14 Simple things that could get you arrested in a foreign country

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By VT

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When traveling abroad, it's important that you respect the other country's laws and culture; otherwise, you could land yourself in a lot of trouble. This means paying close attention to the kinds of words you use, the way you dress, and - quite simply - the way you behave.

But even if you do all those things, there's still a chance you could be breaking the law. Here are 14 seemingly normal things that could get you arrested in another country.

1. Vaping

The sale or use of vapes in Thailand is prohibited, and anyone caught with one is likely to face a fine or - at worst - a maximum of 10 years in prison.

2. Drinking alcohol

Consuming alcohol is illegal in more than a dozen countries around the world, and buying alcoholic beverages after a certain time of night is also prohibited in certain locations.

3. Having sex

In the United Arab Emirates, sleeping with someone out of wedlock is a criminal offense. The country is so strict on this law that they have previously arrested rape victims for having engaged in sexual contact with somebody they are not married to.

4. Tattoos

Body modifications are regarded differently according to where you are in the world. In Sri Lanka, they're mostly accepted - unless they depict anything Buddha-related. You could actually be refused entry to the country if you're seen with one.

5. Changing a lightbulb

In Victoria, Australia, it's technically illegal to change a lightbulb unless you're a licensed electrician. Perpetrators of this offense could face a fine of 10 dollars.

6. Wearing a bikini

Traveling to Barcelona any time soon? Make sure you cover up if you're not on the beach, as wearing a bikini anywhere other than at the coast is illegal.

7. Taking painkillers

If you're in Japan, you'd better hope you don't come down with a bad headache, as painkillers containing Codeine are banned there.

8. Swearing

Despite the Aussies' reputation for swearing,  there are laws against offensive language in Queensland, Victoria and New South Wales. So watch your mouth if you're going down under.

9. Singing karaoke

Sorry karaoke fans: in Honolulu, it's illegal to sing loudly after sunset.

10. Flushing the toilet

In Switzerland, it's against the law to flush the toilet after 10 pm, as the sound is considered to be noise pollution.

11. Wearing heels

While it might be a norm for many places in the world, certain places in Greece have put a ban on high heels, as the shoes can cause damage to old monuments or ruins.

12. Peeing in the ocean

Don't try to deny it: everyone's relieved themselves in the sea at some point. However, if you're considering doing it in Portugal, you might want to think twice.

13. Smoking 

If you're looking to go cold turkey on your bad habit, Ukraine is the place to be. According to their laws, you're not allowed to smoke in any public areas.

14. Chewing gum

In Singapore, it's illegal to buy or sell gum, and spitting it on the streets could land you with a hefty fine. Sorry to burst your bubble, gum-lovers.

So, next time it comes to planning a holiday, make sure you're aware of all the rules before booking your flights.

14 Simple things that could get you arrested in a foreign country

vt-author-image

By VT

Article saved!Article saved!

When traveling abroad, it's important that you respect the other country's laws and culture; otherwise, you could land yourself in a lot of trouble. This means paying close attention to the kinds of words you use, the way you dress, and - quite simply - the way you behave.

But even if you do all those things, there's still a chance you could be breaking the law. Here are 14 seemingly normal things that could get you arrested in another country.

1. Vaping

The sale or use of vapes in Thailand is prohibited, and anyone caught with one is likely to face a fine or - at worst - a maximum of 10 years in prison.

2. Drinking alcohol

Consuming alcohol is illegal in more than a dozen countries around the world, and buying alcoholic beverages after a certain time of night is also prohibited in certain locations.

3. Having sex

In the United Arab Emirates, sleeping with someone out of wedlock is a criminal offense. The country is so strict on this law that they have previously arrested rape victims for having engaged in sexual contact with somebody they are not married to.

4. Tattoos

Body modifications are regarded differently according to where you are in the world. In Sri Lanka, they're mostly accepted - unless they depict anything Buddha-related. You could actually be refused entry to the country if you're seen with one.

5. Changing a lightbulb

In Victoria, Australia, it's technically illegal to change a lightbulb unless you're a licensed electrician. Perpetrators of this offense could face a fine of 10 dollars.

6. Wearing a bikini

Traveling to Barcelona any time soon? Make sure you cover up if you're not on the beach, as wearing a bikini anywhere other than at the coast is illegal.

7. Taking painkillers

If you're in Japan, you'd better hope you don't come down with a bad headache, as painkillers containing Codeine are banned there.

8. Swearing

Despite the Aussies' reputation for swearing,  there are laws against offensive language in Queensland, Victoria and New South Wales. So watch your mouth if you're going down under.

9. Singing karaoke

Sorry karaoke fans: in Honolulu, it's illegal to sing loudly after sunset.

10. Flushing the toilet

In Switzerland, it's against the law to flush the toilet after 10 pm, as the sound is considered to be noise pollution.

11. Wearing heels

While it might be a norm for many places in the world, certain places in Greece have put a ban on high heels, as the shoes can cause damage to old monuments or ruins.

12. Peeing in the ocean

Don't try to deny it: everyone's relieved themselves in the sea at some point. However, if you're considering doing it in Portugal, you might want to think twice.

13. Smoking 

If you're looking to go cold turkey on your bad habit, Ukraine is the place to be. According to their laws, you're not allowed to smoke in any public areas.

14. Chewing gum

In Singapore, it's illegal to buy or sell gum, and spitting it on the streets could land you with a hefty fine. Sorry to burst your bubble, gum-lovers.

So, next time it comes to planning a holiday, make sure you're aware of all the rules before booking your flights.