Never mention the king in Thailand… plus the other weird overseas laws you need to know if you’re going on holiday
Brits abroad don't have the best reputation as it is, but even the best behaved and respectful tourists could end up in hot water for committing these ridiculous crimes
THESE are the ridiculous overseas laws which could land you in some serious trouble for committing the unlikeliest of offences.
Brits abroad don't have the best reputation as it is, but even the most well-behaved and respectful tourists could end up in hot water for committing these ridiculous crimes.
Some of these offences can even land you in jail - so, if you're planning an exotic holiday, be sure to brush up on the local laws and customs before you go.
Here's our guide to some of the unlikely overseas laws you probably never even knew about, and how you should conduct yourself in these otherwise-idyllic holiday destinations to keep yourself out of trouble.
France
Our old friends on the continent have a motoring law which makes it a legal requirement for drivers to carry a high-vis vest with them whilst on the road.
Failure to comply with this easy-to-overlook rule will leave you facing a £105 fine, which could have been easily avoided.
Dubai
This luxurious destination is popular for its sun and shopping, but it's not the best place to go if you're looking to get lucky.
In 2010, a British couple spent a month in jail for allegedly kissing in a restaurant, and even touching your partner in public could land you in seriously hot water with the Dubai authorities.
The Caribbean
If you're heading west for some tropical sun, there are some items of clothing you should be very careful not to bring with you.
Throughout the Caribbean it is considered an offence to wear camouflage clothing, so you would be wise to avoid the cargo shorts and khakis whilst you're there.
United Arab Emirates (UAE)
The UAE has some seriously tough drug laws, and even having the tiniest traces of drugs in your bloodstream or urine is legally viewed as possession.
It might also be best to leave the Nurofen Plus at home, as drugs containing codeine are not allowed to be brought into the country.
Even over-the-counter medication is illegal in the UAE - unless you have an accompanying doctor's note.
Another brutally harsh UAE law forbids swearing on social media, and using naughty language on messaging services such as Whatsapp could land you with an eye-watering £50,000 fine.
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Portugal
If you're off to this sunny European destination this summer, be sure not to slash where you splash.
Urinating in the sea is a criminal offence, so you're best off holding it in if nature calls whilst you're having a swim.
Thailand
Thailand is becoming an increasingly popular holiday destination, but its strict laws mean Brits visiting the country should tread very carefully.
Disrespecting Thailand’s king by insulting him or defacing images of the monarchy (such as accidentally stepping on a bank note) can result in up to 15 years in prison.
In fact, it's best not to talk about the King at all, as any discussion about the monarchy is littered with potential to cause serious offence.
And be careful where you spit out your chewing gum, as throwing it on the ground could merit a £400 fine and even a jail sentence.
Denmark
Danish law contains a few odd things to watch out for, but the most common mistake for visitors relates to a law about driving in the Scandinavian country.
Danish drivers must have dimmed headlights on at all times, even in daylight, so if you're renting a car whilst you're there then be sure to bear that in mind.
Fiji
It may be an island bathed in sun, but sunbathing in Fiji is seriously unwise, as sunning yourself topless is a crime punishable by large fines.
Greece
A great spot for soaking up some culture, Greece is littered with the stunning ruins of ancient monuments.
However, if you plan on visiting sites such as the Acropolis, be sure to choose your footwear very carefully, since high heels are banned for fear of damaging the ancient monuments.
Italy
If you're heading to Milan this summer, there is a seriously strange law which states that people in the fashion-forward city must smile at all times - unless they're visiting a hospital or are at a funeral.
Amazingly, if you frown in Italy's second city you could be slapped with a hefty fine - and find yourself with a real reason not to smile.
The Maldives
This tropical paradise isn't quite as fun as it looks, since the honeymoon haven has a ban on bringing in pornographic material and alcohol.
Sex toys are included in the ban, and it's a fineable offence to smuggle any duty-free booze past airport security.
Nigeria
This African destination can be a scorching destination, so you'll be stunned to learn that it is actually illegal to take mineral water into the country.
