British villas are being urged to clean up their phones in certain countries this summer to avoid risk of fines and legal trouble. The use of public telephones in certain circumstances is increasing as travel experts encourage travel experts to travel to read local laws and policies before flying.
According to Holafly travel expert Brenda Beltrán, checking Google Maps or sending quick voice notes in the UK may seem completely normal, but it can be completely frowned or banned in other parts of the world. “People think it's harmless to use mobile phones overseas, but in some places it's considered rude, destructive or even illegal,” says Beltrán.
She adds: “Travelers can be fined just for using their mobile phones when walking near roads or taking selfies in prohibited areas. The rules are changing rapidly and people need to maintain information.”
For Britons flying to Italy this summer, several towns in the Lake Como area have introduced phone fines while walking. It claims to be a tourist safety and distraction.
In France and Spain, using a mobile phone while driving or idling at traffic lights can lead to site fines of up to 1,000 euros (£850).
In Japan, speaking on your mobile phone on public transport is unacceptable, and many trains are asking passengers to switch phones to a non-disabled mode and avoid calls altogether, experts warn.
Experts add that filming strangers, especially locals, in the UAE, could lead to arrests under the Privacy Act without consent.
Even in photographs, telephone use is often considered prohibited or rude in temples and sacred places across Asia. “Don't assume that filming or faceTime in a sacred temple is fine, as it will not light up the cigarettes in a church,” Bertrand said.
“Checking the text may seem harmless, but in some cultures it is considered rude or distracting. In the worst case scenario, it could be fined or removed from the site entirely,” she adds.
