Baffling local laws and customs every traveler should know

The world is a patchwork of cultures, and that diversity shows not only in traditions, but in the laws people live by. Rules that feel routine to locals can seem quirky—or downright baffling—to outsiders. From Singapore’s ban on chewing gum to restrictions on high heels at ancient Greek sites, these norms shape daily life. Here is a look at the most surprising bans and customs across countries—and what they say about the places that enforce them.

Etiquette around the world

Etiquette evolves from local culture, so treating it lightly is a shortcut to awkward moments. It covers far more than the dinner table—greetings, farewells, gestures—all carry meaning.

In India, men are strictly prohibited from touching women in public. In Indonesia, a public kiss can lead to a prison term of up to 10 years and a hefty fine. Dining outside a hotel in India comes with another rule: do not touch food with your left hand, considered unclean and used for hygiene. It’s also better not to pass objects, including money, with that hand.

In Japan, sticking chopsticks upright in a bowl of rice is forbidden; that gesture is reserved for the deceased, whose soul symbolically takes a place at the table. Pointing with chopsticks is also poor form. Taking off shoes before entering a home or temple bridges India and Japan—some people in India even remove shoes when entering shops.

In China, eating loudly—slurping noodles and smacking lips—signals the food is delicious. It often leaves a buffer of empty space around Chinese guests at restaurants. As a guest, there’s no need to copy the ritual, but it helps to understand and respect it.

In South Korea, the eldest at the table starts the meal; the others wait until that person fills their plate. Pouring your own drink is frowned upon—the neighbor at the table does it for you.

In Kazakhstan, a half cup of tea is a good sign: the host is pleased to see you. A full cup implies you should finish and be on your way.

Dress and appearance

Some places will overlook small missteps from visitors. Muslim and many Asian countries, however, take decorum more seriously. Accusations of indecent behavior can result in steep fines, and in worse cases, jail time. Most restrictions concern women’s clothing. While European women are not required to cover their faces or wear a full hijab, covering the head with a scarf is mandatory.

In Iran, a dress code applies to all women, though head coverings are often worn with minimal coverage; scarves and shawls may barely sit on the head, secured with a single pin at the back. Clothing is expected to cover arms to the wrists and legs to the ankles.

Saudi Arabia and most of the United Arab Emirates maintain some of the strictest rules. Even men are advised not to bare arms, legs, or the neck. Tattoos and piercings, especially on women, are frowned upon.

Across much of the Arab world, leggings and a long shirt won’t suffice—women will need long outer garments or floor-length skirts. Avoid bold prints, particularly symbols or celebrity portraits. That said, even where norms are strict, restrictions generally ease at resorts and hotels. One rule stands firm for tourists: no topless sunbathing.

In countries like Turkey, Egypt, Tunisia, and Morocco, many Muslims do not cover from neck to feet, and head coverings may be worn simply for sun protection. Still, visitors are better off avoiding sketchy neighborhoods and not drawing attention with revealing outfits.

On Bali and Lombok, where Hinduism predominates, attitudes are far more relaxed, and locals seldom scrutinize tourists’ clothing.

Alcohol consumption

In most Muslim countries—as well as the United States, Canada, and parts of the European Union—drinking in public can mean a serious fine or even jail. Beer counts as alcohol, even where people treat it casually. Today, the strictest measures are found largely in Muslim-majority states where sobriety is a tenet of faith. In Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan, Iran, Kuwait, Somalia, and Libya, transporting, producing, storing, and distributing alcohol is completely banned. No exceptions are made for tourists. In some of these countries, alcohol may be consumed only at home.

Elsewhere, non-Muslims may drink under strict conditions—often only at home and in the company of other non-Muslims. Even in the UAE, where Dubai is informally cast as a second “sin city” after Las Vegas, there is a completely dry emirate, Sharjah, where alcohol is available only in a handful of clubs and restaurants. Rules are looser in other parts of the country—Dubai issues licenses to sell alcohol—but appearing intoxicated in public is prohibited.

Similar approaches exist in Mauritania, Yemen, Brunei, Sudan, Bahrain, Morocco, and the Maldives—alcohol is allowed only in licensed venues or at home. Some countries permit small imports; Maldivian customs do not.

Smoking bans in public places

Across the EU, the U.S., Canada, and beyond, stringent no-smoking rules apply in public places, and penalties can be steep. In Greece, fines range from 5,000 to 10,000 euros depending on prior violations; in Italy they can reach 275 euros; in the UAE, offenders can face up to two years in prison. In some countries these bans are enforced less strictly for tourists than in Thailand or Egypt, and in Israel the law is largely not enforced in practice.

Globally, rules are tightening. Ireland, Greece, Hungary, and Malta have already moved to improve public health and protect the environment. In 2023, Costa Rica joined them, banning smoking in all public spaces, including bars, restaurants, and bus stops. Some cities, such as Barcelona, have outlawed smoking on beaches to stop cigarette litter. At the French ski resort of Les Gets, smoking is prohibited across the entire area over concerns about tobacco waste in nature reserves.

France is ramping up its campaign against public smoking, and new laws provide for fines on tourists who break the rules. Mexico has taken a leading stance, completely banning cigarette smoking in all public places, including hotels and beaches. The ban covers both indoor and outdoor areas—resorts, parks, and beaches—with special attention to places where children may be present.

Photo and video rules

Strategic state sites—military and industrial—are the first off-limits targets for photography and video. Airports (especially runways), major transport routes, roads, tunnels, and bridges are often restricted, for example in the U.S. Shooting inside temples and mosques is usually prohibited, as is posing against sacred objects. In Thailand and Malaysia that includes all images of Buddha. Many countries also restrict filming government buildings. In Tunisia, that includes the presidential palace; in North Korea, the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun, where the body of Kim Il-sung lies.

Even with a phone, caution helps. In Qatar, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia, photographing people on the street is forbidden not only with professional cameras but also with phones. If locals complain and the police get involved, you will have to delete the images and pay a fine. In Saudi Arabia, shooting the current royal residence is prohibited; hotel staff and guides warn tourists about this.

In the UAE, photographing locals is discouraged, and filming military facilities, oil refineries, and the palaces of sheikhs is a criminal offense.

Even in Turkey, think twice before taking pictures of locals. Never photograph women without permission, especially at the beach. In truth, snapping strangers on beaches is frowned upon almost everywhere.

Local rules in different countries

Alongside outright bans, there are local expectations that won’t earn you a fine but can sour first impressions.

In Buddhist countries, avoid turning your back to a statue of Buddha. Locals see it as an insult to the sacred and a sign of disrespect to the teaching. Photo and video inside temples are discouraged. In all religious sites, keep quiet and dress modestly.

In Indonesia—especially Bali—plastic bags are best avoided. Supermarkets do not sell them; a reusable tote fits the local “No plastic in Bali” spirit. The concern is real: plastic waste washes up on shore after storms.

In Thailand, treat banknotes with respect; they bear the portrait of King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who reigned from 1946 to 2016. Do not crumple, tear, or step on money.

However odd some rules may feel, observing them spares locals offense—and travelers headaches.

Exporting cultural property

Every country takes pride in its cultural heritage—unique artworks, historical artifacts, and other treasures that safeguard identity and history. With borders more porous than ever, illegal export is a real threat. Rules vary by country and cover cultural artifacts, antiques, plants and animals, taxidermy, and skins. The paradox is that many prohibited items are sold openly in souvenir shops. Break the rules, and you risk confiscation and hefty fines; in some places, prison is possible.

For Russian travelers, certain exports are forbidden from popular destinations. From Cuba, you cannot take more than 23 cigars without a receipt, nor live or preserved crocodiles, turtles, or products made from them. The Seychelles ban corals, coco de mer, and items made of turtle shell. Brazil forbids exporting any animals, their skins, and products made from skins, shells, and feathers.

From Kenya, exporting animal skins and taxidermy without a special license is prohibited, as are ivory items, diamonds, and Kenyan shillings (the national currency). From Japan, combat-grade steel katana swords are not allowed (souvenir swords are fine). From Egypt, you cannot export corals, sea shells, stuffed crocodiles, ivory, or gold and silver jewelry worth over $3,000.

From Thailand, gemstones and gold items require a receipt and certificate; large Buddha statues are restricted (small pendants with Buddha images are permitted). In Turkey, jewelry over $15,000 in value cannot be exported without a receipt and certificate. From the Maldives, corals and shark jaws are banned, and from India, Indian rupees and antiques over 100 years old cannot be taken out.

The most unusual bans

The United States leads in quirky prohibitions, many born of case law. One oft-cited example: someone once brought a crocodile to the cinema, tragedy followed, and a law emerged banning reptiles from movie theaters.

In Germany, stopping on the autobahn is illegal—even if you run out of fuel. Walking along the highway is also prohibited. Fines can reach about $100. In Venice, feeding pigeons, going shirtless in public, climbing into fountains, and eating sandwiches on crosswalks are banned. In Rome, diving into fountains is prohibited. Feed pigeons in Venice and the fine can hit $600, though quick payment can reduce it to $50–60.

In Spain, driving in flip-flops is forbidden. In Thailand, riding in a car or on a motorcycle without a shirt is not allowed; the fine is several hundred baht (about $10). In France, farewell kisses on train platforms have been banned since 1910 to keep trains on schedule. Although the rule is no longer enforced, it was never formally repealed. Ireland has an ancient law forbidding men from refusing a woman’s proposal of marriage; a man who declines must pay a fine—but only on February 29.

Singapore bans chewing gum, feeding birds, spitting, and failing to flush in public toilets; fines hover around $100. In the United Kingdom, a law forbids touching any mammals swimming within three miles of the coast—they are considered royal property.

Belgium bans throwing snowballs, treating it like hurling stones; the fine is €100. In Malaysia, wearing yellow clothing is prohibited due to political associations with the opposition, which chose the color for its movement. Denmark maintains an approved list of baby names—about 18,000 for girls and 15,000 for boys—and parents must choose from that list.