Ignorance is no defense – especially when it comes to ignorance of the laws in countries you plan to visit. While it may seem natural to study some of the general customs and laws in major foreign countries you might not expect, for example, to have to look for strange law changes in somewhere like Florida. Most places in the world are relatively easy to get along in. Some strange laws are nothing more than folklore. Every once in a while, though, you’re going to run into something a bit off the wall and it’s important for you to be prepared in advance.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
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.
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!
I got this stuff via mail from our Blog vistor, I dont know
this true or ...? Its all depend on you friends, These aren’t the only
strange laws around the world but they’re certainly worth nothing. Make
sure you do your research before leaving on your next trip. Better safe
than sorry!
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