Now we can all understand people landing in jail for murder and robbery but trust me; there are such strange laws in the world that can land you in trouble for mere trifles! And if you are the traveling type, it’s best you stay updated!
Each culture has things they consider normal and things they consider abominable! What might seem very passe in your country may not seem so in other parts of the world!
Let’s take a look at some strange laws across the world, many of which will make you wonder just why they are in place?! Have a good laugh but be prepared to stick to them when you visit these countries!
You Better Smile When In Milan
If you are in a bad mood, you do not want to be in Milan, Italy! According to an Austro-Hungarian law passed down the years, it is a legal requirement to smile at all times!
In other words, it is illegal to be grumpy, and your solemn mood can actually attract a fine!
This ought to be the weirdest law of all! Only hospital employees in work settings, funeral-goers, and those caring for their ill family members are exempt from this crazy law!
No Chewing Gum In Singapore
Chewing gum has been banned in Singapore since 1992 in an attempt to keep the streets clean. After the government spent heavily for years clearing all the chewing gum, this law came into force that people would spit and stick on the streets and in community spaces.
Only therapeutic gums like nicotine chewing gums are presently legal. All other manufacturing and sale of chewing is a strict no-no. So no blowing those bubbles in Singapore unless you want to pay a hefty fine.
Could Forgetting Your Wife’s Birthday Get Any Worse
Most of us know the ordeal one has to go through to forget one’s wife’s birthday! A long silent treatment, a guilt trip, and definitely no homemade dinner!
But in Samoa, it gets worse. Here it is illegal to forget your wife’s birthday and can attract you a fine! Can you believe it? So if you live in Samoa, you better have that date well marked in your memory!
Make Sure You Wear The Right Shoes In Acropolis
In 2009, the Government of Greece banned wearing high-heeled shoes when visiting the Parthenon. These ancient ruins are more than 2500 years old, and high heels were causing damage to them by adding marks and an unwelcome modern touch!
So when packing for Greece, make sure that you carry some soft-soled shoes or sneakers for trekking through the ruins! Besides, they will be more comfortable to walk in for miles in the mud and dust!
No Camouflage In The Caribbean
You might have some amazing camouflage outfits in your wardrobe, but the Caribbean is not the place to flaunt them! Only the military personnel are allowed to dress in camouflage clothes in the Caribbean.
Most Caribbean countries like Jamaica, Barbuda, Antigua, Barbados have completely banned residents and tourists from wearing such prints. It’s rather you pack some floral prints and shorts to enjoy your day on the beach and not in prison!
Don’t You Dare Swear In The UAE
Swearing in the UAE can get you fined, jailed, and even deported! It is considered unacceptable as it is said to dishonor and disrespect the recipient.
And swearing is limited to saying inappropriate words aloud but includes indecent gestures, text messages, and even the wrong emojis! So if you’re in bad humor, you better not be in the UAE!
Funny Chicken Laws Of Georgia
Why did the chicken cross the road? Well, not in Quitman, Georgia! Here it is illegal to allow your chickens to cross the road!
Funny as this law might sound, it is meant to make sure that owners have their chicken under control at all times! We can’t have farm animals running across the road now, can we?!
Takeaway
So much for hefty fines and imprisonment that comes along with these strange laws governing other countries!
Do keep them in mind when traveling these parts. Well, it’s always best to do in Rome as Romans do!!
