5 funny international laws you’d never know were real

Culture clashes can occur anytime you travel, but every once in a while they happen in some truly unexpected ways. From a harmless hug to lighting up a cigarette outdoors, these are the strange travel faux pas any globetrotter would do best to avoid. Check out these other everyday things you didn’t know were illegal.

Vicks inhalers are forbidden in Japan

In Japan, over-the-counter allergy/sinus medications that contain the ingredient pseudoephedrine such as Vicks inhalers and Sudafed are banned under Japan’s strict anti-stimulant drug laws. Medications that feature codeine are also prohibited and shouldn’t be brought into Japan.

Don’t eat on church steps in Italy

Be careful where you consume a relaxing lunch or a refreshing beverage in Italy. It’s an offence in Florence to eat or drink while sitting on church steps or within a church courtyard. The same law applies to eating near public buildings. Snack elsewhere and avoid the fine.

Keep your top on in Fiji

Fiji is a beautiful tropical paradise where sunbathing and swimming are part of daily life but don’t get caught with your pants (or top) down. Public nudity and topless bathing are illegal here. Stay covered up and out of prison.

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Feed the pigeons and you’ll break the law in San Francisco

It’s illegal to feed pigeons on the streets of San Francisco. The city famous for the Golden Gate Bridge blames the ubiquitous birds for spreading disease and damaging property. If you’re caught providing food to San Francisco’s pigeons, you could face a hefty fine. Citizens are even encouraged to report pigeon feeders to the city’s police department.

Leave your Bible at home in the Maldives

In the Maldives (where you can find this glow-in-the-dark beach), public observance of any religion other than Islam is prohibited, and it’s an offence to import Bibles into the country. To ensure that you don’t upset the locals or run afoul of the law, don’t bring a Bible along on your trip.

Written by Claire Nowak. This article first appeared in Reader’s Digest. For more of what you love from the world’s best-loved magazine, here’s our best subscription offer.

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