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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