17 Unusual Laws From Around the World

So you’ve got your TEFL certificate. You’ve found a TEFL job. You’ve booked your flight. You’ve said your emotional goodbyes and you’re about to leave. Just before you do, check out some of the craziest laws from around the globe. It’s worth doing some research into the place you’re going as you may be surprised to hear some of the unusual laws they have!

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.

Best to leave your E.T doll at home then.... Image: (EllaMullins)

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.  I’m not sure how they can prove that.

4) It is illegal in Denmark to start a car if someone is under the vehicle. I would say this is pretty obvious really, unless you’re trying to kill someone – but I’m guessing that is illegal too!

North Asia

5) In Korea it's against the law 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?

7) If a wife is betrayed in Hong Kong, she is entitled to kill her disloyal husband, but she has to do this with her bare hands. The husband’s lover, conversely, can be killed in any chosen way!  Well, that’s great news!

Southeast Asia

There are a few strange laws in Singapore – which have been introduced to try keep the city clean.

8) No chewing gum –  if you’re caught you could face a fine.  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.  I dread to think how sweaty and smelly their feet must get in summer!

In Thailand, they must really have a problem with people not covering up.  Not suprising as it is one of the hottest countries in the world!  13) It's illegal 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 go about policing this?!

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, don’t be tempted to eat or drink in public during fasting hours, as it’s illegal and you could face a fine. Public displays of affection are also illegal and you could be jailed for months. Guess it’s best to save your love for your partner for private then!

South America

17) In Paraguay, dueling is legal provided both combatants are blood donors.  Just common sense really.

 

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