Strange Laws From Around the World

Ever since 50 Cent was arrested for swearing on stage in the Caribbean (St. Kitts prohibits the use of profanity in public), we've been wondering in what other countries we could accidentally get in trouble. It turns out that there are a lot of places that have strange rules and laws, though many are hopefully archaic and rarely enforced. Here are some of them to keep in mind next time you book a trip:

1. Only a qualified electrician is allowed to change a light bulb in Victoria, Australia. How many mechanics does it take to change a light bulb? None, in Victoria. Australia's second most populated state says it's illegal to change a light bulb unless you're a licensed electrician. Apparently, people who don’t follow this law could receive a fine of up to AU$10 (£5.50).

2. Chewing gum is illegal in Singapore. Unless you're blowing those bubbles under a doctor's orders, you're in violation of Singapore's strict ban on chewing gum. If you're thinking that you'll just sneak some in to chew in the privacy of your hotel room, know that smuggling gum into the country is a serious offence as well. This rule is enforced in order to keep public spaces clean. You’d better obey or not travel there!

3. Being a bird perch in Venice. A fine of up to $700 is in store for anyone who feeds the pigeons in Venice's St. Mark's Square. The city has banned the practice, citing the birds as a health hazard and as bad for the monuments. If you’re caught providing food to Venice’s pigeons, you could face a big fine. Citizens are even encouraged to report pigeon feeders to the city’s police department.

4. Wearing high heels in Greece. Leave your stilettos at home if you're planning on sightseeing around Greece's historic cities. High heels are illegal at certain ancient monuments because they can damage them and because they often threaten preservation efforts.

5. Running out of gas on the autobahn in Germany. Hitting 100 on the autobahn is a thrilling feeling, but you'd better keep an eye on the road and the other on the needle. Running out of gas on the motorway will lead to fines — basically, you should have known better and planned ahead, like any self-respecting German.

6. One out of every five songs on the radio must be sung by a Canadian. You turn up the radio on a beautiful Sunday morning, only to hear Justin Bieber's song playing! There's a law in Canada that states that one in every five songs played on the radio has to be sung by a Canadian. Rejoice if you're a Belieber, and sulk in a corner if you're not. If you're wondering how Canadians survive, don't forget there are Michael Bublé, The Weeknd, Avril Lavigne and many more famous Canadian singers!

7. Winnie the Pooh is forbidden in playgrounds in Poland. We're pretty sure that at some point in everyone's childhood, Winnie the Pooh was our favourite cartoon character. Who says no to such a huggable bear? Poland, evidently. Labelled as a flasher and a negative influence in a small town in Central Poland, Winnie the Pooh was banned from appearing in playgrounds because our lovely Winnie the Pooh is dressed without trousers.