So you’ve completed your TESOL course. You’ve landed a job. You’ve booked your flight. You’re all set to go! But before you do, take a look at some of the weirdest laws around the world. Do your research about the place where you’re going because you may be surprised at some of the wacky laws they have. And whatever you do, make sure you don’t bring your E.T. doll to France!
Europe
1) In France, it’s illegal to sell dolls with alien faces – they must have human faces. There goes my business plan to sell Alf merchandise.
2) In Turkey, the law is that all drivers must carry a hygienic body bag suitable for carrying a body up to 120 kilos. If not followed, you would be fined and get a possible six month jail sentence. I don’t want to know.
3) In Portugal, it’s against the law to pee in the ocean. How can they prove that?
4) It is illegal in Denmark to start a car if someone is under the vehicle. I’d say this one is pretty much common sense, unless you’re trying to kill someone – but that would be illegal, too.
North Asia
5) In Korea it’s illegal to eat stray cats. Notice the law says ‘stray’. But I guess, not that illegal to eat your neighbor’s or your own? Although I hope you wouldn’t want to.
6) Another law is traffic police are required to report all bribes that they receive from motorists. Unless…you can convince the police officer otherwise?
Photo by Kashklick
7) In Hong Kong, a betrayed wife is legally allowed to kill her adulterous husband, but may only do so with her bare hands. The husband’s lover, on the other hand, may be killed in any manner desired. Well that’s good news!
Southeast Asia
They have several strange laws in Singapore – all in an effort to keep the city clean. 8 ) No gum chewing – if caught, you could get fined. The only legal gum is Nicorette. 9) You can’t feed the birds, because that would cause too much bird excrement. 10) And don’t forget to flush in public toilets!
11) In Singapore, if you are caught littering three times, you’re made to clean the streets on Sundays wearing a banner that says, ‘I am a litter bug’. A picture of you is then put on the local news!
12) In Laos, women may not show their toes in public. Their feet must get so sweaty and smelly in the warmer weather!
In Thailand, they must really have a problem with people not covering up. Well, it is one of the hottest places in the world! 13) It’s illegal there to drive a car or motorcycle without a shirt on. 14) It’s also illegal to leave your house if you are not wearing any underwear. It’s interesting that this was enough of a problem that they had to make a law to prohibit it. And how would they be able to tell if you weren’t?
India
15) In India, children as young as 15 can be jailed for cheating on exams.
The Middle East
16) If you’re in the UAE during Ramadan, make sure you don’t eat or drink in public during fasting hours. It’s illegal, and you could be fined. As well, public displays of affection are also illegal, and could be punishable by months in jail! Best to save your love for your significant other for private.
South America
17) In Paraguay, dueling is legal provided both combatants are blood donors. Just common sense.
