Bought the ticket, still fined ₹13,000: Indian couple’s first Europe trip takes expensive turn
The couple’s experience highlights how a small, unfamiliar rule can turn a ₹13000 fine into an unexpectedly expensive start to a Europe holiday.
- Oct 27, 2026,
- Updated Oct 27, 2026 9:01 AM IST
An Indian travel creator couple have claimed they were fined about ₹13,000 in Strasbourg, France, after failing to validate a tram ticket worth roughly ₹300. The couple, Vancha and Saksham, shared the incident in an Instagram video, warning first-time visitors to Europe about local ticket-validation rules.
The couple said they had just landed in Strasbourg and bought a one-way tram ticket from a vending machine to reach their Airbnb. According to Vancha, the machine did not clearly explain that the ticket also had to be validated at a separate kiosk before boarding.
The couple said they were unaware that a small kiosk nearby was meant for tapping or stamping the ticket to activate it. They boarded the tram without completing this step.
Their journey took a turn after just two stops, when a ticket inspector checked their tickets. The couple showed the ticket but were reportedly told it was invalid because it had not been validated.
“After two stations, one inspector comes and fines us. We pleaded so much, saying we are tourists in good faith and we have all the bookings,” Vancha said.
She added that they contacted their Airbnb host for help, but the explanation did not convince the inspector to cancel the penalty. According to the couple, the tram ticket cost around ₹300, while the fine was approximately ₹13,000.
Vancha said no staff members were available at the station to guide tourists through the process. She also said the inspector did not consider their intention or tourist status while imposing the fine.
“You are a tourist or not, or whether your intention is good or not, they don’t care,” she said.
DO CHECKOUT: Couple paid ₹1.2 lakh for a Lakshadweep trip, then ₹21,500 extra : What happened next sent them to consumer court
Social Media Reactions
The video has drawn attention online, with several users saying that ticket validation is a strict requirement in many European cities and that tourists should check local transport rules before travelling. Others, however, sympathised with the couple and criticised the lack of clear instructions at the station.
One user tried to console the creators, writing, “Don’t worry. These are travel experiences and investments for hassle-free future travels… have been travelling for more than 15 years… still learning.”
Another commenter suggested that the couple could seek relief through the local transport authority: “This is how it works here. Please go to the nearest metro station; they will reduce the price.”
Another user said the issue was not limited to tourists: “I have a monthly subscription, but still I experienced the same fine as you.”
ALSO READ: ‘It happened slowly...': Indian couple’s American Dream turns into ₹8.4 crore debt
Why Ticket Validation Matters
In several European public-transport systems, buying a ticket is not always enough. Passengers may need to validate, stamp, or tap the ticket at a designated machine before starting their journey; otherwise, inspectors can treat it as travel without a valid ticket.
For Indian travellers, the incident is a reminder to:
- Read instructions on ticket machines and station signage carefully.
- Look for a separate validation kiosk, especially for paper tickets.
- Ask station staff or a fellow passenger if the process is unclear.
- Keep digital tickets, bookings, and receipts handy while travelling.
An Indian travel creator couple have claimed they were fined about ₹13,000 in Strasbourg, France, after failing to validate a tram ticket worth roughly ₹300. The couple, Vancha and Saksham, shared the incident in an Instagram video, warning first-time visitors to Europe about local ticket-validation rules.
The couple said they had just landed in Strasbourg and bought a one-way tram ticket from a vending machine to reach their Airbnb. According to Vancha, the machine did not clearly explain that the ticket also had to be validated at a separate kiosk before boarding.
The couple said they were unaware that a small kiosk nearby was meant for tapping or stamping the ticket to activate it. They boarded the tram without completing this step.
Their journey took a turn after just two stops, when a ticket inspector checked their tickets. The couple showed the ticket but were reportedly told it was invalid because it had not been validated.
“After two stations, one inspector comes and fines us. We pleaded so much, saying we are tourists in good faith and we have all the bookings,” Vancha said.
She added that they contacted their Airbnb host for help, but the explanation did not convince the inspector to cancel the penalty. According to the couple, the tram ticket cost around ₹300, while the fine was approximately ₹13,000.
Vancha said no staff members were available at the station to guide tourists through the process. She also said the inspector did not consider their intention or tourist status while imposing the fine.
“You are a tourist or not, or whether your intention is good or not, they don’t care,” she said.
DO CHECKOUT: Couple paid ₹1.2 lakh for a Lakshadweep trip, then ₹21,500 extra : What happened next sent them to consumer court
Social Media Reactions
The video has drawn attention online, with several users saying that ticket validation is a strict requirement in many European cities and that tourists should check local transport rules before travelling. Others, however, sympathised with the couple and criticised the lack of clear instructions at the station.
One user tried to console the creators, writing, “Don’t worry. These are travel experiences and investments for hassle-free future travels… have been travelling for more than 15 years… still learning.”
Another commenter suggested that the couple could seek relief through the local transport authority: “This is how it works here. Please go to the nearest metro station; they will reduce the price.”
Another user said the issue was not limited to tourists: “I have a monthly subscription, but still I experienced the same fine as you.”
ALSO READ: ‘It happened slowly...': Indian couple’s American Dream turns into ₹8.4 crore debt
Why Ticket Validation Matters
In several European public-transport systems, buying a ticket is not always enough. Passengers may need to validate, stamp, or tap the ticket at a designated machine before starting their journey; otherwise, inspectors can treat it as travel without a valid ticket.
For Indian travellers, the incident is a reminder to:
- Read instructions on ticket machines and station signage carefully.
- Look for a separate validation kiosk, especially for paper tickets.
- Ask station staff or a fellow passenger if the process is unclear.
- Keep digital tickets, bookings, and receipts handy while travelling.