6 Things That Are Legal In The U.S. But Could Get You Locked Up Abroad!

What You Think is Normal in the U.S. Could Land You a Fine or Jail Time Abroad!

You think you know the rules, until you step foot outside the U.S.A… 

Did you know in some countries, you can get arrested for things you do every single day without a second thought? 

In fact, there are at least 6 things that are totally legal in the U.S. but could land you a fine, or worse, if you try them abroad.

Most Americans walk around assuming their everyday habits are universally acceptable, but the truth is, what’s fine at home could have you in a foreign jail faster than you can say “tourist.”

Before you jet off to your next destination, trust me, you’ll want to know what’s legal in your country but a crime somewhere else.

Keep reading, or you might be the one in a sticky situation.

1. Chewing Gum in Singapore

Let’s start with a weird one. Did you know chewing gum is banned in Singapore?

Yep, you heard me right. 

The land of skyscrapers, pristine streets, and efficient public transport draws the line at gum.

It’s not just an odd quirk, either, there are hefty fines for getting caught.

And don’t even think about spitting it on the sidewalk! That’s a one-way ticket to a very awkward conversation with local authorities.

So, here’s the deal: The next time you’re walking down a beautiful, perfectly clean Singaporean street, enjoy the scenery, without a piece of gum.

If you’re anything like me, you’ll be tempted to pull out that sweet minty Wrigley’s gum goodness, but trust me, there are better places for a quick chew.

The lesson here? Always double-check local regulations before indulging in what you think is a harmless habit.

2. Drinking Alcohol in Public in France

Ah, France. The land of wine, croissants, and savoir-faire.

You’d think you could pop a bottle of rosé and sip it like a true Parisian.

But hold on, not everywhere in France is so lenient with public drinking.

In some regions, it’s actually illegal to drink alcohol in parks, on beaches, or in certain public spaces.

I personally learned this the hard way when I got to the French Riviera, a friend warned me to keep my bottle discreet.

“It’s fine in some places, but not in others,” she said.

Moral of the story: Don’t assume that what’s fine in the U.S. (or even Spain) is automatically okay in France.

If you’re traveling through places like Paris or Nice, double-check your local laws.

You could end up sipping that cold beer from a plastic cup in the shadows like a criminal.

3. Cannabis Abroad: Your Chill Vibes Might Get You Chilling in a Cell

So, you’re in the U.S., where lighting up a joint or popping a THC gummy is as casual as ordering a pumpkin spice latte, at least in states like California, Colorado, or Oregon. 

But before you pack your “special” snacks for your next international adventure, hold up.

That might just be the worst decision you’ll ever make.

While the U.S. has been throwing a legalization party over the past decade, the rest of the world? Not so much. 

In fact, in some places, your little baggie of fun could land you in a legal nightmare faster than you can say “but it’s medicinal!”

Take Singapore, this city-state doesn’t just have a thing against chewing gum, its drug laws make Texas look like Amsterdam. 

Thanks to Singapore’s 1973 Misuse of Drugs Act, all forms of cannabis: possession, use, cultivation, and distribution, are banned.

And if you think that means a slap on the wrist, think again. 

Fines? Sure.

Prison time? Absolutely.

The death penalty for trafficking? You bet.

Or take Japan, where cannabis laws are about as lenient as a Soviet-era border guard. 

Get caught with even a small amount? 

That’s up to five years in prison.

Decide to take it a step further with cultivation or trafficking? 

You’ll be facing an even longer sentence, and Japanese prisons aren’t exactly known for their cushy accommodations.

Especially in today’s Russia, where you might assume the authorities have bigger things to worry about, weed is still very much a no-go. 

Just ask the 28-year-old American arrested at Moscow’s Vnukovo International Airport in February 2025 for having cannabis gummies in his luggage.

He now faces charges of drug smuggling, which carries a potential 5 to 10-year prison sentence and a fine of around $11,000.

And that’s not even getting into the UAE, Indonesia, Malaysia, or Saudi Arabia, where the punishment for cannabis possession makes U.S. laws look like a friendly suggestion.

Moral of the Story? Just because you can light up in Denver without a care in the world doesn’t mean the rest of the world is vibing on the same frequency.

Unless your idea of a good time includes a prison cell and a harsh legal reality trip, always check local drug laws before you travel.

Otherwise, you might find yourself in a situation far worse than any paranoia trip you’ve ever had.

4. Smoking in Public in Spain

Ah, Spain, the land where tapas are plentiful, the wine flows like a river, and the sun-drenched terraces beckon you to sit and relax.

But before you light up that cigarette while sipping your Sangria, be aware:

Spain takes its smoking regulations seriously.

A friend of mine, let’s call him John (fictitious name used to protect the semi-innocent), decided to enjoy a smoke on a beach in Benidorm last summer.

No sooner had he lit up than a local lifeguard approached, informing him that smoking on the beach was prohibited.

John’s casual puff turned into an embarrassing moment as he hastily extinguished his cigarette, much to the amusement of nearby sunbathers.

Spain’s commitment to public health means that smoking is banned in all indoor public places, including bars, restaurants, and cafés.

Outdoor areas aren’t exempt either.

Smoking is prohibited in spaces like:

• Children’s playgrounds
• Hospital grounds
• And certain beaches, as John discovered. 

Still planning to light up in Spain? Better check the local rules first.

​Spain’s smoking laws are getting tighter than an old hipster’s jeans.

Ignoring them can burn a hole in your wallet, with fines up to €600.

Repeat offenders? 

They might find their favorite bar closed faster than you can say “another round amigo!”

So, before you light up, make sure you’re not turning your vacation into a donation to the Spanish government’s fine collection.

5. Jaywalking in Germany

Now, let’s talk about the Germans and their obsession with order and discipline.

It’s not just their trains that run on time, their streets follow rules, too.

In Germany, jaywalking is a punishable offense. 

Yep, that innocent stroll across the street when there’s no crosswalk or when the light is red?

You could be fined.

I learned this one myself while wandering through Trier.

There I was, casually strolling from one side of the street to the other, when a local tapped me on the shoulder and pointed to the crosswalk. “It’s the law here,” they said.

Sure enough, Germany’s pedestrian laws are strict, and they’ll happily fine you if you don’t follow them.

So, remember: In Germany, crossing the street against the light isn’t just frowned upon, it’s a surefire way to get a stern lecture from a local “Oma” “Grandma” and a lightened wallet from the local authorities.

6. Littering in the U.K.

Here’s one for the eco-conscious: littering in the U.K. is not just frowned upon, it’s illegal.

Throwing that empty packet of crisps (that’s potato chips for us Yanks) on the sidewalk could cost you a pretty penny.

I learned this in and upscale section of London, where I once saw a street cleaner approach someone who had dropped a candy wrapper.

The look on the guy’s face when he was reminded of the fine was priceless.

The U.K. doesn’t mess around when it comes to littering.

They have hefty fines for those who think it’s okay to toss their trash on the streets.

And the worst part? 

The fines are steep.

So, if you find yourself in the U.K., make sure your trash goes straight into the bin, or you might find yourself in the middle of an eco-crime.

Is It Time to Rethink What’s “Normal”?

The next time you travel abroad, keep this in mind: What you think is totally normal in the U.S. might be totally illegal somewhere else.

It’s not about being a rebel, it’s about respecting local customs and laws. 

You don’t want to find yourself on the wrong side of a law you didn’t even know existed.

So, are you ready to pay attention to the little things? 

You’ll save yourself some awkward situations and maybe even avoid getting arrested.

What’s the most surprising law you’ve encountered while traveling?