1. It is forbidden to save drowning people in China
Even with good intentions, be careful when saving a drowning person.
If you're in China and choose the beach as your destination, you should exercise caution. If you see someone drowning in the middle of the sea, you are strictly prohibited from rescuing them. Rescuing drowning people is illegal.
This law refers to Eastern philosophy , which states that saving a drowning person can ruin one's fate. So, even if your intentions are good, you should be careful, as you could face punishment from the Chinese authorities.
2. It is forbidden to show tattoos in Japan.
You will be mistaken for a Yakuza if you show your tattoos in public.
This Japanese rule is unique because it prevents you from showing off your tattoos. Most Japanese people don't have tattoos because they're stigmatized and associated with criminal groups like the Yakuza.
In Japan, tattoos aren't actually prohibited, but they aren't allowed to be displayed in public. This is to reduce the negative public stigma surrounding the Yakuza and other criminal groups. If you show off your tattoos, you could become a target for criminal groups, as you're considered an enemy. So, be careful about what you wear when you're in Japan.
3. Chewing gum is prohibited in public places in Singapore.
Save your gum first.
Singapore also has unique regulations for maintaining its cleanliness. It's no wonder Singapore is one of the most successful and advanced countries in Asia.
Singapore has a law prohibiting chewing gum to maintain city cleanliness. Chewing gum, which has a sticky texture, becomes litter and is then trampled upon by others. As a result, the chewing gum litter spreads and litters the entire street.
To reduce this, the Singaporean government finally issued a regulation prohibiting chewing gum. If you're visiting Singapore, make sure you don't bring gum with you, or even eat it in public.
4. It is forbidden to step on money with a picture of a king in Thailand.
Be careful when walking in Thailand.
Thailand places great value on its people's respect for its king. There are even regulations prohibiting people from stepping on portraits of the king, even those on Thai currency.
If you're in Thailand and find a banknote, don't behave like you would in Indonesia. For example, step on it, drag it to a secluded spot, and then pick it up. Stepping on the portrait of the Thai king on the banknote is considered an insult and will result in immediate punishment by the authorities.
5. It is forbidden to feed pigeons in Italy.
Even though they are adorable, keep your desire to feed the pigeons in check.
Although we often see scenes in films of someone feeding dozens of pigeons in Italy, it's actually illegal. You shouldn't feed pigeons, even if you sometimes find them adorable along the streets in Italy.
This is because pigeon droppings accumulate in large quantities and pollute Italian streets and buildings. If you continue to feed the pigeons, you will be fined between US$50 and US$600.
6. It is forbidden to drive a dirty car in Russia.
Keep your car clean in Russia.
If you're on holiday in Moscow, Russia, never drive a car that's dirty or unwashed. While we don't know the local government's definition of dirty, anyone who violates this rule will be fined US$100.
Perhaps this unique rule explains why cars in the Russian capital are almost always clean. And you should also ensure that the car you drive is clean and shiny to avoid being fined by the authorities.
7. It is mandatory to turn on the lights when driving in Denmark.
Don't forget to check the lights before traveling.
In Indonesia, motorcycles are required to have their headlights on during the day. However, there's a unique rule in Denmark: cars are required to have their headlights on during the day. While this might be commonplace at night, it might seem odd during the day, doesn't it?
This is apparently being used to reduce the number of traffic accidents in Denmark. If you're driving and forget to turn on your headlights, you'll be fined up to US$100. Always remember to turn on your headlights before driving.
8. Spitting is prohibited in Singapore, London and Barcelona
Don't spit carelessly.
Bans on spitting have been implemented in several countries, including Singapore, London, Barcelona, and Vancouver. Governments believe that spitting in public places can cause health problems and environmental pollution.
While it may seem strange, residents in these countries adhere to these unique rules. The fines are also quite hefty, forcing residents to comply. For example, in London, anyone who spits or urinates in public will be fined £80. Always behave yourself when visiting these countries.
9. Don't just take photos in Pakistan
Don't just take photos when you are in Pakistan.
Another unique rule comes from Pakistan. There, you can't just take any photos. Taking photos of government buildings and military structures is strictly prohibited in Pakistan.
Taking family photos at the airport before boarding a plane is prohibited, and if you do it you will be fined.
10. Don't ask about the origin of the country in Australia
Speak politely in Australia.
As a multicultural nation, Australian citizens come from almost every corner of the globe, either by birth or naturalization. Australia is not as white as most people think. It's perfectly normal to hear four or five different languages in one train carriage. It's also perfectly normal to encounter Asians, Arabs, Latinos, and Eastern Europeans speaking fluent English.