Weird laws around the world

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Don't get caught up with local laws and customs this holiday with InsureandGo's guide to unusal laws from across the globe.

Holidays require a lot of preparation. Finding someone to feed the cat, arranging travel insurance, reading up on the local laws and customs, but it's easy for certain things to fall by the wayside, potentially leading to serious consequences.

Everyone wants to come home from their holiday with fond memories, not a night in the slammer. While we can't recommend a good pet feeding service, here at InsureandGo we can provide you with great rates on a wide range of travel insurance policies. And, with a little help from DumbLaws.com, we've also picked out some of the more unusual laws from across the globe that, while often humorous, could easily catch you out.

Thailand
If you're travelling to Thailand, make sure you pack enough underwear to last you for the entire trip. It is illegal to leave your house without wearing underwear in Thailand and, although we're not quite sure exactly how this law is enforced, we wouldn't want to take any chances.

If you spot a baht note flying down the street and decide to chase after it, try to avoid using the old ‘stamping on it with your foot' trick. All of Thailand's notes and coins have a picture of the country's highly revered King on them, and stepping on his likeness could land you in prison.

Australia
If you're staying in Victoria and the lightbulb goes in your hotel room, don't attempt to change it yourself. It might sound like health and safety gone mad, but in Victoria only licensed electricians are permitted to change lightbulbs.

If you're going to a fancy dress party whilst down under, think very carefully about your choice of costume. It is illegal to roam the streets wearing black clothes, felt shoes and black shoe polish on your face, so dressing as a cat burglar might not be the best way to go.

Singapore
Chewing gum enthusiasts could quite easily end up in a sticky situation in Singapore. Due to the number of people disposing of gum by sticking it underneath chairs and tables, a law was put in place banning the import and sale of chewing gum in the country.

Singaporeans take littering very seriously. If you're caught disposing of your rubbish improperly you could end up having to pay a hefty fine, as well as undertake community service (cleaning the streets while wearing a ‘litter lout' sign!)

Canada
Not a fan of Canadian music? You might want to leave your radio switched off in Canada as, by law, at least 30 per cent of all content played on radio stations must be either written by, performed by, or composed by a Canadian.

If you find yourself with a pocket full of pennies to use up at the end of your trip, think very carefully about how you are going to spend them. In Canada, you are not allowed to pay for a 50 cent item with just pennies, so bear than it mind before you empty your pockets onto the shop counter.

Switzerland
If you've got an apartment booked for your Swiss vacation, you'll have to plan your late night trips to the toilet with precision. After 10pm, it is both illegal to flush a toilet in an apartment, and for a man to relieve himself while standing up.

Sundays are usually a good day to do all the stuff you don't have time for during the week, such as washing the car, mowing the lawn and hanging clothes out to dry. Not so in Switzerland however, as doing any of these things on a Sunday there is illegal.

Denmark
If you're planning on hiring a car in Denmark, make sure that your driving is up to scratch as the Danes are pretty hot on road safety. For example, whenever a vehicle is being operated, the headlights must be on in order to distinguish it from a parked car. Not only that, it is also against the law to start a car while someone is underneath it.

Make sure that you get your money's worth if you order water in a Danish restaurant. In order to charge you for the water, the restaurant must include something else with it, such as a slice of lemon or some ice cubes, so check your glass and your bill carefully.

Whichever country you're travelling to, InsureandGo is bound to have the right policy for you. Visit www.insureandgo.com for a quote today.

10 August 2010