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Here Are The Legal Drinking Ages For The Most Popular Tourist Destinations

Keep these in mind when planning your summer vacay.

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celebrating good moments in life with cocktails on the terrace in the summer resort
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There are so many things to enjoy when you travel. You can spend your days sightseeing or relaxing, you can visit popular tourist destinations or veer off the beaten path. And of course, no vacation is complete without trying some of the local cuisine.

But regardless if you're exploring a city's nightlife or lounging by the beach, odds are you probably want to have a drink in hand. Some vacay spots are even famous for their drinking culture; you can partake in South Korea's famous soju drinking games, join a British pub crawl, or sip on an iconic Brazilian caipirinha.

The legal minimum drinking age in the United States is 21 years old, but every country has their own unique liquor laws. Some travel destinations even have different requirements based on what city you're in or where you order a drink. So if you're a young traveler and want to take full advantage of what foreign cities have to offer, it's important to double check if you're allowed to order an alcoholic beverage in the first place.

That's where we come in. We've rounded up 41 of the most popular vacation destinations around the world and their specific drinking ages, so you know the law of the land once you step foot on foreign soil. But of course, no matter where you go, make sure to drink responsibly.

Want some international cocktail inspo to bring the vacation home? Check out our favorite cocktails recipes from around the world.

1

Antigua and Barbuda

antigua, st john's, caribbean
larigan - Patricia Hamilton//Getty Images

The minimum drinking age at bars and restaurants in Antigua and Barbuda is 16, but there is no age limit for alcohol purchased at a liquor store.

2

Argentina

a city landmark, obelisk on ave 9 de julio
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You need to be at least 18 years old to drink alcohol in Argentina, including their beloved Fernet and Coke.

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3

Australia

sydney opera house in sydney harbor with downtown skyline, sydney, new south wales, australia
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Under 18? Sorry, you can't drink alcohol in Australia.

4

Bahamas

nassau, bahamas
Juan Silva//Getty Images

You need to be at least 18 years old to sip on a Bahama Mama.

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5

Bermuda

flatts bermuda
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The legal drinking age in Bermuda is 18, but stores can't sell alcohol on Sundays and many bars are closed on that day too.

6

Brazil

corcovado and rio de janeiro
Christian Adams//Getty Images

To drink legally in Brazil, you need to be at least 18 years old.

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7

British Virgin Islands

tortola, british virgin islands
Laurie Chamberlain//Getty Images

You need to be at least 18 to drink in the British Virgin Islands.

8

Canada

vancouver skyline in front of north shore mountains
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The drinking age in Canada depends on the province you're visiting. Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Quebec all have a minimum drinking age of 18. Everywhere else, it's 19.

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9

Cayman Islands

aerial view cruise ships at anchor
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Whether this a stop on an international cruise or your final vacation destination, you should remember that you need to be at least 18 to drink in the Cayman Islands.

10

China

aerial view of downtown shanghai
owngarden//Getty Images

Good news, y'all: there are no age-based alcohol restrictions in China.

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11

Colombia

cartagena, old city and new city
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You need to be 18 years old to drink in Colombia.

12

Costa Rica

san jose from a distance
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The minimum drinking age in Costa Rica is 18 years old.

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13

Dominican Republic

santo domingo street view
Stanley Chen Xi, landscape and architecture photographer//Getty Images

You have to be at least 18 to order alcohol in the Dominican Republic.

14

Egypt

high angle view of downtown cairo during rush hour at 6 october bridge with cars in traffic jams on highways as commuters try to get home after work
Craig Hastings//Getty Images

The minimum drinking age in Egypt is the same as it is in the U.S.: 21 years old.

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15

France

cafe on the bank of seine river on a sunny day, paris, france
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The minimum drinking age is 18 in France.

16

Germany

cityscape of frankfurt am main at sunrise aerial view
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The legal age to order any hard liquor in Germany is 18, but you can be as young as 16 to enjoy beer and wine. Prost!

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17

Ghana

market day at makola
Onasis Gaisie//Getty Images

You need to be at least 18 years old to enjoy alcohol in Ghana.

18

Greece

old lighthouse in the venetian harbor, rethymno
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Same goes for Greece: you need to be at least 18.

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19

Hong Kong

central, hong kong
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You need to be at least 18 to drink in Hong Kong.

20

India

maruti temple, panjim, goa, india
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The drinking laws in India vary significantly based on where you're visiting, and can range from a minimum age of 18 to an outright ban on alcohol.

In Delhi, the drinking age recently decreased from 25 to 21. In the popular tourist destination of Goa, it's 18. Wherever you choose to stay, make sure to consult the state's laws.

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