A favorite pastime of tourists on St. Mark's Square in Venice can empty your wallet by 500 euros
Gazeta.Ru tells about incredible prohibitions that can get you into big trouble abroad.
Bringing umbrellas, canes, and spikes
At Machu Picchu, you can run into problems in several cases. For example, if you go to study the UNESCO monument in shoes with spikes or with a huge backpack. The law was introduced so that tourists would not be tempted to chip off something as a souvenir and later take it with them.
You should not bring umbrellas or canes either. Travelers who need something to lean on for more comfortable movement can only bring them with protective rubber tips on the ends.
Taking photos for social networks
Going to the Swiss commune of Bürglen, keep in mind: you won't be able to tell your friends on Facebook or Instagram that you've been here. In May of this year, local authorities introduced a ban on photographing local beauties. The fine for non-compliance is 5 euros. The official reason for the ban, as funny as it sounds, is concern for people.
"It has been scientifically proven that beautiful vacation photos posted on social networks make those who view them unhappy, because these people are not in that place themselves," says a statement from the tourist office.
As with any rule, there are exceptions. So, you can still take pictures from your own plots, during a wedding, and from a train car.
Climbing temple walls
The other day, Myanmar authorities banned tourists from climbing temples in the ancient city of Bagan. And this despite the fact that watching the sunset from a pagoda is considered one of the key points of a trip to Myanmar. The idea is not new; last year they already attempted this but quickly backed down due to possible negative consequences for the tourism business.
Now the authorities have taken up the old idea again and finally decided to ban tourists from climbing temples. According to one version, the reason was the authorities' desire to get Bagan on the UNESCO World Heritage list. And to obtain such status, they must demonstrate that they are taking sufficient measures to preserve the monuments. When exactly the new ban will take effect is not specified.
Feeding pigeons and building sandcastles
Sunny Italy, which is so attractive to tourists at any time of year, alas, is rich not only in museums, restaurants, and luxury boutiques. The number of strange laws here is simply off the charts. So, on beaches near Venice, it is forbidden to build sandcastles and take shells as souvenirs; the fine for such entertainment can range from 25 to 250 euros.
And for violating the law in Venice itself, you will have to spend significantly more. Tourists who risk feeding pigeons on St. Mark's Square will have to pay 500 euros. A similar amount will have to be paid in Tuscany, with one caveat: feeding absolutely all birds is prohibited there.
Fans of fakes should also be extremely careful. In a country where the love of beauty is written in the genetic code, you can be fined for buying counterfeit products. Moreover, the fine can range from 7 to one thousand euros.
Eating for three or on public transport
Going to Turkey, many hope to indulge fully in the sin of gluttony. The all-inclusive system literally forces tourists to take everything, and more. As a result, the stomach hurts from overeating, and the table groans with uneaten dishes. Now those whose eyes are bigger than their stomachs are forced to pay a fine for their greed.
One hotel in Kemer approved a set of rules according to which a vacationer must pay $10 if their plate remains more than half full of uneaten food.
You can also get into serious trouble because of food in Singapore. What is considered normal in the Moscow or New York subway, even if it doesn't look very nice, is strictly prohibited here. So, on public transport in Singapore, you cannot drink, eat, or even feed small children. Moreover, serious problems await even those who, tormented by thirst, decide to take a small sip of water.
The law was introduced for a reason: drinks can spill on seats, other passengers, or the floor, causing someone to slip and fall. Thus, local authorities are trying to create the most comfortable environment during travel.
Walking alone and taking photos
The record holder for strange bans for tourists is North Korea. Here, tourists can only pay with hard currency. Meals, accommodation, and all other services are usually included in the cost of the trip. And you will have to give up buying souvenirs, which usually require local money.
Freedom of movement is also limited here. A tourist walking without a guide will quickly attract the attention of the police. In the best case, you will be taken to the hotel in a police car; in the worst case, you will be arrested.
It is also unlikely that you will be able to please friends with colorful photos from the trip. It is strictly forbidden to photograph objects even remotely related to defense, airports, military personnel, and even bridges.
And let's not forget the tragic case of American student Otto Warmbier. He was sentenced in 2016 to 15 years in prison for attempting to steal a poster from a hotel, released in a coma in June 2017, and soon died.