No Vaping For You
As of 2017, the country of Greece has banned the usage of vaping/E-Cigarettes. The ban specifically exists in transportation areas (buses, airports, train stations) and in public spaces. Kudos to Greece for keeping it classy — though many of the bros who love their metal smoke boxes probably won’t be too pleased.
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Selfie Time is OVER
The tropical country of Sri Lanka has some very strict policies as it pertains to Buddha. Individuals aren’t allowed to take selfies in front of depictions of Lord Buddha. Along with this, no one is allowed to have a tattoo of Buddha. There have been multiple stories of tourists denied entry into the country simply due to their ink. In other words, cover that tattoo up.
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Sorry Guys, No Dancing
In the opulent country of Egypt, the law specifies that men are not allowed to participate in belly dancing. Only women are gifted the opportunity to enjoy such an event. Men simply are required to delve into another style (which preferably hides their stomach).
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Home Cooking On The Radio
Canadians sure do love their local singers. In fact, the country requires all radio stations to play Canadian artists on the air for a minimum of 35-percent of the time. This has to occur Monday-Friday from 6 a.m.-6 p.m. In other words, be prepared to hear plenty of Avril Lavigne, Justin Bieber, and Nickelback.
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Stay Away From Pigeons
The Italian city of Venice is known for its gorgeous views, fantastic water ways, and its inordinate amount of pigeons. Tourists from all over love to toss some bread at the pigeons congregating in open squares. However, this isn’t a wise move. The Italian Government made it so those who feed the pigeons will be fined as much as 700 Euro (over $800 U.S. dollars). The anti-pigeon stipulation first was created in 2008.
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Be Respectful of Your Neighbors
Switzerland is known for being a rather quirky place. This can be seen in its policy on flushing toilets. According to Swiss law, it is illegal to flush one’s toilet after 10 p.m. in an apartment building. As such, it’s imperative that those living in these apartments aren’t saddled with the late night “No. 2.”
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Ms. Cleo Doesn’t Live Here
According to law in the state of Maryland, fortune telling is illegal. Those who claim to be clairvoyant can be fined up to $500 (if found guilty). For more serious cases, jail time has even been instituted specifically when someone utilizes cards to predict the future.
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Don’t Litter
In the pristine country Singapore, it is illegal to chew gum. It’s not sold in the country — nor is it bought anywhere. This law is aimed at keeping pubic places clean. Tourists should really take note of this rule. People have been fined up to $100,000 for chewing gum (and that’s a first-time infraction). Duly, prison sentences of up to 12 years have also been dolled out.
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No Winnie The Pooh For You
The country of Poland apparently doesn’t appreciate the brilliance that is Winnie the Pooh. No one in the country is allowed to wear clothing featuring the lovable bear. Why, you ask? Simply put, Winnie the Pooh was banned from playgrounds and schools alike because Pooh doesn’t wear any pants.
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Don’t Get a DCUI
The country of Scotland knows how to have a good time. Whether a stereotype or not, many in Scotland tend to have a proclivity for drinking. Dating back to 1872, Scottish law instituted a policy which prohibits anyone from drunkenly riding a cow. Yes, you can get arrested/ticketed if you’re caught trying to traverse through the highlands on a cow whilst plastered. This law also extends to those wanting to operate a horse, a carriage, and a steam engine.
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Special Clothing For Special People
The Caribbean is normally billed as a region of luxury, relaxation, and tranquility. The same doesn’t always apply to one’s attire. In the nations of St. Lucia, Jamaica, St. Vincent, Antigua, Barbuda, and Barbados, no one is allowed to wear any clothing with camouflage print. This specific print is reserved for members of the military only.
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Danish Disguises
Those in Denmark apparently aren’t big fans of Halloween. The government does not want any of its citizens to cover their faces whilst in public areas. In 2018, a law was introduced to the masses. It prohibited locals from wearing masks, fake beards, scarves, helmets, and burkas. Needless to say, some were very upset by this ruling.
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Lingerie No More
The countries that make up the former Soviet Union aren’t always known as bastions for sexuality, scandal, or unabated fun. As such, it makes sense that the likes of Russia, Kazakhstan, and Belarus have outlawed the use of lacy underwear. In fact, all underwear must be created with a minimum of 6-percent cotton. When pressed for the rationale behind this law, the countries pointed to health reasons. I’m guessing lingerie stores aren’t booming in Minsk or Moscow right now.
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Wear Proper Undergarments
Similarly to the former Soviet Union, Thailand also must abide by a law revolving around underpants. It is legally required for men and women to wear underwear before leaving the home. We aren’t sure how this rule is enforced — nor do we really want to know.
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Keep Your Shirt On
The city of Barcelona doesn’t mess around — particularly when it comes to showing a ton of skin. It it illegal to be in Barcelona without a shirt on. The only two acceptable locations which don’t require wearing a shirt include the beach and a pool. In 2011, lawmakers were motivated to create this law to combat the hoards of drunk tourists. One could be fined up to 260 euros for participating sans shirt.
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This is a Weird One
In the African country of Madagascar, pregnant women are prohibited from wearing hats. We aren’t quite sure why this is a law — nor do we feel as if it really serves much of a purpose. However, the often blazing heat in Madagascar would be contended with a whole lot better if pregnant women were able to wear gigantic floppy hats covering their entire head and neck.
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Democracy to the Extreme
The Egyptian government is rather strict on its voting policies. How strict, you ask? Well for starters, all citizens living in Egypt are required by law to vote in elections. If you opt out of this stipulation, the Egyptian government reserves the right to both fine you and send you to jail.
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Potty Mouth
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) makes it illegal for anyone within its country’s limits to swear. People who do swear out loud are potentially subject to a jail sentence, fine, or even deportation depending upon how egregious the penalty is. This law includes profanity on social media and in text messages. We’re guessing the eggplant emoji is not a favorite in UAE.
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Don’t Upset Precious Events
By law, both funerals and weddings must never be interrupted (in the country of Australia). Aussies are highly respectable people — particularly to those who they love/loved. For the person who disturbs the event, they run the risk of being banned from all social events. Duly, Australia has been known to levy a $10,000 fine — or even a multi-year jail sentence.
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Please Come Prepared When Hiking
During the 2010’s, adventurous hikers found it both hilarious and exhilarating to go on hikes whilst fully nude. Germany and Switzerland were two of the reported hot spots for such a feat. However, Switzerland had to remind hikers that nudity on the trails results in a fine for public indecency. In other words, don’t go hiking naked. You’d run the risk of falling on a rock or a cactus, anyway.
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Drop The Pumps, Add the Nikes
The country of Greece comes equipped with some of the oldest and most famous buildings in the world. Those in the government want to keep them as preserved as possible. This means that those visiting the historical sites must be respectful. Greece has outlawed anyone with stilettos, pumps, and high heels from walking around. These shoes present an inherent danger to the preexisting ground. As such, they recommend wearing athletic shoes with soft soles.
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Photography Has a Season For a Reason
Wyoming has become somewhat of a trendy location for hipster travelers all over the United States. The stunning views — coupled with the tranquil environment — also make it a very alluring spot for those with a proclivity for Instagram. However, IG users beware. Between the months of January-April, it is illegal to take pictures of rabbits in the wild without a permit. We don’t know the answer for this law — though we readily admit that it’s a strange one.
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B-I-N-G-O
Bingo is a very common game within the United States. People of all ages and generations can join in on this timeless classic. Nothing in the way of skill is involved, and it’s generally a stress-free activity (aside from the one psycho screaming at every single number called). Interestingly enough, the United States has made a law in which a single game of Bingo cannot last for more than five hours. This was likely aimed at the grandchild who was dragged against their will to the social hall for an afternoon with Granny.
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Leave The Cactus Alone
The state of Arizona is often associated with its most famous plant, a cactus. Being both a source of pride as well as a noteworthy symbol, the cactus is very significant to everyday life within the state. As such, it’s illegal to cut any sort of cactus. People found guilty of the crime may spend as many as 25 years behind bars.
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This Isn’t Scotland
In many cultures, it’s perfectly acceptable for a grown man to wear a skit. For example, Scottish men wear kilts. Men in parts of India wear something called a mundu. Though there’s a rich and diverse history as it pertains to men wearing skirts, Italy has completely made it illegal for a man to do so. One may even get arrested for such an act.
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