Jail for lack of knowledge when traveling

The saying “He who does not know is not guilty” is a saying that does not apply in these countries. So if you are planning to travel to another region, you need to understand the basics of their laws to avoid trouble.

Here are the things that are normal in Vietnam but can get you fined, even jailed if done in another country.

1. Thailand: Picking up shells, feeding fish, carrying a deck of cards with you

In Thailand, if you pick up beautiful seashells or corals on the beach, you may end up in jail. In early February this year, two young Russian tourists were arrested in Thailand for having coral and seashells found in their bodies. The two girls chose to pay a fine of $2,000 each to avoid prison. According to the testimony, shells and corals were purchased by them from a Thai man.

Not only it is forbidden to pick up shells, visitors to Thailand are also not allowed to feed fish in coral waters. This crime can land you in jail for up to a year. For example, a tourist was arrested for feeding fish to take pictures. Fortunately, she was later bailed with the help of diplomats, but still had to pay a fine.

If you’re going to play cards while sunbathing in Thailand, think again. The law here since 1935 prohibits you from carrying more than 120 cards. So if you are caught carrying more than 2 decks of cards, you risk going to jail for suspected gambling.

2. Australia: Swearing

Don’t swear while you’re in Australia, even if it’s just for fun. In Queensland and Victoria, swearing in public can land you in jail for up to six months.

3. Singapore: Connect to someone else’s Wi-Fi

You need to be very careful when accessing Wi-Fi in Sіпɡарогe. If you connect to an open Wi-Fi without asking the owner’s permission, this may be considered a hacker’s act. You can be imprisoned for up to 3 years for this crime.

4. Japan: No ID and bring medications

When coming to this “Rising Sun” country, always remember to bring identification documents such as identity cards. If the police blocks you and you are unable to present your documents, you could be jailed for up to 23 days.

You also need to be very careful when traveling with medications. There are many types of drugs banned in Japan, including cold and flu medicines. Please note the prohibited list when traveling to this country if you do not want to be arrested at the airport.

5. UAE: Eat poppy seed cake when flying to Dubai

Arriving in the UAE, beware of the tight airport checks. Even small things can get you caught. For example, a Swedish citizen who flew to Dubai was jailed for 4 years because the polices discovered 3 poppy seeds on his clothes, left after he ate cake at Heathrow airport.

According to Dan Tri, poppy seeds are oil-containing seeds, harvested from the poppy plant. They are used whole or ground as an ingredient in many dishes, especially cakes and breads, and pressed for oil.

6. Saudi Arabia: Dabbing and eating during Ramadan

The famous dance dabbing can get you in trouble when visiting Saudi Arabia. Dabbing is banned in the country because the local government thinks it evokes the side effects of illegal drug use.

According to The Week, a Saudi singer was arrested for performing this dance, and the authorities even released posters warning young people about the importance of women when following this trend.

The Saudi government also warned that all tourists who eat or drink in public during Ramadan will be arrested and deported.

7. America: Giving food to the homeless and spitting

Residents in the town of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA, prohibit giving food to the homeless in public.

According to The Guardian, a 90-year-old priest at a local church was jailed for two months for cooking food for the homeless.

You can only do charity in special places after getting an official permit from the local government.

Another unexpected ban in Florida that we’ve probably all broken. The small town of Lackland has officially banned spitting in public since 1944. However, in 2013, a 29-year-old man did not know this law and was sent to prison for spitting on the sidewalk.

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