10 Wonderful Cities In Europe That Tourists Overlook
While many of Europe's magnificent cities remain eclipsed by their more well-known counterparts, it is a treasure store of enchanted towns. From the artistic appeal…
Familiarizing yourself with the local laws and customs will help you to avoid any inadvertent legal entanglement as you set off your Asian adventures. Remember, what would be regarded as normal behavior in your native country could be a major transgression in another. Respecting local rules and cultural standards will help you to guarantee a safe and fun trip.
Often praised as a model of efficiency and discipline, Singapore has developed a reputation for strict laws and rules. Among the most odd is the ban on chewing gum, meant to keep public areas clean. A seemingly small offense, littering can also result in hefty fines that reflect the city-state’s dedication to perfect surroundings. But maybe the most ridiculous law relates to the durian, a fruit banned in many public places because of its strong scent.
Thailand’s lèse-majesté rules are among the toughest in the world; the respect for its monarchy permeates the nation’s culture. Any apparent disrespect or insult directed against the royal family might have dire repercussions, including jail. Strict social etiquette dictates contacts with royalty, and even stepping on money, which bears the image of the king, is considered a great offense.
With its great area and varied population, China offers a special set of legal complexities. The Chinese government of Tibet has forbade reincarnation, thus religious leaders must get permission for the procedure. Minors’ online gaming curfews seek to reduce addiction and encourage healthy living. Though it seems like a simple behavior in many countries, jaywalking can be rather complicated in China depending on local interpretation and enforcement.
The Philippines is quite proud of its national symbols, thus any alleged disrespect could have legal consequences. Off-key singing the national anthem is seen as a criminal act reflecting the patriotic fervor of the nation. Desecration of the flag carries heavy fines; special traffic rules are enforced on national holidays to respect the history of the nation.
Japan’s legal system is entwined with its rich cultural legacy; some social mores are written in law. Public indecency rules seek to uphold decency and order in public areas; hence, appropriate bathing behavior is quite important in onsens, classic Japanese hot springs. Often connected with organized crime in Japan, tattoos reflect the nation’s complicated relationship with body art and can be subject to restrictions in public spaces.
South Korea offers an interesting legal scene since it skillfully combines modernism with tradition. For most physically fit men, military conscription—a necessary obligation—reflects the geopolitical reality of the nation. Although popular in many nations, online gambling is strictly controlled for Koreans and the idea of “screen quota,” which requires a specific percentage of domestic films in cinemas, seeks to safeguard the national film industry.
A socialist republic, Vietnam negotiates the fine line separating personal freedoms from communal values. Strong rules govern the distribution of propaganda, and the government closely watches religious practices. Social media censorship and fines for online dissent draw attention to how the nation manages digital age information.
The most populous Muslim-majority nation in the world, Indonesia, reflects its religious and cultural variety in its legal system. Though seldom enforced, blasphemy rules can result in jail for those who denigrate or offend religion. Public displays of affection are usually frowned upon, and cultural sensitivity around black magic can result in legal consequences for those who either practice or advocate it.
Malaysia is a place to avoid most especially for LGBTQ+ travellers. Although same-sex relationships are not specifically forbidden, the nation’s rigorous rules against public indecency and sodomy can have dire repercussions. A simple kiss between friends might land one in up to 20 years in prison along with the degrading penalty of public whipping.
Though the United Arab Emirates is a well-liked tourist destination, its rigorous social media rules can trap the unwary visitor. Australian Jody Maggie discovered this the hard way when she posted a Facebook picture of a car in two disabled spots. Maggie was arrested and deported after being accused of “bad writing on social media,” instead of facing a fine from the car owner.
Alicia Gali, another Australian, personally saw the terrible truth of UAE’s legal system. Gali was the one who ended up behind bars for eight months following reporting colleagues who drugged and raped her for having an illegal sexual relationship. Her case emphasizes the dangers of having sex outside of marriage in the UAE, where such behavior can have grave repercussions.
Like the UAE, Jordan outright forbids sex outside of marriage. Whether both sides agree or not, participating in such events might land one up to three years in prison. This law covers residents as well as visitors, thus it is imperative for visitors to respect Jordan’s legal and cultural standards.
Joking about religious issues in Myanmar can have major consequences. For a picture of Buddha sporting headphones and advertising cheap drinks on Facebook, New Zealand Phil Blackwood spent 13 months in a windowless cell. Blackwood’s experience, which included losing 20 kg because of the terrible prison conditions, reminds us strongly of the need of honoring religious sensitivity in Myanmar.
Desecrating the Turkish flag or insulting Atatürk, the nation’s founding father, could result in criminal charges in Turkey. Ignoring personal identification paperwork can also cause fines or detention. Visitors are advised to always carry their passports or other kind of identification and be aware of these sensitivities.
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