When going to other countries, there are lots of ways to end up on the wrong side of
the law inadvertently.
While the majority of tourists strive to be good guests, there are just some laws and
social mores in different countries that will probably not be very apparent to the
visitor and, when unknowingly breached, carry a penalty or worse.
Singapore
The cleanliness laws of the city-state are very strict, and many tourists are taken by
surprise, with huge fines for chewing gum, eating on public transit, or not flushing
public toilets. Even walking around your hotel room naked can be illegal, as being
visible through windows counts as public nudity.
Japan
Many visitors unknowingly break the law by bringing common cold medicines
containing pseudoephedrine into the country. Walking while eating, taking photos in
many stores, and being loud on trains can also result in formal warnings or fines.
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United Arab Emirates
Public displays of affection, photographing government buildings or people without
permission, and sharing hotel rooms with someone you’re not married to are all
against the law. Even hand gestures considered innocent in the West can get you
into legal hot water.
Venice, Italy
The strict tourist behavior laws in the city catch many visitors unaware, with fines
issued for sitting on monuments, feeding pigeons, or stopping on bridges. Picnics in
public spaces and swimming in canals will result in hefty fines.
Thailand
Many tourists break the law by stepping on Thai currency, which bears the king’s
image, taking Buddha images out of the country without a license, or going shirtless
away from the beach. Even vaping devices are strictly illegal and can result in arrest.
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Maldives
Strict Islamic laws bar alcohol and religious items outside of resort areas. Public
displays of affection and revealing swimwear on local islands are also illegal. It is not
hard for tourists to unwittingly break these various laws once they leave the resorts.
Greece
Several archaeological sites draw in many visitors every year due to the strict
restrictions around photography. Meanwhile, picking seashells from several beaches
is banned, as is wearing high heels at some ancient sites since it risks causing
damage to historic stones.
Norway
Due to the country’s strict environmental laws, picking wild berries in certain areas or
disturbing natural formations can be considered illegal. Other common laws that
tourists break in Iceland include wild camping in restricted zones and approaching
wildlife too closely.
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Germany
Many visitors find Germany’s recycling laws baffling, while failing to adhere to
pedestrian signals may lead to fines. Many tourists unknowingly break the law by
downloading or streaming content without proper licensing.
Switzerland
Taking pictures of other people’s property without permission can be considered
illegal, while tourists are often in violation of local laws regarding noise levels on
Sundays. And yes, flushing the toilet after 10 PM in an apartment can get one
complaints and fines.
Bhutan
Too many tourists commit legal infractions regarding sacred sites by touching things
they should not, taking pictures inside temples when not authorized to do so, and
wearing inappropriate clothing. Tobacco restrictions often catch tourists by surprise.
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China
Using VPNs without authorization, photographing military installations (which aren’t
always clearly marked), or making certain political statements on social media can all
result in legal trouble. Even pointing with your finger can be considered rude and
problematic in some contexts.
Morocco
Public displays of affection, wearing revealing clothing in religious areas, and
photographing certain government buildings can lead to legal problems. Many
tourists also inadvertently violate currency export laws when departing the country.
Indonesia
Most tourists violate laws related to modest dress at religious sites. Others have
encountered problems for not showing respect for local customs, bringing in
prescription drugs without proper documentation, or public displays of affection.
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South Korea
It may be illegal to photograph military or government buildings (not always easily
identifiable), teach English without proper certification, or engage in political
demonstrations. Even the wearing of military camouflage clothing can be a problem.
Travel Responsibly
It’s not only to avoid fines or other possible legal issues, but understanding and
respecting local laws also contributes to your being a responsible global citizen.
Before traveling to any new country, take the time to research local laws and
customs, as what seems perfectly normal in your home country might be strictly
forbidden elsewhere.
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