25 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.

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.

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.

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.

Dress code aside, here are five unforgettable Fiji experiences to try.

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.

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.

You probably never knew that these books were banned.

Want to capture one last snapshot of your family in the airport before you board the plane? In Kazakhstan, it’s against the law. Photography in and around airports is illegal, and taking pictures of military and official buildings is frowned upon as well.

Here are 13 more things you should never do at the airport

Tourists may be surprised to discover that marijuana is outlawed in Jamaica. Since 1913, Jamaican law has stated that the cultivation, use, or possession of marijuana is illegal. People caught with even a small amount of the plant can face a lengthy prison sentence. And, if you hear tourists in Jamaica referring to 420, know what that means.

In France, drivers are legally required to carry a portable Breathalyser in their vehicle. If you’re caught without this gadget in your car, you’ll be expected to cough up 11 Euros tout suite.

Public displays of affection – kissing, hugging, holding hands – should be avoided while visiting the United Arab Emirates. Tourists have been arrested and thrown in prison for kissing in public. Reserve all amorous moments for private occasions behind closed doors.