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The last thing you need to be doing while travelling the globe is to ignorantly insult the places you visit, either ethically, morally or in some cases illegally by breaking the laws they have in place.
Like, if you prance about leaving nothing to the imagination in the Vatican City, for example, don't complain when one of the Pope's guards throws you out of the City's walls.
Here's what you need to know when you're dressing to impress abroad.
Saudi Arabia
Cover, cover, cover
This might be the strictest country you'll visit in your life, so cover up everything you can. The country's clothing laws are grounded in religion, and are therefore a very emotional matter too. Even an accidental show of an ankle will land you in trouble if you're a woman, so be respectful if you're a visitor here.
It might be hot in this desert country, but the wrath of the people may be even hotter, so rather cover, cover, cover.
Vatican City
Cover your knees and shoulders
Didn't god make Adam and Eve and they where naked? Then why is there a strict dress code in the Vatican City? pic.twitter.com/LFZYcZJ15C
— AtheistDan (@DanWells76) March 6, 2013
If you don’t comply, you won’t be able to see stunning its museum and Sistine Chapel… and you’ll have no choice but to fall victim to the plenty of hawkers selling severely overpriced scarves outside this holy city.
Regardless of the unforgiving summer weather in Italy, no traveller wants to see the Chapel draped in four scarves – two around each leg, and two around each arm. Wear appropriate clothes.
Thailand
Are you safe in bikinis?
Thailand can be paradise if you just know where to look ?? #beach #thailand #bikini #summer #beachday #island by pim… pic.twitter.com/uGfkOHfIfI
— Koh Chang (@koh_chang_pics) March 23, 2015
The Thai prime minister made a bit of a blooper when he said beautiful women are unsafe in bikinis in Thailand following the gruesome murder of two Brits on holiday in the country.
His exact words were, 'Can they [tourists] be safe in bikinis... unless they are not beautiful?' Did he mean that only ugly people should dress skimpy? Or is everyone unsafe?
He's since apologized for his bizarre comment...
See: Thai junta chief 'sorry' for bikini remarks after Brit murder
Believe it or not, but Thailand has also now specifically banned the taking of an ‘underboob’ selfie
The country aims to avoid the 'obscene' material causing 'public panic', and guilty underboob snappers could face jail time for their offenses.
Qatar
Leggings are illegal
Appreciate the dress code campaign by @reflect_respect as being done respectfully and tastefully and for both genders pic.twitter.com/4GeHYW52hs
— Amad (@amadshk) May 25, 2014
This is no joke, it’s the law. In the “Reflect Your Respect” campaign, launched by the Qatar Islamic Cultural Center, advice and tips for tourists were lisetd on how to dress modestly in preparation for the 2022 Football World Cup it is hosting.
The pamphlets asked visitors to help preserve Qatar's culture and values saying, 'If you are in Qatar, you are one of us. Please dress modestly in public places.' Its specifically stated that, 'Leggings are not pants.'
Ascot Racing Day
Hide them shoulders
According to the 16-page style guide laid out by Ascot, hats should always be worn, and strapless, halterneck and spaghetti-strap dresses are strictly prohibited, reports Daily Mail.
Dubai
No shoulders and knees
It’s the same as in the Vatican City, but here you might actually be prosecuted and insulted if you disobey. For your own safety, cover up.
Spain
Save the bikinis for the sea
The Good Citizen Plan in the country will fine you almost R9 000 (£500) if you wander away from the shores in your itsie bitsie bikini or speedo.
Stay on the beach in your bikini to avoid a penalty.
Do you know of any other clothing restrictions travellers should be aware of? Please share your photos and information with us at info@traveller24.com or post them on our Facebook, Twitter or Instagram accounts - you could be featured on News24.
