10 Unusual Laws To Watch Out For Your Next Vacation

When travelling, it’s very important to keep in mind the different unusual laws and customs of your destination. Responsible travel reduces the risk of being fined or arrested for something you didn’t even know about.

So, here is a selection of surprising and unusual laws to watch out for on your next vacation abroad:

# You cannot smoke or drink in public in Ukraine

Smoking and the consumption of alcoholic drinks in public places in Ukraine – which include parks, playgrounds, sports and government buildings, bus stops, and transportation – is officially banned.

# E-cigarettes are banned in Thailand

Vaporisers, such as e-cigarettes, e-baraku or their refills, are not allowed in Thailand. If found they will be confiscated, and you could be fined or face a prison sentence of up to 10 years. Thailand has also recently banned smoking across 24 beaches, including popular tourist destinations such as Phuket, Koh Samui, and Krabi, in an effort to protect its coastal environment.

# No tobacco in Bhutan

Taking this one step further, Bhutan has made it illegal to bring tobacco into the country. In an effort to keep mountain air pure, the country has enacted one of the harshest anti-tobacco laws in the world, as you can neither smoke nor sell cigarettes here.

# Codeine is not allowed in Japan

The use, or possession, of certain medicines that contain Codeine, such as Vicks Inhalers or painkillers are banned in Japan. Violators can face detention and deportation.

# You can’t chew gum in Singapore

In Singapore, it’s a criminal offence to chew gum unless you can prove that it’s medicinal. Selling non-medical chewing gum or chewing normal gum will result in a fine of $1000. A second offence will cost $2000, along with community service. Littering and spitting also face similar fines.

# Don’t spit in Barcelona

Spitting in public is definitely frowned upon in many places, but in Barcelona, it will be met with steep fines.

# No durians in public

The infamously smelly durian fruit may not be well known in many parts of the world, but in Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore, laws ban it in public places like buses, trains, hotels, airports, and schools.

# Don’t feed the pigeons in Venice

Feeding the pigeon in St Mark’s Square in Venice will be met with a fine. This has been done to reduce pigeon numbers and the damage they cause to the historic buildings.

# Don’t feed pigeons in San Francisco either

It is also illegal to feed the pigeons inside the city limits of San Francisco. Called “the rats of the sky,” authorities have termed their large population of pigeons a health hazard.

# No non-Islamic religious texts in the Maldives

The Muslim nation of the Maldives bans anything they deem goes against the teachings of Islam, including pornography, pork, alcohol, and non-Islamic religious texts. If you’re a visitor of a different faith who wants to carry a copy of your holy text, you’re allowed to bring only one copy, but make sure not to leave it out in the open, as you can face a penalty.