Five obscure rules that could get you in trouble on holiday – from wearing flip flops to chewing gum
IF YOU’RE planning to go away in 2024, you might want to brush up on the obscure travel rules that some countries have.
From France‘s new beach smoking ban to Italy‘s fines for wearing flip-flops, there are more than you’d think.
These are the strange but legit rules that could land you in hot bother if you’re unaware of them before jetting off.
Smoking on the beach – France and Spain
French are known for enjoying a smoke, so you might be surprised to learn that the French Government are enforcing a ban on smoking at all beaches in the country.
As part of a national anti-tobacco campaign, the ban is part of French President Emmanuel Macron’s bid to make the “first tobacco-free generation” by 2032.
However, it’s not just beaches where the rule will come into effect.
People will also be banned from smoking in most public spaces, including parks, forests and areas surrounding schools and stations.
The legislation will be introduced from the start of 2024 and will also include the banning of single-use disposable e-cigarettes.
A number of beaches in Spain have already banned smoking on beaches
Wearing flip-flops – Italy
In most parts of Italy, flip-flops are perfectly fine to wear, but if you’re planning a trip to the island of Capri, leave them behind.
On this island, wearing “excessively noisy” footwear, including flip-flops, is illegal.
This is apparently because locals treasure their “peace and quiet,” so they have rules against noisy shoes.
Kinder Surprise eggs – US
You might be surprised to learn that bringing Kinder Surprise eggs into the US is actually illegal.
This is due to a law that prohibits any food containing a “non-nutritive object embedded” in it, which includes toys inside sweets like these popular chocolate eggs.
Vaping – Thailand
Vape lovers should be aware that their e-cigarettes must stay in the UK when travelling to Thailand.
Since November 2014, Thailand has enforced a ban on the import, export, sale, and possession of vaping products.
While vapes and electronic cigarettes are gaining popularity in the UK, it’s wise to reconsider including them in your luggage for a trip to Thailand – or you could face up to 10 years in prison.
Other strict Thailand rules include being banned from buying or drinking alcohol during general elections.
Chewing gum – Singapore
Perhaps the strangest rule of all belongs to Singapore.
While chewing gum there isn’t illegal, bringing it into the country and selling it has been against the law since 1992.
Exceptions do exist for dental and nicotine gum, however, but you can only purchase these from a doctor or registered pharmacist.
Don’t walk around naked in your hotel room in Singapore either, if your curtains are shut – that could also get you in trouble.