10 Strange Laws in Foreign Countries You Won’t Believe Exist
Published by
Clare Aririahu
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Most countries have strange laws that you may not believe until you are told. Some of these countries are the countries we hold in high esteem and feel everything about them is all glossy.
Some of the laws are odd, strange and funny, while some of them are of serious health and safety concerns. It is good to understand the laws that guide any foreign country you choose to live or study. This is very necessary so as to avoid partaking in anything that could endanger your life or freedom. Not just that, you could be fined or even jailed for breaking a simple rule.
The good part of some laws is that they are old and archaic. Some of them have been abolished, some have been ignored due to civilisation. Notwithstanding, before you book your next trip
Here are some laws that are enforceable in the countries you might be interested in.
France
It is an offence against the law in France to name your pig after the names of the heads of state. This is because heads of state are reputable men in the society and so, should not be identified with such animals as pigs. However, the law was no longer enforceable as at 2013. But, it will be better for you to stick to the right name, you never can tell.
Italy
In Italy, you might think you are doing good to harmless pigeons that flock to the St Mark’s square in Venice without knowing that you are actually putting yourself into trouble. If you are new to Venice, it is good to know that feeding of those symbolic pigeons is prohibited by law. It may not just be that; the pigeons are believed to be carriers of deadly diseases. So you might as well consider your health first.
Do not eat any delicious Italian treat at any of Rome’s historical sights. It will be better for you to take your snacks indoors and relax while having a great time than to find yourself close to any Roman historic district.
Another strange law is that you should not sing or dance in Rome, especially in a group of three or more. Assuming you just find yourself amid people and you just decided to rehearse a rendition, it will be quite better to get a permit from the police first, than to land yourself in trouble.
In Rome, it is a serious offence to jump into any fountain. You might be fined when caught.
In Eboli, lovers are not permitted to kiss in cars.
Wearing noisy shoes are prohibited on the Island of Capri.
Spain
Spain is not friends with flip-flops and spitting. While driving in Spain, you are not permitted to wear flip-flops. Drivers everywhere can do it without anyone having to raise an eyebrow, but in Spain, you will have the law to face.
Again, in Barcelona, it is prohibited for one to spit. You enjoy spitting at random? Take it to somewhere else!
The United Kingdom
The United Kingdom has its own wacky laws too. Some of them include:
If you have the plague, do not hail a cab. Got it? Carrying a rabid dog or a corpse is also an illegal act. Why? Well, they were laws that could be traced to some centuries past when the city was infamously dirty and Londoners, with their dogs, were shuffling the streets at a frightening rate, making everywhere look unlawful. Though the law may not still be in existence, all the same, consider yourself warned.
Singapore
Singaporeans say, ‘No gum!’ That may sound funny, but the truth is that chewing of gum is banned under the regulation of imports and exports. It was banned in order to improve the cleanliness of the land and prevent people from littering the streets of Singapore. This law has been in place since 1992.
Another law says, you must flush the public toilet. Well, it is a normal thing to do, isn’t it?
Thailand
Thailand prohibits one from insulting its king or anyone from the royal family. When you step on the Thai baht currency which, of course, bears the image of the king, it is seen as an insult to the king. Therefore, you are expected to serve a jail term.
Greece
In Greece, it is out of bounds to wear heels at archeological sites. Assuming all the visitors who visit the sites do so in heels, you may not be opportune to visit there. This is because it is believed that the amount of pressure exerted by heels on those ancient stones and marbles could damage their surfaces. Sounds absurd? That is just how they want it!
Australia
After 12 pm on Sundays, you are not permitted to wear pink pants on the streets of Australia.
Another law says only a licensed electrician could change the white bulb. Do you have a white bulb that requires changing? Get a licensed electrician, otherwise, you might be fined.
England
It is an offense to drive cattle through the streets of England between 7 am and 10 pm. Okay, if you have the permission of the police, you can as well do so.
Railway stations are not your love gardens; therefore, kissing at the railway stations is highly prohibited. This is because it can cause delays for commuters. What a time-conscious people!
Cleaning of carpets are not permitted to be done in the streets. If you must do so, get everything done before 8 am.
Japan
In 2008, Japan implemented a rule that prohibits people between 40 and 74 to have a waist size not more than 86 cm for men and 90 cm for women. You care to know why? They want to keep people from becoming obese. Those who get fatter than normal are usually fined.
Reasons to Obey the Laws of Your Country of Residence
It is of necessity to obey the laws of any country you reside in. There are things you could get away with as a citizen, but when it comes to strangers, you may not be able to escape. Obeying the law has an impact in one’s life. Our daily routines are filled with different laws that must be abided by. Laws as simple as stopping at a traffic sign helps to curb the rate of accident. Committing murder or running someone over with your car out of frustration have serious consequences in order to keep people from allowing anger take the better part of them, as well as understand the value of life. The following are reasons one should obey the law, whether you are a stranger or a national.
To avoid legal consequences. Every law has a consequence if broken; the consequences range from paying a fine, to going to jail or prison. People should obey the law whether there is a consequence or not.
It is morally right to obey the law. When something has a moral consequence, people with good conscience try their best to avoid doing it.
To respect authority. The authority expects certain things from the people, while providing their basic amenities. Most of these laws put together are there for our safety, so when we disobey them, we are not just disrespecting the government, we are putting ourselves in the harm’s way.
Essentials for Travelling to a Strange Country
When planning to go to a country you are yet to travel before, it is better to get yourself fully prepared before leaving your home country. The following will guide your plans to travel abroad.
Ensure your safety is guaranteed. Travel insurance is not so expensive to afford. It covers anything that concerns your travel, even down to replacing a broken phone. Saving a few dollars for the sake of obtaining a travel insurance is not bad at all.
Put your documents in order. Your passports, visas, and so on, are very vital and must be secured safely. Also, ensure that they are valid to avoid being turned away or delayed at the customs. Keep both the physical and electronic copies of all your document in case of loss. Make sure your credit companies and banks are aware of your travel dates to avoid compulsory payment of international ATM fees.
Study about your country of destination. It is very necessary to read about the place you are travelling to. Know their laws, cultures, special days, acceptable clothing, currency exchange rate, and so on.
Stay in touch. Make sure your mobile phone can work in your country of destination. If not, get a functional phone so as to connect with those you are leaving behind or the people you are going to meet.
Download an offline map. This will help you to get to anywhere in case your network disappoints you.
Take photos of your packed suitcases as an evidence in case of theft or loss. This will save you from coming back and forth to file for a claim.
Ensure the following personal effects are in place: passport and visa, insurance and identity cards, credit and debit cards, cash, portable charger, earplugs, cardigans, cellphone, antibacterial wipes, and so on.
As someone travelling to a strange land, it will do you good to know some of these laws guiding them. To keep a law is cheaper than paying for the consequence of breaking it. Sometimes,, you break the law out of ignorance, but do not forget that ignorance is not an excuse at law. So, whether the laws are strange or familiar, do well to keep them for your own good.