Five laws easy for tourists to break

With the Italian government outlawing sandals on the Cinque Terre hiking trails, we take a look at a few other international laws that South Africans could easily fall afoul of.

E-Cigarettes are banned in Thailand

Smoking is banned on most of the popular tourist beaches in Thailand. Credit: Pixabay.

Vapourisors, such as e-cigarettes, vapes, and even refills, are completely banned in the South-East Asian country and punishment for breaking this law is severe. At the very least, the items will be confiscated and a fine levied, but authorities have the power to also send offenders away to jail for up to ten years.

Smoking has also been banned on 24 beaches across 15 provinces including at popular tourist hot spots Phuket, Krabi, and Koh Samui.

No camouflage in the Carribean

Sunsets on Barbados are spectacular. Credit: Pixabay

If you are keen on hunting, there is a good chance your wardrobe contains a good deal of camouflage print clothing. The advice is to leave all of it at home if you are headed on a Carribean cruise as countries such as St Lucia, Barbados, and St Vincent have completely outlawed any clothing with camouflage on them, even on children. Cleary, not everyone loves your camo-pant, Danie.

Get a speedo if you are going to France

Banana hammocks essential in France. Credit: Pixabay

Despite that this law is entirely against basic human decency, France still insists that no loose fitting swimming trunks can be worn in public swimming pools, so make sure to pack a speedo.

Don’t forget to fill up

Fill up before getting on Germany’s world-famous Autobahn. Credit: Pixabay

Running out of fuel on Germany’s autobahn is illegal and can incur a fine of between €30 and €70 (R500 to R1,100) depending on the situation. To make matters worse, walking on the Autobahn is also illegal so going to fetch new petrol for your car can incur an additional penalty.

If you are a member of the AA, you can call them to bring you petrol and hope they see you before a traffic officer does.

No flushing your toilet at night

Try not to go to the bathroom after 10 in Switzerland. Credit: Pixabay

Switzerland is so strict about keeping public noise levels down that most buildings have a strict curfew on toilet flushing. If you go to the bathroom after 10pm it’s wise to just wait till morning to till you pull the chain.

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