Every country has its own set of strange rules, and what might seem totally normal to you could be illegal somewhere else. Some of these laws might leave you scratching your head, but they’re the real deal. Here are 15 things that are actually illegal in other countries that will make you do a double-take.
1. Chewing Gum in Singapore
Believe it or not, you can’t chew gum in Singapore. The government banned it because people kept sticking it on everything, and cleaning it up was a nightmare. The only exception is medical gum, like nicotine gum, but even that’s hard to get. So if you love to chew, you might want to leave your pack at home when you visit Singapore.
2. Wearing High Heels in Greece
If you’re planning on visiting Greece’s ancient ruins, forget about wearing high heels. They’re banned at places like the Acropolis because they can damage the ancient stones. So, no matter how cute your shoes are, it’s best to stick with flats or sneakers while exploring the historical sites. Leave the stilettos for a night out, not sightseeing.
3. Needing Permission to Reincarnate in China
In Tibet, Buddhist monks can’t reincarnate without government approval. Yes, you read that right—there’s a law that says they need permission to come back in their next life. It might seem strange to us here, but in China, it’s simply the law. So if you’re planning on being reincarnated in Tibet, make sure you’ve got the paperwork in order.
4. Running Out of Gas on the Autobahn in Germany
Germany’s Autobahn is famous for having no speed limit in many places, but there’s a catch—if you run out of gas, you’re in big trouble. It’s illegal to stop unless it’s an emergency, and running out of fuel simply doesn’t cut it. So, if you’re cruising at high speeds, make sure your tank is full or you’ll face a fine.
5. Ketchup in French Schools
The French love their traditional cuisine so much that they banned ketchup in school cafeterias. It’s seen as a threat to French food culture, so kids can only have ketchup with fries, and that’s it. If you’re used to slathering everything with ketchup, you’ll have to adjust while in France, especially in schools.
6. Selfies with Buddha Statues in Sri Lanka
In Sri Lanka, taking a selfie with your back to a Buddha statue is illegal. It’s considered incredibly disrespectful in Buddhist culture. If you’re caught doing it, you could face a fine or worse. So, while you can definitely admire the statues, it’s best to just leave your phone and your camera in your pockets.
7. Driving in Flip-Flops in Spain
If you’re planning to drive in Spain, don’t wear flip-flops. It’s illegal because they can slip off and make it harder to control the pedals which could even result in a serious crash. Driving with shoes that could compromise your safety is a big no-go, so pack some proper shoes if you’re planning on hitting the road in Spain.
8. Feeding Pigeons in Venice
Venice might be known for its pigeons, but feeding them is actually illegal. The city banned it to protect its historical buildings from pigeon droppings. If you’re caught tossing bread crumbs to pigeons in St. Mark’s Square, you could be slapped with a hefty fine. So, keep your snacks to yourself and enjoy the view.
9. Swearing in Public in Australia
In certain parts of Australia, dropping a few curse words in public can get you fined. Queensland in particular is pretty strict about public swearing, and if you’re caught, you could be looking at a fine of over $100. So, if you’re visiting, make sure to watch your language, especially if you’re in a public place.
10. Shaking Rugs Out of Windows in the UK
Shaking your rugs out the window might seem harmless, but in the UK, it’s illegal before 8 a.m. This old law dates back to when keeping the streets clean was a big priority. So, if you’re visiting the UK and need to freshen up your rugs, make sure to wait until after breakfast if you don’t want to be a criminal.
11. Driving a Dirty Car in Russia
In Russia, driving a dirty car can land you in trouble. If your car is filthy and your license plate isn’t visible, you can get fined. This law exists so that things are clean on the road, so make sure your car looks decent before heading out in Russian cities. A quick trip to the car wash could save you from a hefty fine.
12. Dancing After Midnight in Japan
Japan used to have a law that banned dancing after midnight in most public places. While the rule has mostly been lifted, it actually still applies in certain areas. It was originally put in place to curb immoral behavior. So, if you’re planning on hitting the dance floor, double-check if it’s allowed after midnight in your area.
13. Wearing Yellow in Malaysia
Wearing yellow in Malaysia is illegal—at least, when it’s tied to political protests. The government banned yellow clothing in protests after it became a symbol of opposition. So, if you’re traveling to Malaysia, be mindful of when and where you wear yellow, as it’s associated with political movements and could get you in trouble.
14. Using Too Much Salt in Chile
Chile has a law that restricts the amount of salt served in restaurants to promote healthier eating habits. You won’t find salt shakers on tables at most eateries, and restaurant staff are supposed to offer it sparingly. If you love adding salt to your food, you might need to adjust your palate before taking a trip to Chile.
15. Forgetting Your Wife’s Birthday in Samoa
Forgetting your wife’s birthday isn’t just a bad move—it’s illegal in Samoa. While it’s unclear how strictly this law is enforced, it’s considered an offense if you forget to celebrate your lady’s special day. So, if you’re in Samoa, make sure you’ve got that date locked in or face the consequences (both legally and personally).
