Foreign laws that can (and will) suprise you

 

Whether your looking for laws in foreign countries, or you simply want to have a good laugh- look no further! Here is a comprehensive look at some foreign laws that might surprise you.
 
A penny for your thoughts. In Canada, it is not uncommon to come across or use US pennies. It is not illegal to use them. But there's a limit on how many can be used at a time. The maximum number allowable per transaction is 25.
 
Medicine mix ups. In Japan some simple over the counter medicines are illegal, such as vicks and sudafed or anything containing pseudoephedrine. If you are caught trying to bring these items through customs, you will be detained. But don't worry, your sinus problems will mean nothing when your spending a weekend in a foreign prison system.
 
A royal flush. Singapore takes a great deal of effort to keep their public restrooms in clean order. Tourists are expected to assist in keeping them clean. If you make the mistake of merely jiggling the handle and not flushing it down, be prepared to be fined.
 
Stopping for the red light. Sweden has different rules for ladies of the night, they are allowed to work as independent business women. But for the men who solicit their service and are not smart enough to do so without being caught, are at risk for punishments ranging from a fine to as much as six months in jail. 
 
K-9 ban. In countries such as Germany, you can not expect your wonderful loving pit-bull to be regarded with closed arms and squinty eyes. Make sure to read up on animal laws before you take poor puddles along with you on a distant journey. Some breeds of (considered) dangerous animals are not allowed in foreign countries, may be limited to certain time frames of four weeks or less for visit, and are not allowed to reside in them at all. Even being a dog of a mixed breed such as mastiff or rottweiler may mean no lederhosen for Fluffy.
 
Forget the Mask-arade. Thinking of an autumn trip to Scandinavia? Hoping to show them what an American Halloween's all about? Stick to the simple costumes. In Denmark, wearing a mask in public can lead to your arrest.
 
 Get in and go? In the Philippines, a vehicle can only be driven on days determined by the last digits of its license plate—this is called, for murky historical reasons, the "color-coding scheme." So borrowing a local's car may require more number crunching than it's worth. Even traveling by scooter has its challenges, since you can get ticketed for driving in sandals or bare feet.
 
(Water) Gun control. New years in southeast Asia is almost always a little "watered down" with lots of buckets, water balloons, and drenched revelers. But in Cambodia you must chose your weapons wisely. Water guns will be snatched away on sight. Rumor has it some ruffians filled their Super Soakers with, er, "used" water, ruining the party for everyone.
 
Watch your mouth! Think foreigners in Thailand are exempt from the country's famous "never bad-mouth the King" laws? Think again. Non-Thais may have a better chance of being able to claim that it was all a big misunderstanding, but as one disrespectful Australian novelist just discovered, their pardon may come after five months in prison.
 
Turn it down. In Finland, taxi drivers playing music in their cars are required to pay a copyright fee. The idea is that the music is being presented to the "public"—the cabs' paying customers. If a cabbie won't turn on the radio for you, understand that he's not necessarily interested in talking instead. He might just be trying to save a few euros.
 
Give them the finger. In Germany flipping someone off is called, "der Stinkfinger." It is considered a vulgar insult and can be punishable by, a fine of up to one month's salary of the accused.
 
Swine, swine, everywhere there's swine. It is illegal to import pork products into Yemen. Not only that, it carries a maximum punishment of death. Make sure if you want a side of bacon with your eggs that you don't bring it in with you!
 
Where ever you go, make sure you know what the laws are BEFORE you break them and incur any unnecessary fines, or worse! Happy and safe travels.