Humans logo

High Heels, Pencils, And 14 More Things Banned All Over the World

Odd Equals

By ODD EQUALSPublished 2 years ago 2 min read
High Heels, Pencils, And 14 More Things Banned All Over the World
Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash

Alright, let's talk about condiments in French schools. They closely regulate ketchup, mayo, and vinaigrette, aiming to enhance the overall quality of meals for students. The rule is straightforward: these flavorful sauces shouldn't just be casually available; instead, they must be served with the most suitable dishes. The focus is on ensuring that students receive the best possible meals. Did you know that chewing gum is strictly prohibited in Singapore? Yes, it's illegal to bring in regular gum, but special medical gum is allowed if necessary. Singapore takes gum regulations seriously, with hefty fines and potential jail time for violators. So, leave the double bubble at home if you're heading there.

Now, in Victoria, Australia, keeping noise levels down during specific times is essential. Loud noises are a no-no at night when everyone is trying to get some sleep. On Good Friday, maintaining a quiet atmosphere throughout the day is also encouraged. Let's be considerate and give our ears a break. In Rome, keeping a goldfish in a conventional glass bowl is considered cruel. The law requires a more suitable tank for these aquatic pets. Interestingly, you can't even give away goldfish as prizes; there's a specific law section addressing it.

Let's play a guessing game with a picture. Can you figure out where it was taken? That chair, known as a monoblock chair, is unique. Unlike most objects that provide contextual clues about their origin, the monoblock chair is considered context-free. These chairs, controversially, have been removed from public spaces in Basel, Switzerland, from 2008 to 2017 to maintain the city's aesthetic. However, they have made a comeback. Interestingly, the urban myth about not flushing toilets after 10:00 p.m. in Switzerland is just that—an internet rumor.

On Germany's Autobahn, stopping a vehicle is strictly prohibited. Ensure your tank is full before hitting the road, and avoid strolling on the Autobahn to prevent fines and risks to other drivers. In Greece, wearing high heels at historical sites has been prohibited since 2009 due to potential damage. Disney Parks also ban high heels for safety reasons, favoring comfortable flats in crowded places.

In Canada, using more than 25 pennies per transaction is not allowed as part of a plan to phase out the penny, initiated in 2013. In Australia, technically, sharing memes is illegal under the Copyright Act. However, the love for memes often overrides legal constraints. In Guatemala, party whistles are banned on planes due to misuse by some individuals impersonating police officers.

If you plan to bring a wheelbarrow to Nigeria, think again. Crossing the border with one is prohibited to support the local manufacturing industry. Tunisia has restrictions on importing "crazy" pencils, and it's advisable to leave them out of your luggage. In China, time travel movies and shows have been banned since 2011 to prevent potential distortion of historical perception.

On the picturesque island of Capri in Italy, flip-flops are prohibited to maintain a peaceful atmosphere, and tourists have faced prosecution for violating this rule. Finally, in the USA, Kinder Surprise candy eggs are banned due to the perceived choking hazard of the toy inside. Some have even attempted to smuggle them from Canada. Talk about a candy controversy!

humanity

About the Creator

ODD EQUALS

Stories to inform, interest, and fascinate...

Reader insights

Be the first to share your insights about this piece.

How does it work?

Add your insights

Comments

There are no comments for this story

Be the first to respond and start the conversation.

Sign in to comment

    Find us on social media

    Miscellaneous links

    • Explore
    • Contact
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms of Use
    • Support

    © 2026 Creatd, Inc. All Rights Reserved.