The Essentials

Country Don’ts

As we begin to travel again next year, it might be a good time to remind you of some serious things to not do in countries around the world.

Are you going to Singapore? It’s still a crime to bring chewing gum, and we’re talking fines and jail time.

If someone drops some paper currency on the pavement in Thailand, whatever you do, don’t step on it. That’s also illegal as it represents disrespect to the monarchy, since the image of the king is on the paper bills.

If you’re in the United Arab Emirates and using WhatsApp, you can be fined up to $68,000 for using any swear words in your communications. So keep it clean.

And not that this would ever apply to you, but just letting you know that round goldfish bowls are now illegal in Rome.