Owning more than 120 playing cards, wearing camouflage clothing, and simply being annoying are some of the strangest things that are illegal around the world, with punishments ranging from 7p fines to 10-year prison sentences.
Here are some of the strangest laws that travellers may not be aware of.
1. Palawan Island, Philippines – It’s against the law to be annoying
In the Philippines, annoying someone to the point of inciting anger (or “unjust vexation”, according to the Philippines Revised Penal Code) can lead to a fine of 5 to 200 pesos (7p to £2.80) or, in more severe cases, a prison sentence of 30 days, a justification if one was needed to always be polite and friendly when travelling there!
2. Pattaya, Thailand – It’s illegal to possess more than 120 playing cards
Because of Thailand’s strict anti-gambling laws, it’s illegal for individuals to possess more than 120 playing cards, unless they have been registered by the Excise Department. The “Playing Cards Act” has been in place since 1943 and flouting it is punishable by a prison sentence of up to 10 years.
3. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – Singing (obscene) songs in public is illegal
Singing obscene songs in public in Malaysia is against the law and offenders could land themselves a hefty fine, up to three months in prison, or both.
4. Barbados, Caribbean – It’s illegal to wear camouflage clothing
Unless you’re a member of the armed forces, it’s illegal to wear any form of camouflage while holidaying in several Caribbean countries, including Barbados, Jamaica, Bahamas and St. Lucia. Anyone caught wearing camo can be subject to a $2,000 (£1,571) fine, up to a year in prison, or both.
5. California, United States – You can be fined for traffic laws on an e-scooter
In larger urban centres, such as California in the United States, fines have been introduced for tourists found to be violating e-scooter regulations and traffic laws. While hopping on a scooter might feel like a fun way for a tourist to get around town, exceeding the 15mph speed limit could lead to a ticket of up to $250 (£197).
6. Kenya – Fines can be enforced for selfies
Certain locations across Kenya are covered by the Protected Areas Act and the Official Secrets Act, which prohibits filming and photography unless you’ve been given express permission. In protected areas like State House, Nairobi, Kenya Defence Forces headquarters and The Central Bank of Kenya, snapping a picture could land you a Ksh200,000 (£1,100) fine, up to two years imprisonment, or both.
Information provided by www.eshores.co.uk
