Your guide to strange laws and customs around the world
When you're planning a gap year and anticipating the freedom of travelling the world, we'll hazard a guess that breaking the law isn't top of your to-do list. But the world is a big, bizarre place and there are rules that might surprise you, wherever you go.
Whether it's accidentally offending someone with a rude gesture, or unknowingly breaking a weird law, your gap year will go much more smoothly if you're clued up before you travel.
So, if you'd rather save your cash for food rather than fines, and spend time in the jungle instead of jail, read on: we've put together the ultimate "must know" Gap Year Rulebook below.
In this guide:
Why do gap year travellers get caught out?
Before we jump into the different legislation for the countries you might visit on your gap year, it's important to consider why gap year travellers can find themselves in trouble - so you can avoid the common pitfalls!
One key reason is cultural differences. Appropriate dress codes, gestures and accepted behaviour in public places can vary widely between different countries, and language barriers can compound misunderstandings as you're more likely to miss social cues.
Another common route cause is ignorance of local laws. Plus, gap year travellers sometimes rely on the anecdotal advice of other tourists, meaning they're misinformed. Make sure you double check the advice you hear.
Of course, peer pressure can be a factor too. If you're travelling in a group, you may be influenced by what your friends are doing - and socialising with alcohol can lower your perception of risk, leading to some dodgy decision making (btw, if you'd rather go without drinking, our sober travel guide will help!).
Another issue is overconfidence. Some tourists think that because they're foreign, they'll get more leeway with the law. Don’t fall into this way of thinking! Often, laws are related to religious customs and social norms that have existed for centuries and are deeply entrenched in society, so it's important to be in the know.
If you think your cultural (and legal) awareness needs a little polishing, read on for our top weird laws and customs that gap year travellers should know about, so you can get out there in the confidence that you're not causing any mayhem!
Wherever you go on your gap year, there are plenty more rules to know about - from the silly stuff (passing wind in Florida, anyone?) to the serious laws everybody should stick to.
Find our full list of weird laws below.
Did you know?
Malaysia's alcohol tax is the third highest in the world, meaning if you're partial to a few drinks, you certainly won't be getting much bang for your buck. Whilst there's a lot of opportunities to party in SE Asia, if you plan to backpack around this region, save your money and consider your time in Malaysia as a little sober retreat!
Sober curious? Check out our Sober Travel Guide
Strange laws around the world
There are countless laws from other countries that might not seem at all relevant to you, or leave you feeling confused as to why they exist at all. We've sifted through the ones that are most likely to trip you up and given a little context as well.
Southeast Asia
- Thailand: it's illegal to drive shirtless
If you ever find yourself behind the wheel in Thailand, make sure you have a shirt on. Drivers caught shirtless you might be asked to pay ฿500 (about £11). - Thailand: it's illegal to insult or defame the monarchy
Thailand's "offence to monarchy" law is one of the strictest in the world. Defaming or insulting the Royal Family is illegal and will lead to a prison sentence of 3 to 15 years. - Thailand: vapes and e-cigarettes are illegal
Disposable vapes, vape mods and juices are all banned. Being caught vaping or possessing a vape in a public place is punishable by up to five years of jail time or a fine of a whopping ฿30,000 (£641). Similar laws are also in place in Australia and Singapore. - Thailand: carrying more than 120 playing cards is banned
Carrying a complete deck of 52 playing cards is fine, but if you’re planning on having multiple packs, beware: you’ll need governmental approval first! Thesis is because of the Playing Cards Act that was passed in 1943; part of Thailand’s strict anti-gambling laws. - Cambodia: water pistols are illegal
If you’re planning on getting into a water fight in Cambodia, leave your water gun at home: these toys are outlawed in Phnom Penh, and there have been calls to ban them from Khmer New Year celebrations, too. - Indonesia: sex outside marriage is illegal in some places
This new law will come into effect in 2025 and will mainly apply to Indonesian citizens, but it's worth knowing, just in case. Extramarital sex could result in one year in prison, and unmarried couples living together could face six months' jail time. - Vietnam: taking certain items out of the country is illegal
Religious items related to Buddhism are likely to be seized at customs. Additionally, taking antiques out of the country is illegal. If you do buy an old-looking item, get a receipt and confirmation from the vendor that the item has no historical value. - Vietnam: it's illegal to badmouth political parties
Bad-mouthing the Vietnamese government or political parties is illegal. If you're overheard mocking or insulting them, you might end up in a courtroom at risk of deportation. - Laos: it's illegal to hook up with Lao citizens
Extramarital intimate relationships between foreigners and Lao citizens are prohibited. If you don't register this type of relationship, you risk getting reported to the police and fined or deported. - Malaysia: consuming alcohol in public places is not permitted.
Alcohol is only on sale to non-Muslims in certain hotels or bars. Drunken or disorderly behaviour can lead to a fine of MYR 20 or a night in custody.
South Asia
- India: the drinking age is 21 in the majority of Indian states.
Five of the total 28 states allow anyone over the age of 18 to consume alcohol: Goa, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Sikkim, Puducherry. Whereas Bihar, Gujarat, Mizoram, Nagaland and Lakshadweep are teetotal states! - Sri Lanka: It’s illegal to take pictures in certain places
Posing or taking selfies with statues or images of Buddha or at governmental institutions can land you in serious trouble, and can lead to arrest or deportation. - Sri Lanka: Women are prohibited from sunbathing topless.
Nudity and indecency is a grave offence for anyone - any person caught violating these rules will face detention, deportation, or be banned on visiting the country in future. - Sri Lanka: Women are (kinda) prohibited from purchasing alcohol.
This is more of a symbolic law. Female tourists can purchase alcohol, but be wary of disapproving looks from some locals. - Nepal: Don't take the local currency out of the country.
Taking Nepalese rupee out of the country is prohibited, so spend all you have whilst you're there. - Singapore: connecting to someone else’s wifi without permission is illegal
The Computer Misuse and Cybersecurity Act decrees that connecting to someone else’s unsecured wireless network without permission is illegal in Singapore - and can lead to a fine or even imprisonment.
East Asia
- Hong Kong: Don’t pick flowers on government land
The Forests and Countryside Ordinance has banned the picking of and ‘bud, blossom or leaf’ across all government land. So if you hike out to explore one of Hong Kong’s 24 country parks, don’t be tempted to bring back a bouquet! - Japan: Cough and cold medicines can be illegal
Many countries’ over-the-counter medications for coughs and colds include stimulants or codeine - but these are illegal in Japan. Here, codeine is considered a narcotic and is banned. You can bring up to a month’s supply of cough and cold medicines as long as they don’t contain narcotics or stimulants. - Taiwan: wearing a scary mask can land you in jail
The Social Order Maintenance Act decrees that scaring other people by wearing a mask, to a degree that undermines safety, is punishable by detention of three days or a fine of NTD 30,000 (over £700). - Taiwan: ticket scalping can get you fined
Buying entertainment tickets with no intention to use them and reselling for a profit is outlawed in Taiwan - you could be looking at a fine of NTD 18,000 (£426)!
Asia has it all, from the sprawling cityscapes of Mumbai and Singapore to the thick, subtropical jungles of Sri Lanka and breathtaking landscapes of Nepal. Check out our suggestions for backpacking in Asia.
Did you know?
You may hear from fellow travellers that it’s illegal to dress as Batman or Robin in Australia. There’s a kernel of truth here! The Vagrancy Act 1966 stated it was illegal to wear a disguise or costume without a lawful excuse - the evidence of which you should carry with you. However, this law was repealed in 2005.
Naturally, it’s still against the law to wear a disguise with illegal intent. It’s also illegal to impersonate a police officer (Crimes act 1900) - so don’t swap your bat cape for a police cap, either.
Oceania
- Australia: Don't climb Uluru
Uluru (also known as Ayers Rock) has been permanently closed since 2019. Climbing it is prohibited as it is disrespectful towards aboriginal culture. Management of the site is in the hands of the Anangu people, who value Uluru as sacred. - Australia: Don’t ring doorbells without a good reason
In South Australia, ringing someone’s doorbell without a good reason isn’t just a nuisance - it’s a punishable offence, resulting in a fine of AUD $250 (about £130) - Australia: Don’t annoy people with your musical instrument
Announcing “Anyway, here’s Wonderwall” and pulling out your guitar in the Northern Territory could land you in hot water: musicians and buskers can be fined AUD $200 (about £100) for annoying people with musical instruments. - Fiji: Sunbathing or showing excess skin can result in a fine
Sunbathing should only be done in some of the big hotels and beach resorts, and sunbathing topless is not permitted anywhere and will result in a hefty fine. When visiting local villages, women are expected to wear clothing that covers their arms and knees, and men should wear knee length shorts and a t-shirt.
From the remote Australian Outback to New Zealand’s epic glaciers and Fiji’s idyllic beaches, there’s something for everyone, whether you’re a glam island hopper, a sports lover or a wildlife enthusiast. Check out our Oceania Gap Year Activities here.
North America
- USA: the law varies state by state in this enormous country (or even town in some cases!), and although they might still be written in ink from a time gone by, they aren't all enforced today. Here are a few that are relevant to backpackers:
-
-
- New Jersey: if you're on a road trip, allow the petrol pump attendant to fill up your hire car. It's illegal to fill your own tank, even in the middle of the night, so sit back and enjoy the service.
- Michigan: don't ride a train whilst drunk or you could end up spending a night in a police station.
- Fenwick Island, Delaware: tailgating (having a picnic in the back of an open vehicle) is a popular form of socialising in the US, where people drive to an open space to eat and drink. However, this is illegal in the town of Fenwick Island between the hours of 12am and 6am.
- Maryland: swearing whilst driving is illegal! If you suffer from road rage, keep the profanity to yourself to avoid a fine and wasting your time talking to the authorities.
- Reno, Nevada: due to congested streets, it's illegal to sit or lie down on the pavement. To avoid police intervention, keep it moving!
- New Hampshire: collecting seaweed on the beach is counted as a violation of the law, so you budding marine biologists out there, leave it where you found it to avoid a fine.
- Florida: it’s illegal to pass wind in a public place after 6pm on Thursdays here - however, the law was written in the 1800’s, is largely forgotten about, and is not enforced in any way.
-
- USA: parking rules vary
Parking within five metres of a fire hydrant is prohibited and you will get fined. The rules for curb colour coding differentiates between states, so it's best to check before you drive! - USA: don't pack fresh European produce
Entering the country with those oranges from Spain might cost you a hefty fine - during the 1980s, imported fruit and veg caused an outbreak of Mediterranean fruit fly, costing the US government $100 million. Failing to declare agricultural items will cost first-time offenders $300 (£235). - Canada: it's illegal to climb trees in Oshawa
If you're visiting Lake Ontario, don't be tempted to climb the trees in this city on its shoreline, as it could result in a fine. - Mexico: overstaying your visa can turn nasty
Do NOT overstay your visa thinking you're only risking paying a fine. Tourists can end up in detention centres for staying in Mexico longer than their visa states.
Keen to discover more of North America? You’re in luck. Whether you’re exploring Route 66, drinking in the lush, green vistas of Banff or surfing in the OC, you’ll make memories that’ll last a lifetime. Discover our North America backpacking opportunities.
Central America
- Guatemala: don't drink alcohol at certain times of day
The consumption of alcohol outside of home is prohibited between 6pm and 6am, and the sale of alcohol in shops is prohibited between 8pm and 6am. - Nicaragua: drones are banned
Bad luck if you planned to get the perfect aerial shot of Nicaragua’s mountains and lakes, as drones are outlawed here.
- Costa Rica: drinking in public is illegal
That drink in the park is actually against the law. Don’t get tempted even if you see others doing it: you’re making yourself a target.
- Panama: you’re guilty until proven innocent
Best not to associate yourself with dodgy behaviour - particularly in Panama, where you can get jailed until found innocent.
Central America is a popular gap year travel destination for a reason: it’s an incredible mix of vibrant cultures, awe-inspiring scenery and jaw-dropping wildlife. Check out our backpacking experiences in Central America.
South America
- Brazil: it's illegal to smoke in public
Make sure you are in a designated smoking area if you want to light up. - Brazil: Don't use a mobile phone inside a bank
When visiting a bank, it is against the law to use your mobile phone inside the premises. This is to protect bank staff when they leave work, so respectfully check your phone before you go to withdraw cash. - Brazil: take masks off inside
Wearing motorbike helmets or any kind of face covering inside premises is prohibited. This is to prevent any false accusations of shoplifting! - Brazil: it's illegal for women to be topless on the beach
Despite the city of Rio being known for its itsy-bitsy swimwear, women going completely topless on the beach is illegal and is taken very seriously. Violators will receive a fine, so wear those spaghetti strap tan lines with pride! - Brazil: gambling is illegal
Don't try your luck with this one - carrying out "games of chance" in a public place can lead to between three months and one year of imprisonment. [Disclaimer: under this rule, poker is not classified as a game of chance, rather a "skill-based game" where the results depend on the ability of the player, so take your poker face with you. - Cuba: it's illegal for tourists to use the local transport system
There are two transport systems in Cuba, one for locals and one for tourists. It’s illegal for tourists to use the local transport system or accept rides from unregistered private drivers. Doing so will lead to questioning from the police and a fine. - Cuba: littering is against the law
You can get fined up to 3,000 Pesos (£97) for dropping that cigarette butt or crisp packet on the street. - Multiple Caribbean countries: camouflage clothing is illegal for civilians
In Antigua, Barbuda, Dominica, Cuba, Grenada, Jamaica, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago, it’s illegal to wear or possess camouflage clothing - so, leave your camo prints at home. - Peru: beware of disrespecting the indigenous culture
Exporting antiques and artefacts from pre-colonial Peru is against the law. Additionally, indecent behaviour, such as not showing respect to cultural, historical, or sacred sites is against the law. Foreigners have been detained for this. - Peru: Machu Picchu has special laws to obey
It is mandatory to have a local guide when ascending Machu Picchu. Smoking, walking off-piste, flying drones, feeding animals or causing disorder is prohibited. Objects that are prohibited include tripods and selfie sticks, pushchairs, plastic bags, alcohol, and backpacks bigger than 40"35"20"cm!
Drawn to the epic views of Machu Picchu and the snow-peaked Andes? Keen to tango in Argentina or explore the rainforests of the Amazon? Check out our packages for backpacking in South America.
Did you know?
It's always a bad idea to buy animal souvenirs in Africa. This should be a rule of thumb wherever you go. Illegal poaching is a problem in most African countries, with similar problems in Asia and Central America. Avoid affiliating with this market: all animal souvenir products that you see for sale are a result of illegal poaching.
Southern Africa
- South Africa: unusual laws around drinking and buying alcohol
You can't buy alcohol from supermarkets or bottle stores after 8pm. It's also illegal to drink alcohol in a public place aside from bars and restaurants. - South Africa: herders and their cows have right of way on the road
Yep, you have to yield and give right of way to a herder and their livestock if you come across them when driving in South Africa. - Namibia: LGBTQ+ people should mind certain laws
Attitudes towards homosexuality and LGBTQ+ are still very conservative in Namibia. Whilst same-sex relationships themselves are not illegal, some same-sex acts are. Showing affection in public may result in unwanted attention. - Botswana and Namibia: photographing official buildings is forbidden
Avoid taking photos of military or governmental buildings. Photography can be a thorny issue in these countries, which we've explained in our 'etiquette' section below.
If wild savannahs, epic wildlife and a taste of adventure are your thing, you’re in the right place. Check out the activities available through KILROY in Botswana, Namibia and South Africa.
Did you know?
If you’ve ever heard that flushing the toilet after 10pm in Switzerland is banned, this is sometimes true!
In many places Swiss authorities impose Quiet Hours between 10pm and 6am, and being respectful towards other people in your building is enshrined in tenancy law. So, if you’re planning on playing the drums, using power tools, or if your loo does, indeed, have a very loud flush, you might be in trouble.
Europe
- Spain: don't get rowdy in the Balearic Islands.
Under the new Decree for Responsible Tourism and Improvement of Tourist Areas, it's now illegal to consume alcohol in the street in Palma de Mallorca, Calvia, Llucmajor and Sant Antoni de Portmany in Ibiza. Those caught breaking this rule will be fined between €500 and €1500 (~£430 - £1290). - Italy: Don't feed the pigeons and avoid big tourist groups in Venice.
You could face a penalty of €50 if you're caught feeding birds in St Mark’s Square. Venice has also committed to protecting the peace of its residents, with a recent ban on tour groups of over 25 people. If you do plan to take a guided tour to the islands of Burano, Murano, or Torcello, make sure you're with a registered tour company. - Italy: Don't eat on the street in Florence.
The city council deemed it bad-mannered enough to issue a ban on the consumption of food in the main streets between 12pm and 3pm and 6pm and 10pm. The punishment is a fine of €500. - Italy: watch out for showing too much skin
In the town of Tropea in the southern region of Calabria, it’s forbidden to walk around barefoot or in a bathing suit/bare-chested. Those who violate the rules face a fine from €125 to €500. - Greece: don't wear high heels at key historical sites
Other than probably being quite uncomfortable and a bit slippery, wearing shoes with pointy heels is banned in historical sites (like the Acropolis in Athens) to prevent damage to historical land. Officials will likely just turn you away with a word of warning, but if ignored this could result in a fine of up to €700. - Spain: It’s illegal to urinate in the ocean
Urea can negatively impact the local wildlife, so in 2022, the city of Vigo in Spain introduced a hefty fine for people who pee in the sea. If caught, you could pay up to €750 (£645). Since then, more local Spanish authorities have threatened to make peeing in the sea illegal.
Want to trek Mont Blanc, live like a local in the Amalfi Coast, or learn to surf under the Portuguese sun? Our backpacking in Europe trips will be perfect for you.
Surprising customs and etiquette you should know about
These ones won't land you in trouble with the police, but do take note of these and act accordingly. One of the best things about travelling is the people you'll meet and the friends you make, so read on to discover how to not to accidentally offend them!
Southeast Asia
- Thailand: stand for the national anthem
In Thailand, you will hear the national anthem played in public places at 8am and at 6pm. To show respect for this custom, stop what you're doing, stand up, pause your conversation and wait it out. You don't have to sing, though! - Thailand: mind your feet - and your shoes
In Thai culture, it's the done thing to remove shoes when entering someone's home or temples. You should also be mindful of where you put your feet: if you're eating at a table, don't stick your feet out. Keep them tucked beneath you or you'll risk offending people. And don't sit with your feet up: it's considered extremely impolite.
Did you know?
India, Nepal and Sri Lanka have different social expectations around modest clothing, especially for women. Avoid skimpy bikinis and save any swimwear strictly for beach resorts or hotel pools - Guys, put a t-shirt on if you're going to wander along the beach, and gals, take a more modest swimming costume for your time in these countries. This way you'll save on sun cream too!
South Asia
- Nepal: be extra mindful to respect religious people and places.
Don't take photos of Buddhist monks and give them space to avoid touching them as this is disrespectful. Always look for a "no photo" sign or "no entry for tourists" when visiting temples or religious places as some areas are only for those practising the religion. Also, don't sit and eat in a religious place or near a religious place. - Nepal: mind your hands when eating or paying
In Nepal, you use one hand to eat (you're welcome to use a fork or chopsticks), but using both is considered inappropriate. When paying for something with cash or receiving change, you should hand it over/receive it using both hands as it is seen as well-mannered and respectful. - Sri Lanka and India: mind your left hand
In these countries, your left hand is the one you use when you go to the loo. So, don't eat, pay for or reach for anything with your left hand. - India: people can be surprisingly friendly!
You will see men holding hands in public. This is not romantic, just a sign of brotherhood and affection between friends! In India, people are openly curious about others, especially foreigners, so don't take offence if somebody asks to take photos with you...and asks to hold your hand!
East Asia
- Japan: don't eat food outside
It's frowned upon to eat food outside in Japan. Eating in the street or on public transport is also considered rude, unless you're riding the bullet train or in a train's green car (first class carriage). - Japan: don't apply makeup in public
Japanese people consider it inappropriate to apply makeup in a public space as it is seen as a private act to be done at home, the same way we might see getting dressed. - Japan: cover up your tattoos in onsens
This isn’t law, but many public saunas and onsens have signs forbidding tattooed people entry. If you want to have a soak or steam, cover up your tattoos. - China and Japan: don't blow your nose in public
Blowing your nose in public is seen as extremely rude and disgusting. Either mop or sniff. - Japan and Korea: tipping is offensive
This is one that catches lots of foreigners out! In Japan and Korea, tipping your waiter is seen as an insult. In these countries, workers feel they're getting paid to do their job, so they don't need additional incentive.
- Korea: keep your hands out of your pockets
At the risk of sounding like your junior school headmaster, keep your hands out of your pockets if you're visiting Korea! It's considered arrogant and looked down upon. - Korea: keep your shirt on
This goes for men and women, even on the beach. You won't see topless men in South Korea as it's deemed inappropriate and underdressed.
Oceania
- Australia: ride shotgun underneath the hot sun!
If you're catching a taxi alone, it’s customary to sit in the passenger seat...and engage in chit chat with the driver.
Northern America
- USA and Canada: tipping culture is big
Don't make the mistake of forgetting to tip your waiter in America. If you're staying in a fancy hotel while you're abroad, you should also tip the staff here. - USA and Canada: comfy clothes are common
We've all thrown on a big, comfy sweatshirt and joggers to take the bins out or after the gym, but in Northern America, it's very common for people to dress in a very relaxed way most of the time. - USA: people identify as their heritage
Many USA nationals will identify as their heritage (such as Irish or Italian) rather than their nationality. It's a funny quirk that can lead to confusion!
Central America
- Guatemala: avoid touching people’s heads
The head is seen as a sacred part of the body in Mayan culture, so touching someone's head is considered disrespectful. - Nicaragua: make an effort with your appearance
Backpackers with revealing or tired-looking clothing stand out like sore thumbs in Nicaragua, where people place a great deal of importance on cleanliness and looking neat. Leave your ripped shorts behind. - Nicaragua: try not to refuse food
If someone offers you something to eat or drink, try to avoid saying “no”. - Honduras: don’t throw things to people
If you need to give someone something, don’t throw it! This is seen as something that’s reserved for dogs. Just walk over and hand it to them! - Costa Rica: don’t make fists
Rolling your hand into a fist with the thumb between your middle and index finger is seen as obscene.
South America
- Argentina and Falkland Islands: avoid open displays of British patriotism
Avoid wearing or displaying any that represent England or the UK, even football shirts. Despite the locals' general attitudes towards Brits being nothing short of lovely, the Falklands War is a sensitive topic. The Union Jack or St George's flag will only attract unwanted attention. - Brazil: hosts may offer you a shower
As temperatures can get up to 50 degrees centigrade, you will be offered a shower if you visit someone's house - don't take this as a sign of offence, it's not because you smell - it's a sign of consideration! - Argentina, Brazil, Venezuela, Uruguay: certain hand gestures are offensive
Avoid the ‘OK’ gesture, and don’t ball your hand into a fist, as this is considered offensive. - Colombia: keep your drug jokes to yourself
No matter how renowned he may be, Pablo Escobar has left a legacy that Colombians are sensitive about, believing he's tarnished the image of Colombia. It's wildly misguided to joke that all Colombians are drug dealers or are related to a drug dealer, or that all Colombians like cocaine. They're simply not true and are offensive to Colombian people and harmful to their culture. Avoid making jokes about this, even if you are with Colombian friends that make the joke themselves. - Bolivia: always accept an invitation to eat
If someone offers you food or invites you to eat with them, refusing is seen as very rude. And when you eat, always use utensils.
Southern Africa
- South Africa: beach lifeguards will stop you from swimming if sharks are around
Beaches in Cape Town will stop you from swimming if a Great White Shark has been spotted nearby. There is no penalty for not adhering to this rule...just a potential risk to your life! - South Africa: Don't openly admire objects in your host's home
Repeatedly complimenting an item in a South African's house compels them to offer it to you as a gift. Locals know to refuse, but foreigners don't! If someone offers you a gift like this, say no. - South Africa: dining etiquette varies
In Zulu culture, you must be seated by your host, but in Sotho culture you should immediately seat yourself. In some South African homes, guests are served first, then the hosts in hierarchical order - and you should wait until everyone is served before eating. Luckily, people are generally welcoming if you make an effort to understand their particular customs. - Botswana and Namibia: avoid skimpy clothing
You can offend locals if you're not wearing enough clothes - especially if you're female. Shorts are fine if you're doing something active, but avoid hotpants and leave your revealing clothing at home. - Botswana and Namibia: make extra effort to greet people
Even if you're just asking for directions, it's customary to say "hello, how are you?" and shake their hand first. If you meet a group of people, greet the eldest ones first. - Botswana and Namibia: be respectful when taking photos
In some areas of these countries, the majority of interactions locals get with tourists relates to taking photos. This is made worse by travellers snapping away without asking permission. It's so bad that some people will ask for money if you take their photo. So - put your camera away. Prioritise having meaningful interactions with people, then ask to take photos only if it feels right. - Namibia: don't refuse food or drinks
Hospitality is a big deal in Namibia, so if your host offers you something to eat or drink, say yes - otherwise you're being rude.
Europe
- France: air kissing is normal
When you meet someone, it's customary to "air-kiss" them on both cheeks, first left then right. - Austria and Finland: nudity is less taboo
In Austria, sunbathing nude is normal. In Austrian and Finnish public saunas it is expected that you go nude, as it's considered unhygienic to sit and sweat in your swimwear. - Italy: mind your hand gestures
Touching your chin, making a fist and the 'bull horn' gesture are all considered rude. The pinched fingers gesture actually means “what do you want” and is NOT a sign of appreciation - so avoid doing this!
Not-so-crazy rules: top tips to consider before you go
Whew, that was a lot to cover. What are the main takeaways to help you stay on the right path? There are definitely themes in the laws around the world that you should note. It's always worth being mindful and informed about these key areas:
- Drug possession and use: A general rule of thumb is to avoid this, but do your research to avoid potentially heavy punishments.
- Alcohol consumption: Have fun, but avoid causing disruption to others and getting yourself in potentially dangerous situations, and check if there are places or times where drinking is prohibited.
- Dress codes and public decency: Respect religious and conservative attitudes towards sex and nudity. This is especially important when visiting rural areas, as attitudes are generally more conservative here.
- Photography restrictions: Don't take pictures of people without asking first and look out for "no photo" signs at religious sites.
- Environmental laws: Respect surrounding nature like you would your nan's flower garden. Take your rubbish with you, tread lightly, and respect the value local people place on their surroundings.
- Cultural, political and religious sensitivities: dress modestly in more conservative societies, stay on the main path at sacred sites and keep any potentially offensive opinions (even ones you might think are just jokes) to yourself.
If you equip yourself with knowledge, you're on the right path for the best travel experience of your life.
At KILROY, we’re all about building your confidence in the best travel experiences ever. To discuss the perfect trip for you - plus how to maximise every minute of your time abroad - get in touch!