24-06-2025
Irish holidaymakers warned phone habit risks public shame or €1,000 fine
With peak summer holiday season just around the corner, thousands of Irish holidaymakers are preparing to jet off to sunnier climates to soak up the sun, experience new cultures and enjoy a well-deserved break.
But amid the exciting and planning, there's a warning that could save travellers from unexpected trouble ahead. A simple phone habit that many take for granted at home could land you in hot water overseas.
From fines to public shame and even legal consequences, using your phone in the wrong way abroad is becoming a growing issues as countries tighten rules on their use in public spaces.
Travel expert Brenda Beltrán from Dublin-based eSim provider Holafly has revealed that everyday phone behaviours we consider harmless in Ireland - like checking Google Maps, sending a quick voice note or even taking selfies - can be viewed very differently elsewhere.
Brenda warned: "People think using their phone abroad is harmless, but in some places, it's considered rude, disruptive, or even illegal. Travellers can be fined simply for using their phones while walking near roads or for taking selfies in prohibited areas. The rules are changing quickly, and people need to stay informed."
The crackdown on phone use varies dramatically from country to country. In Japan, for example, talking on your phone while using public transport is frowned upon, with many trains requiring passengers to switch phones to silent mode and avoid calls.
Meanwhile, in the Lake Como region of Italy, some towns have introduced fines for using phones while walking, citing safety concerns. In the United Arab Emirates, filming strangers without their consent can lead to arrest under strict privacy laws. And drivers in France and Spain face hefty on-the-spot fines of up to €1,000 for using their phones, even while stopped at traffic lights.
It's not just about public etiquette either. In many temples and sacred sites across Asia, phone use, even just taking photos, is often banned and considered disrespectful
Countries where Irish holidaymakers could get into trouble for using mobile phone
Brenda added: "You wouldn't light up a cigarette in a church, so don't assume it's fine to film or FaceTime in a sacred temple. Checking a text might seem harmless, but in some cultures, it's seen as disrespectful or distracting. At worst, it could lead to a fine or being removed from a site entirely."
To help Irish travellers avoid costly mistakes, Brenda has offered some practical advice. "Know before you go", she says, urging holidaymakers to Google specific phone laws for their destination ahead of travelling. She also recommends switching phones to silent mode when using public transport or visiting cultural spaces, avoiding filming strangers or staff, especially in markets, airports or religious sites, and using hands-free or car-safe mounts if driving.
Most importantly, "when in doubt, put the phone away. It's always better to be safe than sorry", she said.
