Behave, please! What are you doing??
There are new laws in Venice enacted to stop tourists from behaving badly. Breaking the new rules could get you fined–or even banned from the city. The fines start out at €25 (for smaller crimes) and can go to €500 for more serious cases. Repeat offenders are at risk of being banned from the city for good.
What, exactly, is out of bounds under the new rules? Walking around shirtless, littering, and swimming in the canals are some of the top offenses (you can read the full list here). Walking about in your swimsuit is also not allowed because Venice is a city, and not, as many tourists seem to believe, a large public pool.
Venice isn’t the only city where you’re legally not allowed to be disrespectful, however. Here are all of the many ways you could get seriously fined for certain bad behaviors–ranked by price from just a few dollars to tens of thousands.
Things You Should Already Know You Shouldn’t Be Doing
These ones go without saying. They make sense, you definitely shouldn’t be doing them, and you should know this.
Hiking Nude in the Alps
I’m not sure why you would want to do this (though, truly, to each their own–it’s very popular!), but you can be fined for hiking nude in the Swiss Alps. Back in 2011, a man tried to appeal the $100 fine he was given for walking about the Alps while nude, and he lost. Put your clothes on, or pay up.
Being in a Roman Fountain
When in Rome, don’t climb inside of public fountains. As of 2017, anyone caught swimming in, splashing in, or even dipping their feet in the fountains can be fined up to €240–but only during the summer season (through October 31st). Don’t eat or lounge in the fountains either. You can be fined for that too.
Recommended Fodor’s Video
Offroading at National Parks
The point of a National Park is to protect nature, not to drive all over it. Predictably, Off-road driving is not allowed in most US national parks. And where it is allowed, it’s heavily regulated (and the rules for off-roading are available online). Where it isn’t allowed, you could be charged a fine up to $5,000 (and possibly spend six months in prison).
Things You Might Not Realize Can Get You in Serious Trouble
Some things we all know we shouldn’t be doing. Others can catch you by surprise. You might not think that these are actual things that could get you in serious trouble while traveling, but guess what? You’d be incorrect!
Blocking Traffic in Germany
It is illegal to create any obstacle to traffic when driving in Germany, so if you run out of gas on the Autobahn, it could cost you up to €70. Other driving offenses you could be charged for in Germany include: driving with the wrong tires for the season and using a cell phone while driving.
Saying Bad Words in Toronto
You are not allowed to swear in a public park in Toronto, as its municipal code prohibits “riotous, boisterous, violent, threatening or illegal conduct or using profane or abusive language.” This offense can cost you over $200 Canadian.
Eating in Florence
From noon to 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., you are not allowed to eat on the streets of Florence–on four extremely popular streets (Via de’ Neri, Piazzale degli Uffizi, Piazza del Grano and Via della Ninna). If you choose not to abide, you could be charged anywhere from €150 to €500.
Wearing the Wrong Shoes in Cinque Terre
You better bring hiking shoes when visiting one of Italy’s most visited spots. Flip flops, sandals, and high heels are not allowed on the steep terrain of this picturesque village. The ban was put forth after countless tourists were injured or had to be rescued because they were wearing the wrong footwear. Fines begin at €50 and can go to as much as €2500, depending on how much of an “inconvenience” you are to rescuers.
Chewing Gum in Singapore
No one has been allowed to chew gum in Singapore since 1992, with the exception of prescription gum (dental, therapeutic, or nicotine chewing gum) issued by a pharmacist. Tourists are allowed to bring chewing gum into the country–but only two packs, maximum. Anyone who attempts to bring more gum than this amount into Singapore risks a penalty of one year in jail (!!) and a $5,500 fine (!!!!). This ban was set into place because of the excessive gum littering.
Bringing Certain Drugs to Japan
Any medication that contains over 10 percent pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) is not allowed in Japan. Also not allowed are medications containing Amphetamines and methamphetamines (Adderall is one of these). If you’re caught with any of these drugs, you can be fined up to 5 million yen–which is around $43,316 US (yikes).