Travelling abroad isn’t all about clicking a bunch of selfies, touring popular sites in your #ootd and putting up social media updates every two minutes. In order to be a well-prepared tourist one must dig a little deeper about the places you visit. Here’s a list of countries, which have some strange laws in place that may land you behind bars. Travel safe!
Spain
Strolling the streets of the Catalan capital, Barcelona, in your swimwear is trouble all way. Roughly six years ago, a ban was imposed on tourists who’d wander away from the beach area in their swimsuits. Apparently, those violating the ban may face fines up to 500 euros. A little clothing never hurt anyone, right?
Greece
Summer calls for some heels and flow-y dresses, but authorities of ancient greek sites aren’t a fan of it. Many summers ago, the Grecian officials kick-started a campaign calling out all those who wore heels to historical sites; they argued the pointed heels were damaging the weak structures of these places.
Singapore
If you’re someone who cannot do with a chewing gum, may be you need a new habit when you visit the Lion City. Prepare for a little sticky time ahead. Apparently, spitting chewing gum out on the streets will land one in paying fines up to 700 Singapore dollars. Over a decade ago, the government has imposed a strict ban on chewing gum import.
USA
San Francisco’s health officials and animal advocates have time and again advised its citizens and tourists to not feed the gulls and pigeons as it results in a boom in the population of the birds. Also, they are usually found in flocks, which means when you toss a morsel of food, the birds fight to reach it, resulting in minor injuries. A spike in their number have caused the city’s sidewalks to be splattered in bird poop.
Italy
You cannot not have a good day in Milan. Apparently, it’s illegal to frown in the city. However citizens/ tourists may frown when at a funeral and during hospital visits. One may land hefty fines when not smiling. Strange, yes? But look at the positive: Never a dull selfie.
Japan
A handful of over-the-counter drugs and inhalers are banned in Japan. It’s quite the deal breaker for those wanting to study or live long time in the country. Any and all medicines containing pseudoephedrine has been banned under the country’s strict anti-stimulant drug laws. Best way to avoid being fined or detained at the airport is to check with authorities if you can bring them along.
Australia
Apparently, only a licensed electrician gets to change a fused bulb. If you aren’t and still change that one non-functional light bulb in your house, you are likely to be fined 10 Australian dollars.
Germany
Why is an empty tank a legal offence in Germany? According to reports, stopping at the Autobahn highway because of an empty tank is human error and therefore, punishable. The fine ranges in between 50 to 70 Euros.
Switzerland
So, if you had the runs and it’s post 10 pm, what do you do? In Swiss land, you go to the washroom but leave your poo as it is. It’s illegal to flush your toilet after 10 pm; it’s considered to be noise pollution. However, there are various reports that have called it an “urban myth.”
Travel plans, anyone?
