Planning a vacation to another country? Know some of unusual laws from around the world

New Delhi: Do you love travelling? Have you ever noticed that every country has unique rules for its tourists? Travelling is considered one of the stress busters and makes a person happy. It is about how one plans travel; it involves a lot of hard work. Some people have become famous on social media because of their travel hacks and talk about every country’s unusual travel rules. In this article, let us discover 9 travel rules worldwide.

Unusual travel rules

Every country’s laws are different, and what is right in one country can be wrong in the other. These weird laws can put an abrupt halt to your fantastic vacation. So when planning to travel, it is essential to remember the different unusual laws and customs of the country you are travelling in. Following is the list:

1. No Buddha Tattoo in Sri Lanka

Yes, you read that correctly. There is a ban on the Buddha Tattoo in the island nation as the country believes it is an offence. One cannot take pictures while standing before the Buddha statue in Sri Lanka. This act can get you in trouble. In the past, some tourists have been banned from entering Sri Lanka as the Buddha tattoo was clearly on their bodies. The country is very serious about its religion and can’t tolerate any mistreatment of Buddhist images and sculptures.

2. No chewing gum in Singapore

You can’t do without bubble gum, but if you travel to Singapore, you must say bye to chewing gum. Since 1992, the country’s strict laws have banned the sale, possession or chewing of bubble gum. If anyone is caught eating gum, then a hefty fine of up to USD 1,00,000 or prison for two years is given to the person. The intention behind the unusual law is considered pretty solid, as it is responsible for significant environmental damage. Avoid carrying gum as a tourist; instead, you can have mints.

3. No feeding pigeons in Venice and San Francisco

Think twice before you feed pigeons in St Mark’s Square, Venice. These birds face problems. This ban was enforced in 2008, and one can be fined up to EUR 700 or USD 762. The fine is imposed because these birds threaten the monuments and public health. While Italy is not the only place where feeding pigeons is banned, it can be seen in San Francisco, USA, where these birds are called ‘the rats of the sky’.

4. No high heels in Greece

It is illegal to wear high heels in Greece when touring ancient monuments like the Parthenon and the Acropolis in Athens or any other historic site. This law was created to avoid scratching or damaging the stones. In Rome’s Colosseum, you can only enter wearing proper walking shoes.

5. Don’t step on currency in Thailand

It is a crime to step on Baht, the currency of Thailand. The reason is that the currency notes and coins have an image of the king, and stepping on them would offend his dignity. Thais also believe that the feet are the dirtiest body parts.

6. No flushing after 10 pm in Switzerland

If travelling in Switzerland, you must remember that you mustn’t flush the toilet after 10 pm. The Swiss tenancy order is known for its strictness and precision. However, the order varies from building to building and also depends on several factors, like the thickness of the walls, the number of apartments in the building, and the profile of the tenants. But where the rule is, flushing the toilet is considered noise pollution.

7. No camouflage clothing in Barbados

In Barbados, camouflage clothing is illegal unless you are in the armed forces. Some other Caribbean countries, like St Vincent and St Lucia, also ban the wearing of camouflage attire. Children are not exempt from this rule, and adults found flouting it will be fined.

8. You can’t carry codeine in Japan

If you are travelling to Japan, don’t carry codeine-containing medicines or stimulants like nasal inhalers, as these medications are prohibited beyond a permissible amount. You must get permission from the relevant Narcotics Control Department in Japan. If you do not follow this travel rule, you may also be deported or subject to detention unless you have permission from relevant authorities.

9. No questions in North Korea

North Korea is one of the most beautiful places in the world. But the country has strict laws and mysteries. You must avoid any questions or curiosity you may have. You will have to ‘deposit’ your passport with them and then be ready to follow all their rules and conditions so you do not get in trouble. Showing disrespect to present and former North Korean leaders is a criminal act, and it can land you in jail, expulsion, or imprisonment.

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