From no selfies with Buddha to a ban on high heels: 9 unusual laws around the world for tourists

2. Don’t wear high heels at ancient sites in Greece

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Greece doesn’t ban high heels everywhere, but you can’t wear them at archaeological sites like the Acropolis. This rule helps protect ancient stone structures and keeps visitors safe.

3. No feeding pigeons in Venice, Italy

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Feeding pigeons used to be popular with tourists in Venice, but the city banned it to prevent damage and keep places like Piazza San Marco clean. Many locals even say that “pigeons are disgusting and dirty.”

4. It’s illegal to run out of gas on the Autobahn in Germany

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Drivers in Germany are expected to always stay in control, so running out of gas is seen as something you can avoid. If you stop on the Autobahn without a good reason, you could get fined. Parking on the Autobahn with an empty tank is also not allowed.

5. No selfies with Buddha in Sri Lanka

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In Sri Lanka, turning your back on Buddha for a photo is seen as disrespectful. Taking selfies like this can even lead to arrest or deportation. The law says mistreating Buddhist images and artefacts is not allowed.

6. Don’t flush after 10 pm in Switzerland (in some apartments)

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In some Swiss apartment buildings, quiet-hour rules mean you can’t flush the toilet late at night. It’s seen as noise pollution, which is something people in Switzerland really dislike. While it’s not an official law, many older buildings still follow this rule.

7. No wearing camouflage in many Caribbean countries

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In countries like Barbados, Jamaica, and St. Lucia, civilians aren’t allowed to wear camouflage prints. This rule helps prevent people from being mistaken for military personnel.

8. Don’t step on currency in Thailand

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Thai money has images of the king, so stepping on currency, even by accident, is seen as disrespectful and is against the law.

9. No spitting in public in Dubai

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In Dubai, spitting in public, littering, or making offensive gestures can lead to heavy fines because of strict laws about cleanliness and behavior.