It’s an approximate number across the globe. Some countries with a reputation for partying have a minimum drinking age that could be a surprise and a buzzkill.
A few things to remember about drinking when traveling in other countries: Enforcement of laws may be temporary. If a country has an established image of “looking the other way” when drinking underage, it doesn’t mean it’s always the scenario. Additionally, the laws for purchasing alcohol and beer may be more strict or different than those for drinking it.
It’s a good idea to know the laws governing alcohol and drinking habits of your destination before going to the pub to drink this adult beverage. You might even get yourself into hot drinking water.
In spirit, here’s a quick review of the legal drinking age for 21 well-known tourist destinations and certain extremes in the law.
Argentina
The legal drinking age for alcohol: 18
El Caminito is a colorful street in the La Boca district of Buenos Aires, Argentina. It is required to be over 18 to purchase a drink at this location.
Don’t cry over an alcohol-based drink in Argentina, eve if you’re 17 or younger. The requirement is that you must be 18 or over to enjoy a drink. It’s also prohibited in public spaces or during entertainment and sports performances in stadiums. But, you can be a bit drunk in bars, restaurants, and nightclubs up to 5 am to fuel the night with dancing tango.
Australia
The legal drinking age for alcohol: 18
It doesn’t matter if you’re in the mood for some local red wine in a classy Melbourne restaurant, a shot of booze before a night out in Sydney, or an excellent beer in the scorching Outback; you must be at least 18 to be able to drink legally. Please make sure you are aware that Australia has a variety of local laws on what and how it is legal to drink alcohol in public. For example, you aren’t allowed to drink in various public outdoor places on New Year’s Eve in Sydney.
Bahamas
The legal drinking age for alcohol: 18
Cruises that depart from across the United States to the Bahamas are top-rated and could set the stage that can confuse those aged 18 to 20. When on a cruise ship, the legal minimum drinking age of cruise lines based in the United States is 21 (including famous cruise lines like Carnival and Disney). However, once you’ve departed on one of the warm Bahamian islands, the legally permitted drinking age is 18. Remember you can’t drink on Sundays. No sales of alcohol in the Bahamas on Saturdays. The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism and Aviation emailed CNN Travel that visitors should have a valid identification card.
Brazil
The legal drinking age for alcohol: 18
You must be at least 18 before saying “ola” to the caipirinha, the national drink of Brazil. Brazil needs to have a track record of enforcers of the law with a lot of force. However, there are warnings from the US State Department, which is one of the agencies that warns about the dangers of ignoring the laws of other countries. Brazil is known for its strict enforcement of the laws against driving while drunk.
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Canada
Age of legal consumption for alcohol: 19(with some notable limitations)
If you plan to purchase a Molson or Labatt to the Great White North, you must be over 19. This is unless you’re in Alberta, Manitoba, or Quebec, where they’ll give off 12 months. It’s legal to consume drinks with alcohol up to 18 in these three locations. Each province and territory has the power to decide its own rules for Canada.
Czech Republic
The legal drinking age for alcohol: 18
According to statistics from the World Population Review, the people of the Czech Republic consume more beer per capita than any other nation, nearly doubling their nearest competitors in Austria and Poland. To be able to legally participate in drinking beer such as a Pilsner Urquell or other favorite beer, you must be at least 18 years old. Be aware of Prague’s alcohol laws for public drinkers. It is illegal to drink in the majority of streets of Prague’s Old Town. Be mindful of the warnings.
France
The legal drinking age for alcohol: 18
Who wouldn’t love drinking a glass of wine in the Montmartre region of Paris? Make sure you’re legally old enough first.
Americans and other people may think that French teenagers grow up drinking wine, and it’s not a big issue. But the reality is that things used to be more lenient than they were. For instance, France raised the minimum age from 16 to 18 in 2009. The ban is a partial one, however. The 16-17 age group is allowed to drink in public places if they’re in the presence of an adult or parent.
Germany
Age of legal consumption for alcohol: either 16 or 18 (depending on the kind of drink)
If you’re interested in exploring your new tastes in wine and beer, you can do it at the age of 16 during Germany’s Oktoberfests and other bars and festivals. You can begin drinking your first glass at 14 if a guardian or parent is present. But, it’s illegal to buy and consume more potent alcohol until the age of 18. The neighbors in Belgium and Denmark permit 16-year-olds to purchase and drink drinks with less than 1.2 percent distillation alcohol.
Ghana
The legal drinking age for alcohol: 18
It is said that the Kejetia Market in Kumasi, Ghana, is believed to be the biggest one in West Africa. It’s brimming with food choices for you to drink any beverage.
Ghana has grown into a sought-after location in West Africa, drawing in travelers with its wildlife, beaches, food, and cultural attractions. The national drink is Akpeteshie (a traditional sugarcane alcohol). You must be at least 18 years old if you want to drink legally.
Ireland
Age of legal consumption of alcohol: 18
It’s an integral element of Irish traveling the pub scene! If you’d like to taste a Guinness or Baileys Irish Cream in the uninhibited and open, you must be at least 18 years old. Younger people can enjoy the pubs, too, if they get by a few legal loopholes. Parents can bring their children into pubs if the owner allows them. However, there are limitations on time on how long one can stay in a pub depending on the age of the child as well as the season.
Israel
Age of legal consumption of alcohol: 18
When the sun goes down at the renowned Tel Aviv beachfront in Israel, the minds of young people could be shifted to the upcoming nightlife options.
The minimum age is at least 18 to consume alcohol in the country. The guides advise you to be prepared to show identification in nightclubs, bars, and eateries. Do not expect alcohol-based drinks to be served in Islamic or Arabic communities within Israel. They are more famous for their holy places than for a night out; Jerusalem nonetheless has alcohol options. In the party capital of Tel Aviv, you might be shocked to know that nightclubs and bars have the power to establish their minimum age for drinkers and entry. This can be up to 25.
Italy
The legal drinking age for alcohol: 18
Suppose you believe the “la dolce vita” is about buying expensive Italian wines, Limoncello, and other alcohol-based food items at a café and restaurant. In that case, you’ll have to be over 18 to purchase it yourself. It is recommended to have a valid ID with you; however, the rules regarding age may not be strictly applied. Italy is quite relaxed with regards to drinking alcohol generally. Anyone 17 or younger can take drinks alongside their families, and nobody is likely to be suspicious. But parents should be the ones to do the purchasing.
Japan
The legal drinking age for 20 years:
Japan is known for a highly raunchy drinking scene. However, it would help if you were over 20 for an evening of partying with sake and Shochu. (That’s the same age at which you can gamble and smoke also,). Alcohol is easily accessible within convenience stores, supermarkets, and chain restaurants, along with bars and izakaya (Japanese-style bars). There is also the option of drinking alcohol on the super-fast Shinkansen trains and in other public areas.
Mexico
The legal drinking age is 18 years old.
This is how tequila acquires its name and color.
The bright, cheerful location of tequila allows legal drinking when you’re 18 or older; it’s easy to get alcohol at various locations, all night or day. Despite its popularity as a destination for parties, Mexico’s drinking laws could surprise you. Drinking in public with open alcohol containers is illegal, and drinking in public places is not allowed. It’s unfair to drink in public areas, too.
The Philippines
Age of legal consumption of alcohol: 18
In the Philippines, the beaches get hot while the beer is cold. If you’d like to drink the cold and refreshing San Miguel legally, you must be 18 or older. Beware: This status may be around for a while. The year 2022 saw a plan to raise the drink-in age from 21. If you’re thinking of being hit on the beach of Boracay, beware. They were slapped down several years ago.
South Africa
The legal drinking age for alcohol: 18
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Dramatic coastlines. Amazing wildlife. Epic trail hikes. A wide array of cultural experiences. If that weren’t enough, South Africa is becoming quite well-known in international wine circles. You must be 18 or older to legally enjoy a wine in the region where it’s produced. As with the Philippines, There’s also an effort within South Africa to make the legal drinking age 21.
Spain
Age of legal consumption of alcohol: 18
If you’re craving “ mas sangria” when you visit Madrid, Seville, or other popular places, you’ll need to be at least 18 to purchase the drink legally. A few decades ago, the legal drinking age in Spain was 16 years old. However, the local governments nationwide started raising the age to 18. Be aware of where you drink. For instance, drinkers living in Madrid are allowed to drink in the street in bars and outdoor cafes and at tables near the bar’s doors. Drinking an open beer bottle in Barcelona is a way to get the fine. In Barcelona, no laws limit the age of a person concerning drinking alcohol in the privacy of their home.