1. NO GUM CHEWING (SINGAPORE)
Those
with gum chewing habits may want to call it quits before heading to
Singapore. The government really wants to keep the city clean and will
fine you for chewing gum, feeding the birds (it causes poop) and
forgetting to flush a public toilet. The only legal gum you can chew is
Nicorette but you have to get it from a doctor and they will give your
name to government officials to confirm you’re allowed to have a wad in
your mouth. These aren’t the only strange laws around the world but
they’re certainly worth noting. Make sure you do your research before
leaving on your next trip. Better safe than sorry!
Those
with gum chewing habits may want to call it quits before heading to
Singapore. The government really wants to keep the city clean and will
fine you for chewing gum, feeding the birds (it causes poop) and
forgetting to flush a public toilet. The only legal gum you can chew is
Nicorette but you have to get it from a doctor and they will give your
name to government officials to confirm you’re allowed to have a wad in
your mouth. These aren’t the only strange laws around the world but
they’re certainly worth noting. Make sure you do your research before
leaving on your next trip. Better safe than sorry!
2. WEAR A COVER UP (GRENADA)
The
folks at Grenada really do have a point. Cruisers visiting the beaches
for day excursions have taken to strolling city streets in nothing but
their bathing suits. In order to reign in a sense of decency, the city
has instituted a fine for those who aren’t wearing decent clothing off
of the beaches. Fines can reach up to $270 but the local tourist
boards would like you to believe that the law is not enforced. Perhaps
its best to simply cover up rather than trying to find out for
yourself.
The
folks at Grenada really do have a point. Cruisers visiting the beaches
for day excursions have taken to strolling city streets in nothing but
their bathing suits. In order to reign in a sense of decency, the city
has instituted a fine for those who aren’t wearing decent clothing off
of the beaches. Fines can reach up to $270 but the local tourist
boards would like you to believe that the law is not enforced. Perhaps
its best to simply cover up rather than trying to find out for
yourself.
3. DON’T KISS YOUR LOVER GOODBYE (FRANCE AND ENGLAND)
Love
died a little bit on April 5th of 1910. Lovers spend so much time
kissing each other goodbye at train stations that trains were actually
running late. The law is relatively old, though, and really isn’t
enforced today – in France, that is. In Warrington Bank Quay in England,
however, you’ll be asked to move your goodbyes to the “kissing zone.”
4. PUT YOUR SHIRT ON (THAILAND)
In
Thailand it is illegal to drive a car or motorcycle without a shirt on
– regardless of how hot it is that day. Punishments range from verbal
warnings to tickets costing about $10. This is no joke – the local
police will pull you over.
In
Thailand it is illegal to drive a car or motorcycle without a shirt on
– regardless of how hot it is that day. Punishments range from verbal
warnings to tickets costing about $10. This is no joke – the local
police will pull you over.
5. DON’T STOP ON THE AUTOBAHN (GERMANY)
You’ve
heard of the Autobahn, right? The notorious German road where there
are no speed limits? Make sure you fill your gas tank BEFORE you get on
this daunting road. It’s illegal to pull over on the side of this road
for any reason and, if you do, it’s illegal to get out and walk. You
are, after all, endangering the lives of the people who are still
driving at warp speeds.
You’ve
heard of the Autobahn, right? The notorious German road where there
are no speed limits? Make sure you fill your gas tank BEFORE you get on
this daunting road. It’s illegal to pull over on the side of this road
for any reason and, if you do, it’s illegal to get out and walk. You
are, after all, endangering the lives of the people who are still
driving at warp speeds.
6. LEAVE YOUR HEADLIGHTS ON (DENMARK)
Studies
in Denmark have shown that vehicles with their headlights on are more
noticeable by other drivers than those who have their headlights off.
You’d think this law would apply to night driving but it doesn’t.
Drivers here are required to leave their headlights on during the day as
well or may face a fine of up to $100.
7. WASH YOUR CAR (MOSCOW)
In
the beautiful city of Moscow it is illegal to drive a dirty car. The
definition of dirty, however, is up in the air. Is a dirty car one on
which you can draw pictures in the dust? Does it hide the license plate?
Does it make the driver invisible? We suppose you’ll find out if the
police poll you over but the fines tend to be whatever the police decide
to charge you – unless, of course, you offer him a bit of cash.
In
the beautiful city of Moscow it is illegal to drive a dirty car. The
definition of dirty, however, is up in the air. Is a dirty car one on
which you can draw pictures in the dust? Does it hide the license plate?
Does it make the driver invisible? We suppose you’ll find out if the
police poll you over but the fines tend to be whatever the police decide
to charge you – unless, of course, you offer him a bit of cash.
8. DON’T PAY IN CHANGE (CANADA)
Ever
have the urge to empty your piggy bank of quarters and run down to the
corner store? Don’t do it in Canada. The Currency Act of 1985
prohibits consumers from using unreasonable amounts of coins to pay for
purchases. This means you can’t pay for an item in all coins
(especially if it’s over $10). Even the use of dollar-coins is limited.
The shop owner has the right to choose whether or not he wants to take
your coins but doesn’t have to.
Ever
have the urge to empty your piggy bank of quarters and run down to the
corner store? Don’t do it in Canada. The Currency Act of 1985
prohibits consumers from using unreasonable amounts of coins to pay for
purchases. This means you can’t pay for an item in all coins
(especially if it’s over $10). Even the use of dollar-coins is limited.
The shop owner has the right to choose whether or not he wants to take
your coins but doesn’t have to.
9. EATING IN PUBLIC (UNITED ARAB EMIRATES)
Before
you leave for the United Arab Emirates you’ll want to make sure you
aren’t visiting during Ramadan. During that time you are not allowed to
eat or drink in public during fasting hours (ie. daylight hours) at
all. Think we’re kidding? Tourists have been fined up to $275 for
drinking juice in public. Avoid public displays of affection as well
unless you want to spend a few months in jail.
Before
you leave for the United Arab Emirates you’ll want to make sure you
aren’t visiting during Ramadan. During that time you are not allowed to
eat or drink in public during fasting hours (ie. daylight hours) at
all. Think we’re kidding? Tourists have been fined up to $275 for
drinking juice in public. Avoid public displays of affection as well
unless you want to spend a few months in jail.
10. DON’T FEED THE PIGEONS (ITALY)
In
Italy it is illegal to feed the pigeons. Ok, that’s a bit of a blanket
statement. The rule actually has the potential to change from city to
city. Make sure you leave the pigeons alone while you’re in Venice,
though – the locals are tired of cleaning up pigeon poop. You’ll also
want to avoid jumping into fountains, walking around without your shirt
on (would you DO that as a tourist), and sitting on the sidewalk to eat
your lunch. Fines range from a warning to monetary infractions
anywhere from $50 to $600.
In
Italy it is illegal to feed the pigeons. Ok, that’s a bit of a blanket
statement. The rule actually has the potential to change from city to
city. Make sure you leave the pigeons alone while you’re in Venice,
though – the locals are tired of cleaning up pigeon poop. You’ll also
want to avoid jumping into fountains, walking around without your shirt
on (would you DO that as a tourist), and sitting on the sidewalk to eat
your lunch. Fines range from a warning to monetary infractions
anywhere from $50 to $600.