Local laws and customs are part of national culture, and ignorance can lead to unpleasant consequences. And if in most European countries more or less clear, in Singapore. For example, you can get a considerable fine for throwing on the ground wrapper, and in Bangkok – for feeding an elephant. Carefully studying the prohibitions in your destination country, you can protect yourself not only from the loss of money but also from getting to know the police. We talk about seven countries whose laws should be studied more closely.
Iran and strict clothing
In Iran, the appearance of residents is monitored by special police, and all the rules apply not only to locals but also to visiting travelers. For example, men here are not allowed to wear T-shirts and shirts with sleeves above the elbow. Girls are encouraged to wear long spacious dresses and be sure to cover their heads with a headscarf. If a woman is in a public place without a headscarf, she may be arrested and not even released from the flight. Interestingly, the Iranians themselves do not wear a tie, considering it a hostile cultural element of clothing. In addition, Western music is strictly banned in the country: make sure that your phone does not play suddenly in a public place, jazz or rock.
Italy and Venetian pigeons
It seems that the square of San Marco in Venice is never empty: flocks of pigeons (as well as crowds of people) have firmly merged with the image of the city and have become its invariable part. Unsurprisingly, soon feeding pigeons on the square became a favorite tourist tradition. So popular that in 2008 the city authorities were forced to ban it. The birds that have eaten have a detrimental effect on the city’s historical landmarks, the government argued. Breaking the ban is not cheap. On average, pigeon feeding in Venice is fined $50-60, and the maximum fine was $600.
Southeast Asia and Durian
Durian is the only fruit in Thailand with advertising images hanging on the walls of hotels and cinemas, put on the boards of planes, buses and taxis. In Southeast Asia, a prickly, similar to a cross between pineapple and porcupine, durian is called the King of Fruit, but his images are flaunted on the streets not so. The fact is that because of the specific solid smell of fruit is forbidden to bring to most public places, including buses, subways, hotels, and airports, because of the aggressive smell transported durian, usually in dried or canned form, as well as recycled in the form of jam or candy—otherwise, a fine of $1000.
Singapore and standards of conduct
You probably know how strict Singapore with the order: a considerable fine can be obtained even for throwing a box or spitting, and for smoking in a public place, will have to pay $1000. But it is forbidden in the “perfect state” not only to smoke and litter. So, here, for example, you can’t appear naked. And it is not about public places (with this everything is clear), but even about the hotel room. Keep in mind, if someone sees out the window, how you walk around the room naked or even in your underwear (in a word, in any form, insulting the norms of public morality), be prepared at best to pay a fine of $1600, and at worst – to go to prison for three months.
The United Arab Emirates and food in a public place
Are you going to the UAE? Check your calendar. During the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, locals observe a strict fast prohibiting eating, drinking, and smoking during daylight hours. No matter what faith you profess, these rules will have to be followed: no food in public places. Otherwise, the tourist can be fined $550 or jailed for up to one month.
India and romance on the street
India is an ancient state with its own rules of conduct and regulations, which apply to locals and tourists. Thus, in Indian culture, it is customary to show one’s feelings exclusively, and personal life is indeed personal and not on public display. Kissing in public here is illegal, and other expressions of feelings (such as hugs) are not approved. Although the fines for such offenses are small ($10-25), we recommend adhering to local traditions, which, by the way, the stronger the further you move away from the coast.
Israel and Arab countries
We rarely plan our travels long in advance, but you will have to do if you are going to Israel. In particular, you can immediately exclude from the list of countries for the next visit Lebanon, Syria, Libya, Iran, Yemen, and Sudan – with an Israeli stamp in the passport. You will never be allowed to any of these countries. In Israel, however, with the stamps of the above countries is still possible. However, be prepared for a delay at the border: border guards will find out from you for a long time why you spent your last holiday in Lebanon or Iran. Sometimes such conversations can last up to 6 hours.
