I don't think these laws are all so very weird. The Swedish campaign against prostitution has been quite effective and is likely to be copied in other parts of Europe. Only a lunatic would ride a scooter in bare feet because you could get badly hurt - and anybody with an ounce of insight would realise that it is considered shocking to insult the king in Thailand. Legislation against dangerous dogs is found in several countries - in England you can't keep the vicious pit bull terriers that a few people imported from the US, often for illegal dog fighting. And I don't blame the Singaporeans for fining slobs who can't be bothered to flush the toilet. As for music in cabs: just be thankful for the peace and quiet.

Posted By Ian Chandler on September 16, 2009, 11:26 PM

When one travels into a new country that they are not familiar with especially with their customs and bylaws one is encouraged to study their traits,values, customs and laws. What is acceptable in one country is and could be offending and unacceptable in another country therefore showing much disrespect. As it has been said many times that Americans are the most rude and disrepectful people, truth is that we are unfamiliar with their customs, so isn't it up to you to do the research on the country that you are traveling to - to show the respect. So take it upon yourself to grab a book or do online research on the country you are traveling to, so you are not misunderstood or offend someone. You will find your time abroad more enjoyable, Happy traveling!

Posted By Mary Wing on September 17, 2009, 11:33 AM

"Failure to flush may result in fines." I also get fined for that at my house!

Posted By flood insurance man on September 17, 2009, 12:07 PM

While the laws regarding payment for subway use in Budapest, Hungary may not be wierd, they are very tough and unexpected.
My wife and I were returning to our hotel from a concert late one evening and found that the subway ticket windows were unattended. We decided that it would be OK to use the same paper tickets that we had used on the way out. This was a mistake.
After passing through the gate we were accosted by two burly men sporting hawaian shirts and armbands who insisted on checking our tickets. They declared that the tickets were not valid as they had already been used once, and that we were now subject to a fine of 4000 forints - each, or about $22.00 each, for a total fine equivalent to about $44.00 USD. We were further informed that, if we chose not to pay the fine, it would double every twenty four hours, resulting in a very large sum, even in USD, after a week. Further, they had the right to call in the police and jail us.
At first we thought they were just con men, trying to make a quick buck. On closer inspection of the very fine print on the back of the tickets, we discovered that they were correct and that we were very close to being sent to jail for what seemed a minor infraction.
The matter was finally settled with a $40 USD "fine" paid directly to the two men.
Aside from checking the print on the tickets, we have corroborated this situation with other travelers to Hungary.
Let this be a cautionary tale to warn other travelers to pay strict attention to the laws of this former Soviet satellite country.

Posted By Michael McConnell on September 17, 2009, 12:30 PM

Most of these aren't weird. Maybe the title should be "Unexpected Foreign Laws," or "Foreign Laws You Might Not Anticipate."

Posted By Bill on September 17, 2009, 12:35 PM

I am puzzled why you would call paying to use the subway in Hungary "unexpected." Have you ever tried jumping the turnstile in New York City?

Posted By Anita Mckay on September 17, 2009, 12:38 PM

Actually, pennies have never been legal tender in America. Dimes, quarters, half-dollars, and dollar coins have always been legal tender because they all use to be made of 90% silver, but pennies and nickels were never made of silver and have never been legal tender. If a vendor accepts your pennies, that's fine. But, if you get angry at a vendor and try to pay a large bill with hundreds of pennies, the vendor is under no legal obligation to accept them, and can require payment in something that is "legal tender".

Posted By Ed Schofield on September 17, 2009, 12:39 PM

I think it's hilarious that you can't use more than 25 pennies at a time in Canada. Thanks for the slide show!

Posted By Heather on September 17, 2009, 1:04 PM

Honestly, it seems other countries value common sense more than America. Most of these situations aren't weird or unexpected. I would think anyone with a few brain cells wouldn't have any problems.

Posted By Carol on September 17, 2009, 1:14 PM

I think some of these laws are great and the U.S. should think about adopting some of them; Especially the dangerous dog breed law. There are too many irresponsible people who think it's "cool" to own a viscious pit bull who later ends up attacking an innocent child.

Posted By Holly L. on September 17, 2009, 1:14 PM

Re the ticket police on the Budapest metro. There's a great recent Hungarian film (not a documentary) about rival crews of metro ticket checkers, called Kontroll. It's available on DVD--excellent film.

Posted By Jerry on September 17, 2009, 1:15 PM

Good to know! I'm headed to Singapore in a week, and we NEVER flush yellow at our house (environmentalists and all).

Posted By Joel Levinson on September 17, 2009, 1:23 PM

The article fails to point out the greatest danger of all when traveling to another country: No requirement of probable cause for a police stop. This is especially true in third world countries.

Having traveled in Latin America for over 40 years, it is very common for police officers to stop anyone who looks "suspicious" and rummage through pockets, purses and knapsacks. It's usually a pretext to elicit a bribe.

Careful!

Posted By CWS on September 17, 2009, 2:35 PM

We have similar laws. Masks and hoods in public are forbidden by anti-Ku Klux Klan laws adopted to stop improper activities, although largely ignored during Halloween.

Posted By TexasDoug on September 17, 2009, 2:39 PM

Please do some research about dog breeds. Pittbulls are a perfectly safe breed. They have to be trained to have to be trained to be vicious.

Posted By Pittbull Owner on September 17, 2009, 3:24 PM

These are only 'weird' to ethnocentric, narrow minded, culturally insensitive US journalists and others. And we in the US could do well with a few of these laws.

Posted By Deb on September 17, 2009, 3:28 PM

Hey Ed,

That thing about pennies hasn't been true since 1965:

http://www.snopes.com/business/money/pennies.asp

Posted By Flansy on September 17, 2009, 4:24 PM

This is to the mellow fellow who doesn't flush yellow in his (condo?). I applaud your saving water(ow), but kinda glad I don't to put up with odor(ow).

Posted By Flushabye on September 17, 2009, 4:27 PM

I second the recommendation for the Hungarian movie "Kontroll." They portray the subway there as a whole subterranean culture unto itself.

Posted By Hound on September 17, 2009, 4:40 PM

Not flushing a toilet, yellow or otherwise, is disgusting. The water you save is irrelevant when you consider the disease and bacteria that are rampant in public restrooms.

Posted By Raquel on September 17, 2009, 4:43 PM

I went to Barbados 3 yrs. ago and no one is allowed to wear any type of Camouflage print clothing or accessories. (Even if it's bright pink or purple.) We saw several people getting stopped for it in the airport. Only the police/military can wear camouflage.

Posted By Traveler12 on September 17, 2009, 5:23 PM

That Canadian penny stuff is complete utter
garbage ....in fact there is a penny shortage and
retailers here in Canada welcome them with open arms ...I have never ever had my pennies turned away ..except I tried to use a Canadian penny at a LAX food court and the retailer had a complete mental breakdown ..yee gods !!

Posted By pinegrover on September 17, 2009, 5:48 PM

To No Flusher... Gee, I hope you don't have a dog or a toddler!

Posted By mumsie7 on September 17, 2009, 6:26 PM

Personally, I wish we had laws about flushing toilets here! It's AMAZING how many public restrooms, and even semi-private ones in offices, are dirty and disgusting. I would call some people pigs, but that would be doing a disservice to pigs, knowing how clean those animals actually are. I think Ian is right on with all of his comments. And as for the subway issue, same for SF. If a MUNI officer catches a person without a Fast Pass (monthly ticket) or transfer/proof of payment, you gotta pay a fine. I believe it's currently $25. I guess I don't understand why someone would think they could ride for free at any point. That only raises the fares for everyone else, essentially stealing from the rest of us. (No, I don't think that's putting it too harshly.)

Posted By CJ on September 17, 2009, 6:55 PM

The laws all seem reasonable.

Not flushing - disgusting.
Dangerous dogs - shouldn't be around people, ever.
Transportation - pay or get a cab, cheapskate.
Prostitution - gross and filthy anyway.

Really why should people to subjected to other people's filth, excrement, or dangerous animals. Yech.

Posted By Marco on September 17, 2009, 7:19 PM

Isn't prostitution LEGAL in many places in Europe
I know it is in the Netherlands and in some places in Germany And I believe that it is decrimaninalized in Canada
Pennies are legal tender. Just because they are not made of Gold or silver

Posted By Michael S. Smih on September 17, 2009, 7:21 PM

I think some of you are being a little hard on Michael the non-paying subway rider. If the ticket windows were closed, and there wasn't an automated machine from which to purchase a new ticket (which from his story, I don't know if there was or wasn't such a machine) then what were they supposed to do? Wait in the station until morning for the ticket windows to open? In the city where I live, there are always dust-ups about the ticket machines not validating tickets because the machines are broken and the transit agency's response thus far has been for the user to walk to the nearest working validation machine, which is often blocks away. When you are trying to get somewhere, like your job, most of us do not have time to hunt out a working validating machine. I would say that it is the transit agency's duty to their patrons to make a good effort that their machinery is working. The sale of goods and services, much like the subway, should go both ways!

Posted By Jessica on September 17, 2009, 7:40 PM

As far as not flushing yellow "being environmentalists and all," I wish your type would just go away. It's one thing to conserve and not pollute, it's quite another to lower one's standard of living to "save" the environment. Flushing isn't going to harm the environment any more than the excrement that you deposit into the sewers daily. If you're so worried about being environmentally friendly, then you should stop using the bathroom all together. There's a definite line between being sensible (i.e. not wasting) and just downright stupid (i.e. forgoing hygiene for the sake of some supposed marginal benefit.) Japan's low flow urinals and other advanced technologies are far better (and environmental) than some moron not flushing. I applaud Singapore's commitment to sanitation. I wish that here in China they'd had a similar passion. Here -- kids pee on the street -- literally.

Posted By Brian Dear on September 17, 2009, 9:38 PM

Dont forget the ones here at home. Never drive outside your state without changing license plates. lol Seems some locals like to soak the out-of-towners. Some places allow towing companies to enforce parking laws, with a hefty ( over a hundred dollars) fee attached. So don't be surprised if you visit a third-world place whose mayor has been soaked right at your home town and wonder why you have to pay that big fine.

Posted By juan on September 18, 2009, 12:58 AM

To the non flusher: The water you flush down your toilet is treated and returned to the envoirenment. How does keeping a bowl full of urine "save the earth"?

If anything, what you are doing is to flush more concentrated waste, which is harder and more expensive per gallon to treat.

Plus, as many others have already pointed out, its just nasty.

Posted By Rov on September 18, 2009, 1:29 AM

Not buying a ticket for the train or subway is illegal in all countries that have them. Would these people get a cab and then not pay? If they get a hefty fine too bad. Perhaps they won't do it again.

Perhaps American toilets should have the two tier flushing system we have here in France. A small amount of water is used for bladder elimination flushing and a larger amount for bowels. Although most men don't bother with the toilets at all as even the small amount of water has to be paid for. Contary to the ideas of germophobic living in the USA there isn't rampant disease here, and as we have a great medical system it would matter too much if there were

There are a number of places where large amounts pennies or the equivalent aren't acceptable.

Posted By Kris on September 18, 2009, 9:11 AM

Actually, pennies are legal tender in America. Nickels too.

Legal Tender Statute (section 5103 of title 31 of the U.S. Code), "United States coins and currency (including Federal Reserve notes and circulating notes of Federal Reserve banks and national banks) are legal tender for all debts, public charges, taxes, and dues."

What kind of metal is in a coin has nothing todo with it.

Posted By Doug B on September 18, 2009, 9:37 AM

There is nothing weird about these laws, people put laws in place to curb problems.
Toilets become blocked if not flushed properly,hospitals have better things to do than constantly fix broken, scared mutilated feet when all that's required is footware. And who would want to use a water pistol unless you are under the age of eight?

Posted By Cate on September 18, 2009, 10:49 AM

To envionmentalists Joel. First time I was in Singapore most places we used a hole in the floor. No build up of yellow.
I miss the old Raffles Hotel. No air condition but great bar and Singapore slings.

Posted By Lady G on September 18, 2009, 11:23 AM

We may have our faults but Americans are not the only tourists who fail to adhere to local customs.
Many Europeans do not tip at restaurants here, MANY
foreigners do not stay to the right when walking (on Boston's busy sidewalks this is a nuscience) and MANY visitors from Asian countries (men and women) are constantly spitting as they walk on sidewalks.

Posted By lr on September 18, 2009, 3:08 PM

I found the information about Psuedoephedrine (sudafed) very interesting as I always carry a small amount in my emergency travel kit. I was wondering if there are any other OTC medications &/or supplements that are illegal in other countries?

Posted By Anne on September 18, 2009, 4:37 PM

It goes both ways. I knew a young German woman who, vacationing in California, was surprised to find out (from a policeman) that it was illegal to sunbathe topless on the beach.

Posted By Barbara on September 18, 2009, 6:18 PM

Please do some research about dog breeds. Pittbulls are a perfectly safe breed. They have to be trained to have to be trained to be vicious.

Posted By Pittbull Owner on September 17, 2009, 3:24 PM
^^^^^^^
I realize that this has nothing to do with traveling yet would like to ask just this question...
If I had a choice of having a poodle next to me or a pit bull, after it jumped on a couch I'm sitting on, at someone else's house and I would accidently hit or touch the dog inadvertently, which dog would I want to see the least standing in my face next to me?
How many bad poodles, collies had to be put down because they were attacking children and ripping their faces off?

Posted By Nick Knatterton on September 18, 2009, 7:05 PM

There are more bites by Golden Retrievers each year then any other breed. Pit Bulls are good dogs, unless raised in an unfitting envoirnment. ANY dog can be viscious if raised that way!

Poodles often have a worse temperment then most bully breeds.

realize that this has nothing to do with traveling yet would like to ask just this question...
If I had a choice of having a poodle next to me or a pit bull, after it jumped on a couch I'm sitting on, at someone else's house and I would accidently hit or touch the dog inadvertently, which dog would I want to see the least standing in my face next to me?
How many bad poodles, collies had to be put down because they were attacking children and ripping their faces off?

Posted By Nick Knatterton on September 18, 2009, 7:05 PM

Posted By Tammi on September 18, 2009, 7:36 PM

Hmmmn... and the human pitbull award goes to (drumroll, please) Tammi

Posted By ginger marshall on September 18, 2009, 10:19 PM

The prostitution law may be effective in Sweden, however in The U.S. we have the 14th amendment to the Constitution called "The Equal Justice Provision". There's also conspiracy issues at play when prostitution goes on.

Posted By David S. Schneider-Citizen on September 19, 2009, 12:08 PM

Wearing a mask on a public street at a time other than Halloween without a permit is actually illegal in most American cities!

Posted By Sergei on September 21, 2009, 9:07 AM

Most of the European countries, especially Sweden, have dual-flush toilets - i.e. half flush for liquid waste, full flush for solid waste. It makes so much more sense. I was able to locate such a toilet to purchase here in the US but it had US technology and did not function properly. The ones made in Europe are not exported - Believe me, I explored and explored the internet to no avail.

Posted By Dori Sage on September 21, 2009, 3:02 PM

My favorite discovery in Australia (OK, after the koalas and the Great Barrier Reef) were the dual-flush toilets! The U.S. is WAY behind in this area, no pun intended.

Posted By Kelly on September 21, 2009, 4:10 PM

When taking your photos for your Passport, do not wear camo green or camo pink or anything that looks like a uniform.

Posted By Carol Schlomer on September 22, 2009, 5:35 AM

Re: Raquel, who is anti "If it's yellow, let it mellow"

Actually, pee is sterile, so it really doesn't harbor bacteria. #2s, on the other hand, are nasty. Either way, not flushing in a public restroom is pretty gross.

Posted By Emily on September 22, 2009, 2:50 PM

Yes, pee is sterile, but for us ladies, and perhaps for a few men, wiping with tissue and then dropping it into the toilet does contaminate the toilet with lots of bacteria. Not flushing for a few minutes is not going to contaminate the whole bathroom, but it is a gross practice not to flush anyway especially if you have dogs or small kids.

Posted By Patricia DuMond on September 23, 2009, 3:22 PM

"people put laws in place to curb problems." People put laws into place to curb behaviors they don't like no matter whether it's a problem or not. Like it or not some laws are just plain stupid and offensive. Laws against "insulting" politicians, royalty, or any one else for that matter results in all sorts of abuses and is used much too often to silence opposition. Sanitation laws make sense because they simply force individuals to not subject others to their poor sanitary practices.

Posted By pacific_waters on September 24, 2009, 1:52 AM

Slovakia has the double flush system in the newer flats. Slovaks allow their children to pee on the streets. This bad habit is also demonstrated by adult men nonchalantly relieving themselves along side the road or at bus stops.British tourists (male of course) take this repulsive habit one step further and publicly pee in the fountains of Slovak historic areas. I can't wait to return to London and pee in Trafalgar Square!

Posted By Jan on September 25, 2009, 4:17 AM