The World’s Weirdest Travel Gotchas (That Might Save You a Fine)

From “no durians on the train” to “leave the stilettos at home,” here’s your cheeky guide to odd rules, quirky customs, and wallet-saving warnings around the globe.

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Singapore: Gum? No. Durians? Also… no.

Photo by Wikimedia

Chewing gum sales are broadly banned (with narrow exceptions like therapeutic/dental gum via pharmacists). You’ll also spot “no durians” signs on public transit—beloved fruit, infamous smell. Spit out gum or lug a durian on the MRT and you could be in trouble; just don’t.

Venice, Italy: Pay to pop in—and don’t feed the pigeons

Photo by Wikimedia

Venice piloted a day-tripper Access Fee on select peak days this spring/early summer 2025; it ended July 28, 2025—always check the portal before you go, because policies evolve. Feeding pigeons (and strutting around in swimwear off the beach) can net fines—#EnjoyRespectVenezia isn’t just a hashtag.

Greece: High heels vs. ancient marble

Photo by Wikimedia

High heels have been banned at major archaeological sites (think Acropolis) since 2009 to protect fragile stone—pack flats and keep the monuments happy.

Thailand: Vapes are a hard no

Photo by Wikimedia

E-cigs and related gear are illegal to import/sell, and travelers have been warned not to bring or use them. Leave the vape at home.

Switzerland: Guinea pigs need a buddy

Photo by Wikimedia

Social animals are protected under Swiss animal-welfare rules—keeping a lone guinea pig is a no-go because they’re, well, lonely.

Iceland: Off-road = off-limits

Photo by Wikimedia

Driving off marked roads/tracks is illegal and heavily fined—the volcanic soils scar easily and the tracks last for years. Stick to the F-roads and signed routes.

USA National Parks: Park the drones

Photo by Wikimedia

Launching/landing/operating drones is prohibited in almost all units of the National Park System unless you have a special permit. Check the specific park—but assume “no.”

New Zealand: Declare it or pay NZD $400

Photo by Trey Ratcliff on Flickr

Fail to declare risk items (food, plant/animal products, etc.) at the border and you can cop an instant NZD $400 infringement fee—even if it’s accidental.

Spain & Italy: Cover up off the beach

Photo by PICRYL

Barcelona fines folks who wander city streets in swimwear; Sorrento, Italy, also cracked down on strolling shirtless or in bikinis in town—bring a cover-up for cafés and promenades.

Rome: Don’t dip (or sit) on monuments

Photo by Storm Crypt on Flickr

No wading in fountains like Trevi, and no sitting on the Spanish Steps—both can earn fines under Rome’s urban-policing rules.

Maldives: Alcohol import is prohibited

Photo by Wikimedia

Tourists can’t bring alcohol into the country; drinking is generally limited to licensed resort islands. Save your mini-bar plans for arrival.

Tokyo (Chiyoda Ward): Street-smoking fines—including heated tobacco

Photo by Wikimedia

Chiyoda pioneered ward-level street-smoking bans years ago and now fines include heated-tobacco devices—watch for posted zones.

How to not get weird-fined

• Look for icons: Local pictograms (no heels, no drones, no durians) say a lot.

• Check the city site: Many rules are municipal; search “city name + ordinance.”

• When unsure, ask: Hotel front desks and tourist offices know the latest.

• -Gemma Winchester, Tripio Guru

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