17 BIZARRE LAWS FROM AROUND THE WORLD


It’s already hard enough communicating with a concierge, cab driver or server in a country where you don’t speak the language. Imagine having to convince a police officer you’re innocent! Skip that sticky situation and be aware of these bizarre laws when traveling.

1. Vicks inhalers are illegal in Japan
Traveling with allergies to Japan could prove difficult: any over-the-counter medications that list pseudoephedrine as an ingredient — found in Vicks inhalers and Sudafed — are forbidden in the country. In addition, medications containing codeine are banned.
2. Don’t have a holy picnic in Italy
The steps of a gorgeous cathedral might seem like the perfect place to sit down and enjoy your panini in Italy, but move along! In the city of Florence it’s strictly forbidden to consume anything on the steps or in the courtyard of a church, and the same goes for eating near public buildings like libraries or political structures.
3. Get a tan line in Fiji
The sun feels so good in Fiji and the locals seem so free, but some of your body has to miss out on the warmth. Removing your top while sunbathing or swimming is illegal.
4. Let the pigeons fend for themselves in San Francisco
It’s tempting to toss your hotdog bun crumbs to the hoards of pigeons swarming around you in San Francisco, but let them fend for themselves. If you’re caught feeding them, you could face a hefty fine.
5. Leave your religion behind in Maldives
Public observance of any religion besides Islam is against the law in Maldives. Even bringing a bible with you in your suitcase could get you into trouble.
6. Store it in your real memory in Kazakhstan
You’ll have to rely on your memories when visiting military or official buildings in Kazakhstan. Photography in these areas, as well as in or around an airport, is forbidden.
7. Clear your pipe in Jamaica
U.S. citizens may be surprised to know the culture they sometimes associate with marijuana strictly forbids it. Growing, using or possessing marijuana has been outlawed in Jamaica since 1913. Being caught partaking in any of the above can result in a long visit to prison.
8. Bring your Breathalyzer to France
The law mandates that all drivers in France keep a portable Breathalyzer in their vehicle at all times. If you’re found without one, you’ll face a fine. Tourists are not exempt!
9. Put away the PDA in UAE
Public displays of affection of any kind are strictly prohibited in the United Arab Emirates. Naïve tourists are regularly put in prison for breaking this law.
10. Keep a calm mouth in Singapore
In Singapore, you won’t get the courtesy, “You have to put that out” tap on the shoulder for lighting up in public — you’ll be immediately fined for smoking. But the more shocking law is that chewing gum on the mass rapid-transit system will also result in a fine.
11. Don’t make faces at a dog in Oklahoma
In Oklahoma, a woman was arrested for staring at a police dog and making disapproving faces at it. Authorities consider this a disrespectful act towards law enforcement.
12. Only life-like dolls allowed in France
Don’t expect to see any E.T. dolls being sold in France. It is illegal here to sell dolls with human-like bodies that do not have human faces.
13. Don’t take a bath after 10pm in Switzerland
A law in Switzerland calls for “peace and quiet between 10pm and 7am” and a landlord can call the police if someone takes a shower or bath that lasts longer than 20 minutes during those hours.
14. Eat this fruit in the privacy of your home while in Southeast Asia
In hotels and many public spaces in Southeast Asia, it is illegal to consume Durian (a local mango.) The fruit has a very strong odor, and those who break the rule in hotels will be charged a hefty fee.
15. Don’t go commando in Thailand
No matter how crazy your night gets in Thailand, don’t leave your hotel room (or someone else’s) without your underwear on. It is illegal to go out without underwear on in Thailand. We’re not sure how anyone is enforcing that though.
16. Address your envelopes correctly in England
Disrespecting the queen in anyway is against the law in England, even down to a small act like putting a stamp with her face on it upside down. That is considered treason.
17. How many people does it take to change a light bulb in Victoria?
Zero! Regular people, that is. It is illegal in Victoria, Australia for anybody besides a licensed electrician to change a light bulb. So if your light goes out in the middle of the night and all local businesses are closed, you might just have to light a lantern old school style.

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