Can I… Travel rules by country, answered.

Vaping is illegal in Thailand. E-cigarettes are banned under the Tobacco Products Control Act. Importing, selling, or using e-cigarettes can result in fines up to 30,000 THB or imprisonment. Authorities enforce this at airports and tourist areas. Read the full Thailand guide.

Vaping laws in Australia changed significantly in 2024 and vary by state. You generally need a prescription from a doctor to legally buy nicotine vapes. Recreational vaping is tightly restricted. Always check current state rules before travelling. Read the full Australia guide.

Vaping is legal in the UAE for adults 18+ but only in designated smoking areas. You can bring a reasonable personal supply into the country. Vaping in public non-smoking zones, malls, or restaurants is prohibited and can result in fines. Read the full UAE guide.

Nicotine e-cigarettes are technically banned in Japan, but heated tobacco products like IQOS are widely legal. Nicotine liquid for vaping cannot be sold legally, though many visitors bring a personal supply. Zero-nicotine vapes are available. Stick to designated smoking areas. Read the full Japan guide.

Vaping is legal in the UK for adults 18+. The UK is one of the most vape-friendly countries in the world. You can vape in most outdoor spaces and some venues. Indoor vaping is at the discretion of the establishment. Nicotine vapes must not exceed 20mg/ml. Read the full United Kingdom guide.

Vaping is completely illegal in Singapore, including possession of e-cigarettes. Possession carries a fine of up to SGD 2,000. Importing vaping products can result in much heavier penalties. This is strictly enforced. Read the full Singapore guide.

Vaping is legal in Germany for adults 18+. You can buy vapes widely in shops and online. Indoor vaping is regulated like smoking, banned in restaurants, bars, and most public buildings. Nicotine products must comply with EU TPD rules. Read the full Germany guide.

Vaping is legal in France for adults 18+. France has a large and growing vaping culture. Indoor vaping is banned in workplaces, schools, and enclosed public spaces. Outdoor and private vaping is generally permitted. Read the full France guide.

E-cigarettes and vaping devices are banned in India under the PECA 2019 law. The ban covers production, import, sale, and possession. Penalties include fines and up to 3 years imprisonment for repeat offences. Read the full India guide.

Vaping is legal in Canada for adults (19+ in most provinces, 18+ in Alberta and Quebec). Federal rules cap nicotine at 20mg/ml. Provincial rules vary on where you can vape, generally mirroring smoking restrictions. Read the full Canada guide.

Vaping is legal in the Netherlands for adults 18+. Most establishments treat vaping like smoking. Nicotine levels are capped per EU TPD rules. You cannot vape in public indoor spaces. Read the full Netherlands guide.

Vaping is legal and widely available in New Zealand for adults 18+. The Smokefree Environments and Regulated Products Act 2021 regulates vaping. You cannot vape where smoking is prohibited. Read the full New Zealand guide.

Alcohol is completely prohibited in Saudi Arabia for everyone, including tourists. The ban covers purchasing, consuming, and importing alcohol. Violations can result in arrest, fines, or deportation for foreigners. Read the full Saudi Arabia guide.

Alcohol is legal in the UAE but only in licensed venues such as hotels, bars, and restaurants. You cannot drink on the street or in public spaces. During Ramadan, restrictions become stricter. Non-Muslim residents can get a licence to buy from bottle shops. Read the full UAE guide.

Alcohol is strictly prohibited in Iran under Islamic law. There is absolutely no legal alcohol available for tourists. This is enforced seriously and violations can carry severe penalties. Read the full Iran guide.

Germany is very alcohol-friendly. You can drink beer and wine from age 16, and spirits from 18. Public drinking is generally legal. Germans drink openly in parks, on trains, and at public events. The famous beer gardens are a cultural institution. Read the full Germany guide.

Drinking alcohol is fully legal and culturally ingrained in Japan, from age 20. You can drink in public including parks and on trains in many cities. Convenience stores sell alcohol 24/7. Drink responsibly around temples and cultural sites. Read the full Japan guide.

Alcohol rules in India vary drastically by state. Some states are completely dry. Gujarat, Bihar, Nagaland, and Mizoram are fully dry states. Goa, Kerala, and Maharashtra are very liberal. Always check the specific state you are visiting. Read the full India guide.

Alcohol is legal in Thailand from age 20 and widely available. You cannot buy alcohol between 14:00 and 17:00 in most stores, and not after midnight. Buddhist holidays may have complete bans on alcohol sales. Read the full Thailand guide.

France is one of the most wine-friendly countries in the world. The drinking age is 18. You can drink wine with meals, in parks, and at public events. Public intoxication causing disturbance is an offence. Read the full France guide.

Alcohol is legal in most of Indonesia but completely banned in the province of Aceh under Sharia law. Tourist areas like Bali are very liberal. Lombok and other more conservative regions may have limited availability. Always read local rules. Read the full Indonesia guide.

Alcohol is available in Qatar but strictly controlled and not freely available like in Western countries. You can drink in licensed hotel bars and restaurants. Buying alcohol in supermarkets requires a resident permit. Public drunkenness is illegal. Read the full Qatar guide.

Australia is very alcohol-friendly. The legal drinking age is 18 nationwide. Alcohol is sold in dedicated bottle shops. You cannot drink in most public outdoor spaces in city areas. Festivals and parks have specific licensed zones. Read the full Australia guide.

Alcohol is legal in the US from age 21. Rules vary significantly by state and county. Some US counties are still dry. Louisiana allows open containers. Utah has strict regulations. Always carry ID regardless of your apparent age. Read the full United States guide.

You can drive in Australia with a valid foreign license for up to 3 months (varies by state). If your license is not in English, you need a certified translation or an International Driving Permit (IDP). After the initial period, you must get an Australian license. Read the full Australia guide.

Japan accepts licenses from some countries directly, but most require an IDP. Licenses from Switzerland, Germany, France, Belgium, Monaco, Estonia, and Taiwan are accepted directly. All others need an official Japanese translation from the JAF. Read the full Japan guide.

A valid foreign license is accepted for short visits in most US states, typically up to 1 year. An International Driving Permit alongside your national license is recommended. Some rental companies specifically require an IDP for foreign license holders. Read the full United States guide.

Visitors from certain countries including UK, USA, Germany, France, and Australia can use their license directly. Residents must convert their license after staying 6 months. Citizens of other countries need an IDP. Always check with your rental car company in advance. Read the full UAE guide.

Strictly speaking, you need an IDP to drive legally in Thailand. Your home license alone is not valid. In practice, tourists drive with foreign licenses and are rarely checked. However, for insurance and legal protection, always carry an IDP. Read the full Thailand guide.

EU license holders can drive freely in Germany. Non-EU visitors can use a foreign license for up to 6 months. After 6 months of residency, you must exchange your license. An IDP is recommended for non-EU visitors alongside your home license. Read the full Germany guide.

You can drive in New Zealand on a valid foreign license for up to 12 months. Your license must be in English or accompanied by an official translation. An IDP is the easiest option. New Zealanders drive on the left. Read the full New Zealand guide.

Shorts are not allowed inside Thai temples. You must cover your knees and shoulders. Most temples provide sarongs at the entrance for a small fee or free. The dress code applies regardless of gender. Always carry a light scarf when sightseeing. Read the full Thailand guide.

Rules vary in Japan. Buddhist temples are often relaxed, but some Shinto shrines have stricter dress codes. Shorts are generally fine at most sites but some sacred inner areas require covered legs. High-end gardens and tea houses may also have dress expectations. Read the full Japan guide.

Mosques in the UAE require fully covered legs and shoulders for all visitors. Women must also cover their hair. Abayas are often provided at mosque entrances. Even outside mosques, the UAE expects modest dress in non-resort areas. Read the full UAE guide.

Italy's churches and the Vatican strictly require covered knees and shoulders. Guards at the Vatican and major cathedrals enforce the dress code and will turn you away. Carry a scarf or light layer in summer. This applies to all genders. Read the full Italy guide.

Non-Muslims cannot enter most mosques in Morocco. Shorts are also inappropriate in medinas and souks. Dress modestly throughout Moroccan cities. General respectful dress applies everywhere, even outside religious sites. Read the full Morocco guide.

Temples in Bali require a sarong wrapped around your waist. Shorts alone are not acceptable. Sarongs are provided or sold at entrances of most major temples. For mosques, full coverage is required for both men and women. Read the full Indonesia guide.

Shorts are not appropriate at temples, mosques, or gurudwaras in India. Most religious sites require covered legs and arms. For Sikh gurudwaras, you must also cover your head. Many sites provide cloth to wrap around you. Read the full India guide.

Rules are mixed in Greece. Orthodox churches often require covered shoulders and knees, especially for women. Archaeological sites and ruins generally have no dress code. Churches in tourist areas may be more lenient but traditional villages expect modesty. Read the full Greece guide.

Tap water in Thailand is not safe to drink directly. Always use bottled or filtered water. The water is treated but pipes are often old, especially in older buildings. Use bottled water for drinking and brushing teeth in most areas. Read the full Thailand guide.

German tap water is some of the best quality in the world. Drink freely. Tap water in Germany meets very strict quality standards. You can ask for tap water (Leitungswasser) at restaurants, though some will try to sell you bottled. Read the full Germany guide.

French tap water is safe to drink throughout the country. Free public fountains are common in Paris. At restaurants, asking for une carafe d'eau will get you free tap water. Read the full France guide.

Do not drink tap water in Mexico. Even locals often drink bottled water. The risk of stomach illness is high for visitors not accustomed to local bacteria. Brush teeth with bottled water, avoid ice at street stalls, and stick to sealed bottles. Read the full Mexico guide.

Tap water is not safe to drink in India. Always use sealed bottled water. Even in major cities, tap water carries significant contamination risks for visitors. Avoid ice in drinks unless you are sure it is made from purified water. Read the full India guide.

Japan has excellent tap water. It is safe and often tastes very clean. Japan's water infrastructure is world-class. Tap water is safe throughout the country, including in rural areas. You can refill your bottle anywhere. Read the full Japan guide.

Dutch tap water is among the cleanest in the world. The Netherlands treats its drinking water rigorously. You can drink freely from any tap in any city or town. Read the full Netherlands guide.

Tap water in Morocco is technically treated but not recommended for tourists. Stomach sensitivities are common. Use bottled water for drinking and brushing teeth, especially outside major cities. Read the full Morocco guide.

Tap water is completely safe throughout Australia. Australia has a very high standard of drinking water. Tap water is freely available and safe in all cities and most rural areas. Read the full Australia guide.

Tap water in Egypt is not safe for tourists to drink. Always drink sealed bottled water. Be cautious with ice, raw fruit and vegetables washed in tap water, and street food. Read the full Egypt guide.

Tap water is safe in Spain, though some areas have a strong taste of chlorine. Barcelona and other cities sometimes have mineral-tasting tap water. It is safe but many locals prefer bottled. If in doubt, ask locally. Read the full Spain guide.

Do not drink tap water in Vietnam. Bottled water is cheap and widely available. Water contamination is a common cause of traveller sickness in Vietnam. Use bottled water for drinking and teeth brushing throughout your trip. Read the full Vietnam guide.

Japan offers visa-free access to citizens of around 70 countries for short stays up to 90 days. EU, UK, US, Canadian, and Australian passport holders generally enter visa-free. Always check the latest rules as Japan periodically updates its visa policy. Read the full Japan guide.

Most western nationalities get a 30 to 60 day visa exemption for Thailand. EU, US, UK, and Australian citizens typically get 30 days on arrival, extendable once. Thailand also offers a Visa on Arrival for certain other nationalities. Read the full Thailand guide.

Almost everyone needs a visa or ETA to enter Australia, including citizens of UK and USA. US and UK citizens can get an ETA (Electronic Travel Authority) online for a small fee in minutes. EU citizens require an eVisitor (free). It is not visa-free in the traditional sense. Read the full Australia guide.

The US Visa Waiver Program allows citizens of 42 countries to visit without a visa, using ESTA. EU, UK, Japan, and South Korean citizens qualify. ESTA costs $21 and is valid for 2 years. Canadian citizens do not need ESTA at all. Always apply before departure. Read the full United States guide.

Citizens of many western and GCC countries can enter the UAE visa-free for 30 to 90 days. EU, UK, US, Australian, and Canadian passport holders enter visa-free. Over 50 nationalities receive a visa on arrival. Always check your specific passport. Read the full UAE guide.

Turkey offers visa-free or e-visa access to most nationalities for stays of 30 to 90 days. US, UK, and some EU citizens need an e-Visa (around $50, purchased online). German and French citizens can enter visa-free. Always check before travelling. Read the full Turkey guide.

Tipping is expected and effectively mandatory in the US. 18 to 22 percent is standard at restaurants. Tipping in the US is not optional, it is how service workers are paid. Tip 18 to 22 percent at restaurants, USD 1 to 2 per drink at bars, USD 1 to 2 per bag for porters, and 15 to 20 percent for taxis. Read the full United States guide.

Tipping is not done in Japan and can cause offence. Staff may chase you to return the money. Service in Japan is considered a professional obligation and tipping implies the service was inadequate. In high-end ryokan, a gift in an envelope is an alternative, but still not expected. Read the full Japan guide.

Tipping in the UK is appreciated but less mandatory than in the US. 10 to 15 percent is common at restaurants. Many UK restaurants add a discretionary service charge. Check your bill before adding more. Tipping taxi drivers, hotel porters, and hairdressers is standard. You never need to tip at pubs for drinks. Read the full United Kingdom guide.

Tipping in France is not required but appreciated. Leave a few euros if the service was good. A service charge is legally included in all French restaurant bills (service compris). Any tip on top is purely voluntary. Round up taxi fares or leave EUR 1 to 3 at a restaurant to show appreciation. Read the full France guide.

Tipping in Germany is common but not obligatory. Round up or leave around 10 percent. Germans typically round up the bill or add a small amount. Say the total you want to pay when handing over cash rather than leaving money on the table. Tipping on card payments is increasing. Read the full Germany guide.

Tipping is not traditional in Thailand but is appreciated by workers in the tourist industry. Leave THB 20 to 50 at restaurants and massage shops. Hotel porters expect THB 20 to 50 per bag. Tip tour guides and drivers for good service. Never feel obligated at local street food stalls. Read the full Thailand guide.

Tipping (baksheesh) is deeply embedded in Egyptian culture and expected in nearly all service interactions. Tip EGP 5 to 20 for small services, more for guides and drivers. Baksheesh culture means attendants at sites, petrol stations, and toilet attendants all expect a small tip. Carry small bills at all times. Read the full Egypt guide.

Tipping is expected in Morocco at restaurants, for guides, and in riads. Part of the culture. Leave 10 to 15 percent at restaurants if service is not included. Tip your guide MAD 50 to 100 per day. Unsolicited assistance in the medina that leads to a tip request is a common scam, politely decline. Read the full Morocco guide.

Tipping in Australia is not expected but is welcomed for exceptional service. Australian workers receive a minimum wage, so tipping is not a survival mechanism as it is in the US. Round up for good service or leave 10 percent at a restaurant where you had an excellent meal. Read the full Australia guide.

Tipping in Italy is not mandatory. A small tip for good service is appreciated. The coperto (cover charge) at Italian restaurants covers the service. An extra EUR 1 to 2 per person for good service is appreciated. Tipping in bars and cafes is not standard. Taxi rounding up is common. Read the full Italy guide.

Tipping is appreciated in the UAE but not obligatory. Service charges are sometimes added automatically. At Dubai and Abu Dhabi restaurants, check the bill for an included service charge. If none, 10 to 15 percent is standard. Tip taxi drivers and hotel staff AED 5 to 20 for good service. Read the full UAE guide.

Tipping is very important in Mexico. 15 to 20 percent at restaurants is standard. Waitstaff in Mexico earn very low base wages. Tip 15 to 20 percent at restaurants, MXN 10 to 20 per bag for hotel porters, and round up taxi fares. Tour guides expect MXN 100 to 200 per person per day. Read the full Mexico guide.

Tipping is not customary in China and can sometimes cause confusion or awkward moments. Mainland China has a no-tipping culture in most contexts. Higher-end hotels and international restaurants in Beijing and Shanghai are becoming more accustomed to tips from foreign visitors, but it is still not expected. Read the full China guide.

Tipping is very much expected in South Africa. 10 to 15 percent at restaurants is standard. Waitstaff in South Africa are paid low wages and depend on tips. Also tip petrol station attendants, car guards, and safari guides. Tip in cash even when paying by card at restaurants. Read the full South Africa guide.

Tipping in India is expected at tourist-facing restaurants and hotels but not in local establishments. Leave 10 percent at restaurants that serve tourists. Tip hotel staff, drivers, and tour guides who provide good service. At local dhabas and street food stalls, tipping is not expected. Read the full India guide.

Drones require registration, permits, and approval from DGCA before flying in India. India's Drone Rules 2021 require you to register your drone on the DigitalSky platform. Flying without permission near airports, military zones, or government buildings is illegal. Penalties are severe. Read the full India guide.

Drones are legal in Thailand but require registration with the CAAT before arrival. Register your drone on the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand website. Flying within 9 km of airports, over populated areas, or at night requires additional permits. Penalties for non-compliance include fines and equipment seizure. Read the full Thailand guide.

Drones are heavily regulated in the UAE. You must register with GCAA and obtain a permit before flying. Flying without a permit over Dubai or Abu Dhabi can result in confiscation and prosecution. Many popular tourist areas are in restricted airspace. The permit process takes time, start well before your trip. Read the full UAE guide.

Drones require a permit from GACA in Saudi Arabia. Restrictions are tight near government and religious sites. Mecca, Medina, and all royal sites are completely off-limits for drones. Commercial operators need additional licensing. The tourist drone permit process is improving with Vision 2030 but is still complex. Read the full Saudi Arabia guide.

Japan has strict drone laws under the Civil Aeronautics Act. Most urban and scenic areas require permits. Flying drones in Tokyo, Kyoto, or near Mt Fuji requires prior approval from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. Flying over crowds or at night without a permit is illegal. Read the full Japan guide.

Drones require registration with CAAC in China. Major tourist sites have strict no-fly zones. The Great Wall, Tiananmen Square, and areas near airports are completely banned. Register your drone on the CAAC system before flying anywhere. Unregistered drones are confiscated. Read the full China guide.

Drones under 250g have minimal rules in Australia. Larger drones need CASA registration. You cannot fly within 5.5 km of controlled airports, above 120m, or over people. Drones over 250g must be registered with CASA. The CASA drone app shows real-time no-fly zones. Read the full Australia guide.

Drones must be registered with the FAA in the US if they weigh over 250g. FAA registration costs USD 5 for recreational flyers. Flying over stadiums, near airports, or above 400 feet without authorisation is illegal. The B4UFLY app shows restricted zones. National parks ban drones entirely. Read the full United States guide.

Drone rules in France are among the strictest in Europe. Urban areas, national parks, and historical sites are off-limits. Paris is almost entirely a no-fly zone. France requires operator registration with DGAC. A STS competency certificate is required for most public flights. Carry your documents at all times when flying. Read the full France guide.

Drones require a permit from the Moroccan Civil Aviation Authority (ONDA). Customs regularly confiscate undeclared drones. Declare your drone at customs on entry. A flight authorisation from ONDA is required before any flight. Religious sites, royal palaces, military areas, and borders are completely off-limits. Read the full Morocco guide.

Drones are legal in Indonesia with registration but many popular areas are restricted. Bali's tourist areas and Borobudur are in controlled airspace requiring permits. Register with DGCA Indonesia and check AirNav maps before each flight. Komodo National Park bans drones entirely. Read the full Indonesia guide.

Kenya requires KCAA permits for all drones. Safaris and national parks are often restricted. Contact the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority before travel. Many national parks have drone bans to protect wildlife. Hotel resorts may have additional restrictions. Penalties for unauthorised flying are significant. Read the full Kenya guide.

Drone rules in Iceland are relaxed compared to most countries but national parks and nature reserves are restricted. Iceland's Transport Authority requires registration. Vatnajokull and Thingvellir national parks ban drones. Residential areas and people cannot be filmed without consent. Most remote landscapes are freely accessible. Read the full Iceland guide.

Drones require a permit from the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal. Everest Base Camp is a major grey zone. Apply through a licensed tour operator as individual applications are rarely processed. Trekking agencies increasingly offer permit assistance. Flying around military zones and Kathmandu Valley requires additional clearance. Read the full Nepal guide.

Japan is still largely a cash society. Credit cards work at major hotels and chain stores but not everywhere. Major cities accept cards at international hotels, department stores, and convenience stores. Smaller restaurants, shrines, local ryokan, and rural areas are cash-only. Always carry yen for markets and small venues. Read the full Japan guide.

Germany is more cash-oriented than most Western countries. Many shops and restaurants are cash-only. EC Girocard dominates over Visa and Mastercard. Credit cards are increasingly accepted in cities but many bakeries, local restaurants, and smaller shops still refuse them. Always carry euros. Read the full Germany guide.

Credit cards are accepted at hotels and tourist restaurants in Vietnam but cash is king for daily life. ATMs are widely available in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Markets, street food, local transport, and smaller guesthouses are all cash-only. Carry local dong for daily expenses. Read the full Vietnam guide.

Credit cards are accepted at tourist hotels and larger restaurants in Cambodia, but cash (USD) is essential. Cambodia runs primarily on US dollar cash. Visa is accepted at most hotels and malls. Local markets, tuk-tuks, and guesthouses outside Phnom Penh and Siem Reap are cash-only. Read the full Cambodia guide.

Credit cards are accepted in tourist hotels and some restaurants in Morocco but the medinas are cash-only. ATMs are available in all major cities. Markets, local transport, small guesthouses, and taxis expect cash in dirhams. Carry enough local currency when exploring souks. Read the full Morocco guide.

Credit card acceptance is improving rapidly in India but cash is still needed in many situations. UPI mobile payments dominate in India, which tourists cannot easily access. Cards work at hotels, major restaurants, and shopping malls. Markets, autorickshaws, and rural areas are cash-only. Read the full India guide.

US-issued credit and debit cards do not work in Cuba at all due to the US embargo. MasterCard and Visa cards issued by non-US banks may work at some hotel ATMs but reliability is extremely poor. Bring enough cash in euros or Canadian dollars for your entire trip. Read the full Cuba guide.

Credit cards are widely accepted at Thai hotels and malls but markets and local transport are cash-only. Bangkok and major tourist areas are card-friendly at hotels, chains, and larger restaurants. Night markets, street food, island transport, and local guesthouses require cash in baht. Read the full Thailand guide.

M-Pesa mobile money dominates Kenya. Credit cards work at hotels and supermarkets but not widely elsewhere. Safaricom M-Pesa is used for almost everything in Kenya. Tourists cannot easily access M-Pesa. Cards are accepted at larger hotels, supermarkets, and safari lodges. Keep shillings for local spending. Read the full Kenya guide.

Credit cards are widely accepted across the UK. Contactless payments are the default almost everywhere. The UK is one of the world's most cashless societies. Tap-to-pay by card or phone is accepted in taxis, buses, markets, and restaurants. Some very small traders still prefer cash. Read the full United Kingdom guide.

Sweden is one of the most cashless countries in the world. You may go days without needing cash. Almost everywhere in Sweden accepts cards and Swish mobile payments. Even church collections and street markets often use card readers. Some establishments have stopped accepting cash entirely. Read the full Sweden guide.

Credit cards are accepted at tourist hotels and some restaurants in Egypt but cash is needed for most things. ATMs are available in cities and tourist areas. Markets, taxis, local restaurants, and entrance fees at some sites require Egyptian pounds cash. Card fraud is a concern, use ATMs inside banks. Read the full Egypt guide.

Credit cards work at Bali hotels and malls but cash is needed for most daily spending in Indonesia. Bali and Jakarta have good card acceptance at tourist venues. Local warungs, markets, motorbike rentals, and public transport require rupiah cash. ATMs are widely available in tourist areas. Read the full Indonesia guide.

Credit cards are accepted at tourist hotels and trekking agencies in Kathmandu but cash is essential for trekking. On the Annapurna or Everest Base Camp trails, everything is cash-only. ATMs exist in Kathmandu and Pokhara. Withdraw enough rupees before starting any trek. Card surcharges of 3 to 4 percent are common. Read the full Nepal guide.

Pork is completely banned in Saudi Arabia. It is illegal to import, sell, or eat pork. Saudi Arabia's prohibition on pork is absolute and applies to tourists as well as residents. Pork is not available anywhere in the country. Do not attempt to bring pork products into the country. Read the full Saudi Arabia guide.

Pork is available in the UAE only in licensed hotels and specific sections of some supermarkets. Non-Muslim visitors can buy pork at designated sections in large supermarkets like Spinneys and in hotel restaurants. Pork is clearly labelled. You cannot eat pork in public or in non-licensed restaurants. Read the full UAE guide.

Pork is completely illegal in Iran. No pork products are available anywhere in the country. Iran's Islamic law prohibits pork absolutely. No restaurants or shops sell pork. Importing pork products is illegal. Do not bring pork products from abroad. Read the full Iran guide.

Pork is available in some international hotels and Christian restaurants in Jordan but not widely. Five-star hotels in Amman may have pork options. Christian communities in some areas sell pork products. It is not available in typical Jordanian restaurants or local shops. Read the full Jordan guide.

Pork is widely available in Malaysia but only in non-halal restaurants and Chinese establishments. Malaysia has a large Chinese community and pork is widely available at Chinese kopitiams and wet markets. Halal restaurants make up most of the tourist food scene and will have no pork. Check the halal sign at restaurant entrances. Read the full Malaysia guide.

Pork is available in Indonesia but only in non-halal restaurants and Bali's Hindu-majority areas. Bali has abundant pork dishes including babi guling (roast pig). Java, Lombok, and most of the rest of Indonesia follow Islamic food practices. Look for dedicated non-halal Chinese or Balinese restaurants. Read the full Indonesia guide.

Pork is available in India but avoided by Muslims, some Hindus, and many communities for various reasons. Pork is freely available in Christian-majority areas like Goa, Kerala, and the northeast. Muslim-majority regions like Kashmir have little to no pork. Always confirm with the restaurant. Read the full India guide.

Pork is widely eaten in Japan and central to many popular dishes. Tonkatsu (pork cutlet), ramen with chashu pork, and gyoza are Japanese staples. Pork is available everywhere. Japan has no cultural or religious taboo around pork for the general population. Read the full Japan guide.

Pork is the most widely consumed meat in China and central to Chinese cuisine. China consumes more pork than any other country. It appears in dumplings, noodles, hot pots, and countless dishes. Muslim-majority regions like Xinjiang and Ningxia are exceptions where pork is not served. Read the full China guide.

Pork is widely eaten in Thailand and features in many street food and restaurant dishes. Moo ping (grilled pork skewers), khao moo daeng (red pork rice), and many other dishes are pork-based. Pork is served throughout the country. Muslim-majority areas in the south have more limited pork availability. Read the full Thailand guide.

Pork is not available in Morocco. Islamic law prohibits its sale and consumption. Morocco is an Islamic country and pork is not served in any restaurant, sold in shops, or imported. International hotels occasionally have a small selection for non-Muslim guests, but this is rare. Read the full Morocco guide.

Pork is theoretically available in Egypt but very hard to find outside Coptic Christian communities. The Coptic Christian minority (about 10 percent of the population) does eat pork and some specialist butchers exist in Coptic areas. Tourist hotels with international restaurants may occasionally have pork. It is rare. Read the full Egypt guide.

Pork is not widely available in Turkey but can be found at international supermarkets and some tourist restaurants. Turkey is predominantly Muslim but not officially Islamic. International supermarkets in Istanbul like Macro Center stock pork. Most restaurants do not serve it. It is not openly displayed. Read the full Turkey guide.

Germany is one of the world's great pork-eating nations. Pork appears in nearly every traditional dish. Bratwurst, Schweinshaxe, Schnitzel, and dozens of regional pork sausages are at the heart of German cuisine. Pork is everywhere in supermarkets and restaurants throughout the country. Read the full Germany guide.

Australia has stunning beaches but also some of the most dangerous marine life and conditions in the world. Swim between the flags at patrolled beaches. Box jellyfish make some northern beaches dangerous from October to May. Saltwater crocodiles inhabit coastal waters in northern Queensland and the Northern Territory. Sharks are present but attacks are rare. Read the full Australia guide.

Thai beaches are generally safe for swimming but jellyfish season and rip currents are real dangers. Box jellyfish appear on some Thai coasts from October to March. Rip currents on Koh Tao, Koh Chang, and some Phuket beaches are powerful. Swim at beaches with lifeguards. Avoid swimming during monsoon season. Read the full Thailand guide.

Philippine beach waters are generally beautiful but jellyfish, rip currents, and crocodiles in some areas are concerns. Palawan has saltwater crocodiles in some mangrove and river areas. Jellyfish blooms affect some beaches seasonally. El Nido and Boracay are generally safe. Check local conditions before swimming. Read the full Philippines guide.

South African beaches can be dangerous due to sharks, strong currents, and cold water, especially on the western coast. Cape Town's beaches like Camps Bay have cold Atlantic water and strong rip currents. KwaZulu-Natal beaches have a shark net programme and are safer. White shark sightings occur at False Bay. Read the full South Africa guide.

Brazil's beaches vary enormously. Some are safe and patrolled, others have dangerous rip currents and pollution. Recife has one of the highest shark attack rates in the world due to changed migration patterns from port construction. Rio's beaches have strong rip currents. Florianopolis and southern beaches are generally safer. Read the full Brazil guide.

Mexican beaches range from safe resort lagoons to dangerous open water with powerful surf. Puerto Vallarta, Cancun, and Los Cabos resort beaches are generally monitored. Pacific coast beaches often have powerful backwash and no lifeguards. Sargassum seaweed affects Caribbean beaches seasonally. Read the full Mexico guide.

Bali's southern beaches are generally safe. Other Indonesian coasts have strong currents and no lifeguards. Kuta and Seminyak beaches in Bali have lifeguards and surf flags. Padang Padang and Uluwatu have strong rip currents even for experienced swimmers. Remote island beaches have no safety infrastructure. Read the full Indonesia guide.

Maldives lagoon beaches are calm and safe. Open ocean swimming carries risks from currents and marine life. Resort island lagoons are safe and monitored. Oceanic currents between atolls are powerful. Tiger sharks are present in some areas. Always check with your resort before swimming in open water. Read the full Maldives guide.

Red Sea beaches at Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh are generally calm but shark attacks have occurred. A series of shark attacks in Sharm el-Sheikh in 2010 raised awareness. The Red Sea has oceanic whitetip sharks. Stick to designated swimming areas. Currents through the straits of Tiran are powerful. Read the full Egypt guide.

Portugal's Atlantic beaches are beautiful but often cold and rough with strong rip currents. The Algarve's southern beaches are calmer. The west-facing Atlantic coast around Sagres, Nazare, and Peniche has extremely powerful swells even in summer. Always swim at lifeguarded beaches (green flag means safe). Read the full Portugal guide.

Spain's beaches are generally very safe and well-monitored with an excellent flag system. Blue flag beaches in Spain have lifeguards, clean water, and regular monitoring. Mediterranean beaches are calm. Atlantic beaches in the north have stronger swells. Follow the flag system: green safe, yellow caution, red no swimming. Read the full Spain guide.

Greek beaches are generally calm, clean, and safe for swimming. The Aegean and Ionian Seas are calm in summer with minimal currents. Jellyfish blooms occur but are generally minor. Some Aegean beaches have underwater currents. Greece has a blue flag system with clear safety standards. Read the full Greece guide.

New Zealand beaches have dangerous rip currents. Swimming between the flags is essential. NZ beaches cause more drownings proportionally than almost any other country. Rip currents are extremely powerful on west coast and open ocean beaches. Swim only at patrolled beaches between the red and yellow flags. Read the full New Zealand guide.

You can bring any amount of cash into the US, but amounts over USD 10,000 must be declared. Carry USD 9,999 or less with no declaration needed. USD 10,000 or more requires a FinCEN 105 form. Undeclared cash above the limit is subject to seizure. There is no tax on declared amounts. Read the full United States guide.

Entering any EU country with EUR 10,000 or more in cash requires a declaration at customs. Complete a cash declaration form at your first EU entry point. The EUR 10,000 limit applies to cash equivalents including cheques and bearer bonds, not just banknotes. Undeclared amounts are subject to seizure and fines. Read the full Europe guide.

Carrying GBP 10,000 or more in cash into or out of the UK must be declared. Declare on arrival at customs or online before travel. This covers all currencies equivalent to GBP 10,000. Failure to declare results in seizure. There is no maximum amount you can carry if declared. Read the full United Kingdom guide.

You must declare any currency of AUD 10,000 or more when entering or leaving Australia. This applies to all currencies and monetary instruments including gold. Declare on the Incoming Passenger Card or SmartGate kiosk. AUSTRAC monitors large cash movements. Penalties for non-declaration are steep. Read the full Australia guide.

Tourists can bring foreign currency into India in any amount but must declare amounts over USD 5,000 in cash. Fill in the Currency Declaration Form (CDF) on arrival if bringing more than USD 5,000 in banknotes or USD 10,000 in total monetary instruments. Indian rupees cannot be imported or exported above INR 25,000. Read the full India guide.

Carrying JPY 1 million or more (roughly USD 6,500) into or out of Japan requires a customs declaration. Fill in the Carry-on Goods Declaration Form on arrival. Japan has very strict anti-money-laundering controls. Undeclared amounts can be seized. There is no limit on how much you can bring if properly declared. Read the full Japan guide.

Carrying THB 450,000 or more (around USD 12,000) into Thailand requires a customs declaration. Foreign currency equivalent to USD 20,000 or more must also be declared. Thailand customs is increasingly strict at Suvarnabhumi Airport. Undeclared large sums are subject to investigation and potential seizure. Read the full Thailand guide.

Carrying USD 5,000 or equivalent in foreign currency into China requires a customs declaration. Fill in the Customs Declaration Form on arrival. Amounts under USD 5,000 need no declaration. CNY 20,000 in Chinese renminbi is the import limit. Export limits on RMB also apply. Read the full China guide.

Carrying AED 100,000 or more (around USD 27,000) into the UAE requires a declaration. Declare cash above the threshold at the Customs counter on arrival. The UAE is a major financial hub and takes money laundering seriously. Undeclared cash above the limit is seized immediately. Read the full UAE guide.

You can bring any amount of cash into Mexico, but USD 10,000 or more must be declared. Customs declaration on arrival is required for amounts exceeding USD 10,000 or equivalent. Failure to declare results in confiscation and a fine of up to three times the undeclared amount. Keep the declaration receipt. Read the full Mexico guide.

Carrying more than ZAR 25,000 or USD 10,000 in foreign currency into South Africa must be declared. Complete the customs declaration form on arrival. South African Reserve Bank rules require banks to report large transactions. Undeclared amounts are subject to seizure and investigation. Read the full South Africa guide.