Lesser known facts about this inhumane punishment
If you happen to be pregnant when you visit the Mexican state of Sonora and end up giving birth there, know that you have a list of 61 names you can't call your baby. Among these you'll find James Bond, Facebook, and Harry Potter.
If you're heading to Paris or any other French city and plan on going shopping, beware that their sales season is pretty strict. January and July are the months to grab a bargain.
Sources: (Stacker) (Independent) (University of Colorado Boulder) (Expatica) (CNN) (BBC)
See also: The strangest taxes in history
There are no speed limits in Germany's famous Autobahn. Though you cannot, under any circumstances, stop.
Article 78 of Japan's postal law protects postal property against damage. Back in 2006, a mailman was prosecuted for putting ice cream inside a mailbox. So, don't tamper with mailboxes in Japan!
If you're traveling with your pet to Austria, be sure not to leave him chained up at any moment. Restricting an animal's mobility is not allowed.
Italy receives millions of visitors each year, so the government has put some measures in place to keep overtourism in check. This include things such as not allowing eating in public. In Florence, you can get fined up to €500 for it.
The US has many weird laws, depending on the state/city you're traveling in. If you're planning on visiting Boulder, Colorado, just make sure the place you're staying at isn't doing anything illegal, such as keeping a couch on their porch. According to the University of Colorado, this measure is still in force.
If you plan on watching live TV on your phone or any other mobile device while you're in the UK, you'll need to purchase a TV license beforehand. This is actually enforced, though it's unlikely you'd be caught as a tourist. Unless, of course, you formally rent a place.
Fingers crossed you'll never need to do this while visiting Canada, but removing a bandage in public might get you in trouble with the law. But police likely won't bother you if you do so, as it's an old law that most Canadians aren't even aware of.
Flying a kite in India is allowed, but given that under the Indian Aircraft Act 1934 kites are actually considered aircraft, you technically need a license to operate one.
If you visit Dubai and rent a car, make sure it's clean at all times. Otherwise you risk getting your car towed and getting a fine.
Portugal is home to some of the most magnificent beaches in Europe. And, sure, many people break this law, but beware that you're actually not allowed to pee in the ocean. Of course, there's not really a way to enforce this.
Greece is full of history, and tourists, so it's natural that the government has implemented some measures to preserve their ancient structures. One includes not wearing high heels when visiting these famed sites.
If neither you or your other half is Dutch or a resident of the Netherlands, then forget about getting married in the country. You can go there on honeymoon though.
Don't even think about dozing off on a public bench while visiting this European country. And, apparently, if you're caught snoring while at it, your fine might be heavier! The authorities have the power to fine you under the Public Order Act.
Singapore is known for its strict laws, but also for being very well maintained and clean. One of the reasons is because no one really chews gum, so there isn't the risk of discarded gum ending up in inappropriate places. While you could chew some, littering would get you fined.
Some public toilets in the country can be challenging for Western travelers. Many require you to flush manually, using a bucket. But you better do it, because it's actually illegal to not flush the toilet. The police are said to randomly inspect public toilets.
This nation in Southeast Asia has the perfect mix of urban and natural wonders. Just be sure you dress appropriately. Malaysia is a Muslim country, and as such has more strict laws when it comes to public exposure. Tourists have been prosecuted for indecent exposure before, so respect the local culture.
Don't worry: you can still visit the country if you have tattoos, just know that you likely won't be able to get some ink while you're there. This is because only medical doctors can legally do so in South Korea.
Switzerland is perfect for a ski vacation, but you should be aware of a weird law, just in case. Don't even think about reciting poetry while skiing down a mountain. The origins of this law are unclear, but it's highly unlikely that the poetry police enforce this.
Bikes are pretty popular in this Southeast Asian country, and indeed you often see two people on them. But's that the limit. Over two people and you might get in trouble with the authorities.
Not only will you eat the best fries of your life, but if you visit Belgium you'll probably listen to the best street musicians, too. After all, it's illegal to play off-key. This is one of the Communal Administrative Sanctions (Gemeentelijke Administratieve Sancties, or GAS). Local authorities have the power to enforce this law and apply fines up to €250.
If you happen to visit Rosario, Argentina, and give birth to a child while you're there, know that you cannot name your child Messi. And, yes, soccer star Lionel Messi was born in Rosario.
Don't even think about annoying anyone in this country. There is a provision in the Philippines' Revised Penal Code that punishes "unjust vexation." People can actually pay a fine for it, if it's proven in court.
In Sweden, there are designated places where you can legally dance, but if you start dancing spontaneously in an unlicensed venue, the owners might get in trouble with the authorities. There have been talks about abolishing this 1930s law, but it's still in force. As recently as 2020, restaurants were being fined for this.
Try not to get into trouble with anyone if you visit this country. Because if you're challenged to a fistfight to death and decline the challenge, you need to pay four deer in exchange! This is obviously an ancient law that is no longer enforced.
This South American country is a paradise for numerous animals, but if you're looking to go there on a hunting trip, forget about it. Commercial, recreational, and sport hunting has been illegal since 1967.
If you head down under for a few days of sunshine, make sure you limit your potatoes to under 50 kgs. Under section 22 of the Marketing of Potatoes Act 1946, it's illegal for anyone to sell, deliver, purchase, or take deliveries of 50 kgs or more.
Believe it or not, leprechauns are a protected species under European Union law. Cooley's Slieve Foy mountain is actually a "Designated Area of Protection for Flora, Fauna, Wild Animals and Little People." So, beware if you visit the area!
When in Rome, do as the Romans do, right? This holds true to this day, as when we travel we should be aware of local customs and laws so that we don't end up in an unpleasant situation, or worse: fined or arrested. Indeed, most countries have bizarre laws, even if some are not strictly enforced. As visitors, we should be aware of them, as they can make a difference in the quality of our vacation.
If you were planning a steamy vacation with your unwed partner in Bali, you might want to do it sooner rather than later. Indonesia’s parliament passed a controversial and long-awaited revision of its penal code on December 6 which criminalizes extramarital intimacy for both citizens and tourists. After ratification, the new criminal code must be signed by the president, and it will be applied for up to three years, according to NBC. The amended criminal code makes intimacy outside marriage punishable by a year in jail, as well as cohabitation of unmarried couples punishable by six months. It also says the promotion of contraception and religious blasphemy are illegal.
Curious for more? Click through this gallery and discover the weird laws of popular tourist destinations.
Being caught washing your hair or using shower gel at a Spanish beach will set you back up to €750 in fines.
Popular tourist destinations with weird laws (that you should be careful about)
Have you heard that it's illegal to recite poetry while skiing in Switzerland?
TRAVEL Curiosities
When in Rome, do as the Romans do, right? This holds true to this day, as when we travel we should be aware of local customs and laws so that we don't end up in an unpleasant situation, or worse: fined or arrested. Indeed, most countries have bizarre laws, even if some are not strictly enforced. As visitors, we should be aware of them, as they can make a difference in the quality of our vacation.
If you were planning a steamy vacation with your unwed partner in Bali, you might want to do it sooner rather than later. Indonesia’s parliament passed a controversial and long-awaited revision of its penal code on December 6 which criminalizes extramarital intimacy for both citizens and tourists. After ratification, the new criminal code must be signed by the president, and it will be applied for up to three years, according to NBC. The amended criminal code makes intimacy outside marriage punishable by a year in jail, as well as cohabitation of unmarried couples punishable by six months. It also says the promotion of contraception and religious blasphemy are illegal.
Curious for more? Click through this gallery and discover the weird laws of popular tourist destinations.