Traveling abroad isn’t just about clicking a bunch of selfies, touring popular sites in your #ootd, and posting social media updates every two minutes. To be a well-prepared tourist you need to dig a little deeper about the places you visit. Here is a list of countries that have some strange laws that can put you behind bars. Travel safe!
Spain
Strolling the streets of the Catalan capital, Barcelona, in your swimwear is already difficult. About six years ago, a ban was imposed on tourists straying from the beach in their swimsuits. Apparently, those who violate the ban can face fines of up to 500 euros. A little clothes never hurt anyone, right?
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Greece
Summer calls for some heels and flow-y dresses, but the authorities of ancient Greek sites aren’t a fan of that. Many summers ago, Greek officials embarked on a campaign calling on all those who love historic sites; they argued that the pointed heels damaged the weak structures of these places.
Singapore
If you’re someone who can’t do with a chewing gum, you might need a new habit when you visit the Lion City. Prepare for some sticky time ahead. Apparently spit gum on the street to pay fines of up to 700 Singapore dollars. More than a decade ago, the government imposed a strict ban on chewing gum imports.
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United States
San Francisco’s health officials and animal advocates have time and again advised their citizens and tourists not to feed the seagulls and doves as this results in a boom in the birds’ population. Also, they are usually found in flocks, meaning that when you throw a bite of food, the birds fight to reach it, resulting in minor injuries. A spike in their numbers has left the city’s sidewalks splattered in saliva.
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Italy
You can’t have a good day in Milan. Apparently it’s illegal to frown in town. But citizens/tourists may frown at a funeral and during hospital visits. You can get hefty fines if you don’t smile. Strange, yes? But look at the positive: Never a boring selfie.
Japan
A handful of over-the-counter drugs and inhalers are banned in Japan. It is quite the deal breaker for those who want to study or live long in the country. Any and all drugs containing pseudoephedrine are banned under the country’s strict anti-stimulant drug laws. The best way to avoid being fined or detained at the airport is to check with the authorities to see if you can take them with you.
Australia
Apparently only a licensed electrician gets a melted bulb. If you don’t have that non-functional light in your house and still replace it, you’re likely to be fined 10 Australian dollars.
Germany
Why is an empty tank a legal offense in Germany? According to reports, stopping people on the Autobahn because of an empty tank is human error and therefore punishable by law. The fine ranges from 50 to 70 euros.
Switzerland
So, if you had the points and it’s after 10 p.m., what do you do? In the Swiss country, you go to the washroom but leave your poop as it is. It is illegal to flush your toilet after 10 p.m.; it is considered noise pollution. However, there are several reports that have called it an “urban myth.”
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