People planning to emigrate urged to read up on local customs

Britons considering emigrating to a foreign country are being called on to check out local customs and learn about the country's laws before making an international money transfer.

Abta - The Travel Association is urging people who may be planning an international payment or are simply heading off for some time in the sun to ensure they are fully aware of local customs before making the move, so that they will not fall foul of the law.

While countries such as Greece are renowned for their party atmosphere with tourists, people who are planning to emigrate to Greece may need to find out about their more conservative laws so that they do not end up in trouble, Abta explained.

"If people come prepared and think about the countries which they are going to they are less likely to get into trouble once they're out there," a spokeswoman for the organisation added.

Recent figures from the Foreign Office have warned that more than half of women who sunbathe topless while on holiday in a foreign country do not check the local laws beforehand to discover whether this is allowed.

Abta represents over 6,000 travel agencies and 850 tour operations throughout the British Isles.