The world is a bizarre place. Every time I learn new facts about it, I’m left with many questions about why things are the way they are.
For instance, have you ever looked into the random laws found across the globe? Some laws are head-scratchers, whether regarding what people can or cannot wear, how they spend their time, or how they travel.
If you plan on traveling abroad this year, read up on these weird laws to protect yourself from facing fines or even jail time.
1. Don’t Wear Camouflage in the Caribbean
If you’re planning a trip to the Caribbean this summer, leave your camo-patterned clothes at home. That’s right. Countries like Barbados, Jamaica, and Saint Lucia have laws forbidding citizens to wear traditional military clothing.
The government wants to distinguish between military members and tourists. This includes hats, jackets, shirts, and pants.
2. Keep Your Tank Full in Germany
The famous German Autobahn is known for its loose speeding laws. On most stretches of the highway, drivers can drive as fast as they want as long as they’re not erratic.
However, the Germans do consider running out of gas dangerous. If you find yourself running low on fuel, stop and fill up immediately, as you can get ticketed for doing so while on the Autobahn.
3. Be Polite on Austrian Trains
Make sure you mind your manners when traveling through Austria. Tourists and disrespectful locals have been known to get fined for engaging in boisterous conversations, eating smelly food, or showing too much public affection.
Finish that tuna sandwich and try to limit your newlywed kisses if you plan to honeymoon in Vienna any time soon.
4. Limit Your Bingo Time in North Carolina
I guess the local retirement homes were getting out of control because North Carolina passed a law requiring bingo sessions to be no more than five hours long. No more calling out “Bingo!” at all hours of the night.
If you’re on a hot streak and want to see if your luck keeps going, you’ll have to head out of state to get your bingo fix.
5. No Dancing in Sweden
Be careful when your favorite song comes on the jukebox if you’re in a bar in Sweden. You may want to hit the dance floor, but you could be breaking the law without a dance license.
Fortunately, the newer members of the Swedish government repealed the no-dancing law in 2016. Still, up until July 2023, the ban was consistently upheld. Could you imagine getting a ticket for doing the Macarena?
6. India Hates Kites
Flying a kite can be a fun way to spend a sunny afternoon — unless you live in India. The Indian government considers all things that fly to be aircraft.
According to the Indian Aircraft Act of 1934, anyone flying a kite without a license can face a fine or prison time of up to two years. Talk about ruining your day.
7. No Chewing Gum in Singapore
Most Americans keep a pack of chewing gum in their purse or pocket to keep their breath fresh. But if you’re traveling to Singapore, you might have to swap to mints because the country banned the sale and use of gum back in 1992.
The government was tired of workers having to scrap gum off streets, light poles, and wherever else a person irresponsibly disposed of their gum. Singapore is widely considered one of the world’s cleanest cities, so it probably wasn’t such a bad idea.
8. Monaco Banned Locals from Gambling
Despite Monaco being home to one of the finest casinos in the world, The Monte Carlo Casino, locals cannot partake in the action. The government claims they do not want their population to lose their morals and become gambling addicts.
The Monegasque government definitely does not have a problem catering to the wealthy gamblers who enter their casino daily, however.
9. Don’t Bother the Arizona Cacti
One of Arizona’s most iconic landmarks is the saguaro cactus. These plants are so beloved in this Southwestern state that destroying one without the landowner’s consent could result in prison time.
Could you imagine explaining to your cellmate that you’re in the big house because you decided to cut down a cactus?
10. Stop Feeding the Pigeons in Venice
Venice, Italy, is one of Europe’s more romantic places. With so many people roaming the streets, the government had to ban feeding the pigeons because they created massive swarms of hungry birds looking for a quick meal.
The birds have become so aggressive that they have been known to scare small kids and make a mess all over the streets.
11. No Winnie-the-Pooh in Poland
Why would anyone have a problem with the beloved children’s character Winnie-the-Pooh? Apparently, the fact that the cuddly bear that doesn’t wear pants is repulsive in Poland.
Tourists are encouraged to keep their Pooh apparel at home when out in public, or they could be fined. What are Poland’s thoughts on Donald Duck or Mickey Mouse? Is it strictly a hatred for cartoon bears?
12. No Vaping in Thailand
Thailand has taken a stance on smoking in the past decade. Smoking is prohibited in all indoor public places, indoor workplaces, and public transport. Still, the government stepped it up a notch and banned vaping.
Thai officials agree that e-cigarettes encourage the younger generation to start smoking, and they want to avoid that if at all possible.
13. No High Heels at Historic Sites in Greece
Greece is home to many ancient ruins that attract visitors from all over the globe. Some of these places are well over 2,500 years old and are susceptible to damage.
In 2009, Greece decided to ban high heels at famous sites like the Acropolis. This will help preserve the delicate features and help tourists stay safe walking around on loose stones and broken staircases. No one needs to wear stilettos when touring these archaic locations.
14. No Selfies With Buddha in Sri Lanka
Were you really there if you didn’t take a selfie in front of a monument? If you plan on visiting Sri Lanka, you might have to convince your friends you saw the famous Buddha statue.
Turning your back on a religious figure is highly frowned upon and considered disrespectful in their culture. It’s also polite to cover tattoos and avoid all photographs of the giant Buddha.
15. Keep Your Feet on the Ground in Toronto
Canadians do not like people climbing in their trees. They hate it so much that a person found climbing a tree can face a fine of up to $365.
Climbing trees can damage their branches and cause the trees to develop disease. They don’t want their shady, lovely trees damaged because people insist on climbing them.
Adam Spraker
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