to speak Portuguese in Brazil, not Spanish. Locals may take offence, especially in rural areas.

“And because football is such as important part of Brazilian culture, avoid criticizing any teams in public, especially at bars, as this may generate violent reactions from supporters of rival teams,” García Ruiz says.

Take care if you come across a religious or cultural ceremony when visiting Indonesia according to Miksu Vaittinen, Executive General Manager at Freely. “It is rude to video or photograph these kinds of ceremonies without first asking permission from someone with authority.”

Business travellers: formal etiquette matters, too

Understanding cultural etiquette isn’t just for leisure travellers. For professionals navigating international business travel, being unaware of local protocol can derail meetings and damage relationships.

Adrian Leach, CEO of World Travel Protection, says awareness of cultural sensitivities can be critical when interacting across borders.

“In China, for example, it is considered polite to meet and greet the most senior member of the opposite business delegation first, before moving on to more junior members,” he says.

“And at a relatively formal drinking event, it is customary to pour drinks for others, but not for yourself. It is considered bad form to pour your own drink, so wait for someone else to offer.”

These kinds of nuances are not always obvious, but they are essential. That’s why World Travel Protection’s Travel Assist app includes etiquette guidance for formal settings like gift-giving in Japan or hosting in the Middle East.

How Zurich Cover-More helps you stay one step ahead

Zurich Cover-More’s mobile apps are built to help you navigate global travel risks and cultural taboos with confidence. Whether you’re in Europe, the Americas, Asia, or the Pacific, the apps offer personalised guidance for safe and respectful travel.

• Cover-More app – tailored for Australian and New Zealand holidaymakers, offering cultural insights, health tips and unusual local laws.
• Travelex Travel On app – for North American travellers, this includes destination briefings and etiquette advice.
• Freely app – for U.S. and Australian travelers on the adventurous side, the app includes access to safety alerts, medical and security assistance to ensure cover for adventure activities.
• Universal Assistance app – for LatAm travelers, the app includes access to medical self-assistance, travel tips, WIFI calling and travel delay benefits.
• World Travel Protection’s Travel Assist app – Trusted by business and leisure travellers for real-time alerts, travel itineraries, and formal protocol guidance across global markets.

Final word: act like a guest, not just a tourist

Travel is about discovery, but it’s also about responsibility. As more destinations enact tourist laws and cultural protections, visitors need to match that care with curiosity and respect.

A simple misstep could result in a fine. A well-intentioned compliment could offend. And an innocent selfie or pair of flip-flops could breach local rules you didn’t even know existed.

By using tools like Zurich Cover-More’s global travel apps, and brushing up on travel laws, customs, and etiquette, you’re doing more than protecting yourself, you’re becoming a better guest.

So, before you take that selfie, drive barefoot, or head off the beach in your swimwear, take a moment to check the local rules. Smart travel planning isn’t just about seeing the world. It’s about moving through it with awareness.