Non-payment to a Non-Jew after Service | Stealing from a Non-Jew | Ask the Rabbi - SHEILOT.COM

Non-payment to a Non-Jew after Service

Question

I entered an attraction owned by a non-Jew (such as a boat ride owned by a Druze, or any other attraction abroad), and I was supposed to pay after completion. Am I obligated to pay, or can I avoid payment (of course, assuming there is no concern of desecrating God's name, Heaven forbid)?

Answer

If you initially entered with the intention to pay, you may avoid payment (as it is considered annulling a non-Jew's loan, which is permitted), but if you entered initially without the intention to pay, you must pay (as it is considered stealing from a non-Jew, which is forbidden).

Source

Shulchan Aruch, Choshen Mishpat, Siman 348.

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