Tourist warns others about strict bikini dress code in Italy that could cost you €500 fine
It's always handy to do a little research about your travel destination before you touch down in a brand-new country with its own set of rules and customs.
Whether you keep your eyes peeled for the local cuisine, brush up on some conversational phrases in the native language or read up on certain dress codes when visiting tourist hotspots - doing a little prep before your trip could end up saving you a whole lot of cash.
One Aussie tourist decided to spread the news and has since warned others about a bikini dress code in Italy that could cost you up to a €500 fine.
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The Melbourne-based 'marketing chick' took to TikTok to share her travel tip to those looking to walk the streets of Italy in their swimwear.
The woman, Marti, explained to her followers: "This is a PSA for all the girlies going to Italy for Euro summer, you are likely to get a fine if you wear something like this around the beach town."
She gestured to a photo of a woman wearing an orange maxi skirt and white bikini top.
"I don't know what it is about Italians but they do not want tourists going around in their bikinis around the little towns near beaches," Marti continued.
"So chances are that if you are wearing something like that and you're going around like Puglia or Sicily, for example, the police can easily fine you 500 euros."
The woman then offered some more advice to those still unsure about how to navigate the Italian heat alongside the local customs.
She offered: "If you're planning on going to the beach, just bring an extra t-shirt with you so you can cover up and the old Italian ladies and men will be happy.
"If you're visiting a church or anything like religiously historical in Italy, as well, and it's really hot and you want to wear a tank top and shorts - chances are some places could tell you to cover up before you go in."
Marti concluded: "You've got to love a Catholic country."
She captioned the short clip: "Italians call this 'public indecency'. Bikinis (or not wearing a t-shirt for men) outside of the beaches aren't allowed in so many Italian cities, so be extra careful this Euro Summer."
The TikTok has since clocked up over 1.1 million views with many eager to share their reactions.
One TikTok user admitted: "Can confirm this happened to me."
A second added: "Yes! I was in a convenience store in Positano and this American girl only had bathing suit on and the guy behind the counter said to put something over."
"I would probably have a lot of fines," revealed a third.
Many others, however, were in complete agreement with the dress code rule.
One wrote: "Honestly I agree with this, some people don't know how to be respectful."
"It’s completely understandable," penned another, "they are just asking you to be respectful, especially in churches."
A third chimed in: "I mean...I don't see what's wrong with this? Why do you need to walk around in your bikini if you're not at the beach?"
"Think this is pretty standard for most cities around European countries," added a final TikTok user.
Well, the mayor of Sorrento - a stunning town near the buzzing Amalfi Coast - Massimo Coppola, initiated a dress code that prohibits tourists from walking about in either a bikini or without a shirt on.
Offenders caught doing so in central areas of the town will be fined up to €500 for breaking the dress code.
Coppola explained to The London Times the reasoning behind the rule, stating it caused 'discomfort and unease' amongst those local to the area.
He also claimed it was 'contrary to decorum and to the decency that characterises civilised cohabitation'.
Coppola added that such attire could lead to 'consequences' for the town's 'image and for tourism'.
Rhiannon Ingle