Know Before You Travel: 20 Weird Laws Around the World

Traveling abroad is all about discovering new places, experiencing different cultures, and making unforgettable memories. But did you know that some countries have laws so unusual they might leave you speechless? Something that seems normal in your home country could be illegal somewhere else!

To make sure your trip goes smoothly, Gother has gathered 20 weird laws around the world. Get ready to be surprised!

Thailand’s scorching heat might tempt you to take off your shirt while driving, but beware! According to Thailand’s Land Transport Act, drivers must dress appropriately. Going shirtless behind the wheel is considered improper and could land you with a fine. Even if it’s just a short drive, don’t risk it—you never know when the police might be watching!

Throwing trash anywhere but a designated bin in Japan is a serious offense. The country takes cleanliness very seriously, and cities strictly enforce anti-littering laws. If you’re caught tossing garbage in public places, expect a hefty fine—especially in major urban areas!

Japan is known for its incredible cuisine, but did you know wasting food is frowned upon? Some restaurants may even charge you extra if you leave too much food on your plate. This is because wasting food is seen as disrespectful to those who prepared it. To avoid any embarrassment (or extra charges), order smaller portions and finish everything!

Love chewing gum? Not in Singapore! The country has strict laws banning gum, except for medical purposes. If you’re caught with gum, you could face a heavy fine. This law was introduced to keep public spaces clean—so if you’re visiting Singapore, better leave that pack of gum at home!

Hunting for free Wi-Fi? Think twice before connecting to an unsecured network in Singapore! Using someone else’s Wi-Fi without permission is considered cybercrime under Singapore’s Computer Misuse Act, and violators could face fines or even jail time.

In Vietnam, wearing a helmet while riding a motorcycle or scooter is mandatory, no matter where you are. And here’s an extra quirky law: transporting a coffin on a motorcycle is illegal! Authorities enforce this to prevent accidents on busy roads.

Planning to wear a spooky mask in Taiwan? Think again! Wearing a mask that causes fear or panic is against the law, and violators could face fines or even jail time. So, keep the Halloween costumes for private parties only!

Public displays of affection, like kissing and hugging, can be illegal in Malaysia, particularly in more conservative areas. If caught, you could be fined for violating public decency laws. Best to keep your romantic moments private while visiting!

Trying to save money by sharing a taxi with a stranger in Japan? That might not be an option! In some parts of Japan, sharing a taxi with someone outside your group is illegal. The rule exists to ensure safety and comfort for passengers and drivers alike.

“Love motels” are popular among local couples in South Korea, but did you know some of them refuse bookings from foreign tourists? Many establishments strictly regulate their guests to maintain privacy. If you’re looking for unique accommodations in Korea, be sure to check the motel’s policy before booking!

Bringing a selfie stick to Shanghai Disneyland? Not so fast! Many attractions and museums, including Disneyland, ban selfie sticks to prevent accidents and protect exhibits. If you want the perfect shot, ask someone to take your picture instead!

Snapping a picture of police officers in Macau without permission is illegal. Authorities believe it could interfere with their duties. To avoid trouble, keep your camera away from law enforcement while visiting.

Koalas may look adorable, but in some parts of Australia, such as Queensland, touching them is illegal! The law exists to protect these sensitive animals from stress caused by human interaction.

Drinking in public spaces is illegal in certain areas of the UK, including parts of London. If caught, police can confiscate your drink or even fine you. Always check local laws before cracking open a beer outside!

Taking a nap in a park or on the beach in cities like Barcelona and Madrid could get you fined. Authorities see it as a disturbance to public spaces, so if you need a rest, find a cozy café instead!

Staying in a Swiss apartment? Be mindful of noise rules! In some buildings, flushing the toilet after 10 PM is prohibited to prevent disturbing neighbors. If you break this rule, you might receive a warning—or worse, a fine!

Feeding pigeons in Venice may seem fun, but it’s actually illegal. The city banned it to protect historic buildings from pigeon droppings and to control the bird population. If you’re caught tossing breadcrumbs, expect a fine!

Visiting the Acropolis? Leave the high heels at home! Greece has banned high-heeled shoes at historical sites to protect the ancient stone surfaces from damage. Opt for comfy flats instead!

Driving on Germany’s famous Autobahn? Make sure your gas tank is full! Running out of fuel on this high-speed highway is illegal, as it poses a safety hazard. Always check your fuel levels before hitting the road!

In Saudi Arabia, taking photos of people—especially women—without permission is a serious offense. Fines range from 300 to 500,000 Saudi riyals. Always ask before snapping pictures to avoid legal trouble.

Surprised by these weird laws around the world? Some of them might seem strange, but breaking them could lead to fines—or worse! Before you travel, make sure to research local laws to avoid unexpected troubles.

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