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The travel rules and warnings around the world that Aussies might not be aware of

Jemima Skelley
Jemima Skelley

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Most of us know the basics of travel safety, like keeping your luggage close and your passport closer. But each country also has its own unique risks, which you maybe weren't quite aware of.

Cover-More Travel Insurance now offers a free travel safety app to keep you up to speed on the alerts and warnings you'll need to know on your holiday - plus 24-hour assistance if you run into trouble.

Read through to see some of the unique and unusual rules and regulations around the world.

Attribution: Getty Images/iStockphoto
Japan
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Japan

Check your cold and flu meds before you jet off.

Medications containing more than 10 per cent pseudoephedrine - like Sudafed and sinus relief tablets - are banned from being brought into Japan.

While they might be a staple of your travel toiletry bag, if you're heading to Japan, leave them at home.

Attribution: Getty
Hong Kong
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Hong Kong

Not only are vapes and e-cigarettes illegal in Hong Kong, but travellers can get into a lot of trouble for bringing them into the country.

Perhaps your holiday is a good time to quit cold turkey?

Attribution: Getty
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Singapore
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Singapore

Kick your gum-chewing habit.

In Singapore, the sale of chewing gum is strictly against the law.

Laws have relaxed a little bit, meaning it's ok for you to chew it. So if you can't survive without gum, you'll have to bring your own in your luggage. Just be sure to dispose of it properly.

Attribution: Getty
Kuwait
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Kuwait

Save your shorts for the beach.

As a society that's fairly conservative, Kuwait requires both men and women to dress modestly. So even though it's known for hot weather, throwing on a pair of shorts to wear out is not the done thing.

Attribution: Getty Images/iStockphoto
Uzbekistan
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Uzbekistan

Show bread its due respect.

We all love a good slice of white, but in Uzbekistan, the carby staple is actually considered precious, so don't ever put it on the floor, throw it away or place it upside down on the table.

Attribution: Getty
Zimbabwe
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Zimbabwe

Leave your camo gear at home. In a strange but true story, camouflage clothing is illegal in Zimbabwe.

People have legitimately been arrested for wearing it, so best not to run the risk. 

Attribution: Getty
Chile
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Chile

Keep your ears free when driving.

With beautiful landscapes to explore, it can be very tempting to get behind the wheel and go exploring in this South American gem.

But if you do decide to join the ranks of motorists, leave your headphones at home as drivers are banned from wearing them. Stick to the radio instead. 

Attribution: Getty
Denmark
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Denmark

Beware the football fans.

Visitors to Copenhagen are warned to keep their wits about them in and around Parken Stadium to avoid getting caught up in clashes between rival clubs.

Local derbies and historic rivalries can be the most volatile match days.

Attribution: Getty
Egypt
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Egypt

Keep off the sand. Sort of.

It's a big call for a country with plenty of sand, but there's good reason for the warning. Turns out Egypt has an estimated 21 per cent of the world's landmines, with the army estimating almost 21 million remain unaccounted for.

The affected area stretches from the border with Libya to the city of El Alamein, so if you're keen to go beyond the usual tourist haunts, beware!

Attribution: Getty

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