12 Things Banned in the U.S. But Welcomed Worldwide – No Wonder Americans Are Perceived as Too Conservative

The U.S. is a country of laws, and most aim to protect its residents. But, some rules are too conservative compared to other countries, so Americans often appear prudish. Others are going back and forth, so American lawmakers can’t decide what to do, which can confuse visitors. Here are some everyday things that are banned in the U.S., but the rest of the world does not have an issue with them. 

Drinking age

The drinking age in the States is 21, while in most U.S. allies, it is 18. However, some U.S. states allow minors to drink on private properties if adults are present, and some states don’t even require the presence of parents. Strangely, driving can start at 16, but even legal adults can’t get a drink. 

Drinking in public 

Many Americans are surprised to see the Swiss, for example, drinking and chatting with their friends in the middle of a street. In the States, it is a matter of local ordinances, so it can be illegal to carry an alcoholic beverage on certain streets or areas. In California, for example, drinking in parks is prohibited. In Europe, that’s how people spend their pastime. 

Cannabis is legal in some states 

In most countries, cannabis is illegal. However, once it became legal in the Netherlands, it became so common that people didn’t pay attention to it. Yet, in the U.S., it is legal in 24 states for recreational use, but it is classified as a Schedule I drug, so one has to be careful while hopping from one state to another. 

The taxes 

People with dual citizenship must file U.S. taxes if they meet the filing thresholds. It doesn’t matter if you have to pay taxes in the country where you work or don’t live in the States. The IRS will find you, which is not how other countries deal with taxes. For example, you pay taxes if you visit the U.K. for more than 183 days in a tax year. A day less, and you are a free person. 

Sports betting

Again, sports betting is legal in nearly 40 states, but in some states, it is only legal in retail, not online. For example, sports betting is illegal in Qatar, Pakistan, and China. However, it is legal to bet on sports across most of Europe. Rules regarding online betting vary, but overall, Europeans like to place bets and watch their favorite teams win (or lose). 

Plastic bags 

Single-use plastic bags are illegal in the E.U., but the U.S. is still undecided. Twelve states banned them, but they are still widespread. Rwanda became the first plastic-free country in the world, and the local law says that anyone with a plastic item faces a jail sentence of up to six months.

Kinder Surprise eggs

Suprise! Most Americans have heard of Kinder Suprise, a chocolate delight that hides a toy inside. According to the 1938 law, the plastic egg inside and the toy are considered inedible, so they are forbidden in the U.S. and illegal to bring across the border. They are a choking hazard for Americans, but for most of the world, they are a treat for all ages.

Hitchhiking

In many U.S. states, hitchhiking is illegal. In Europe, Japan, and New Zealand, it is common, though restrictions exist, to ensure the safety of the hitchhiker. For example, many countries do not allow hitchhiking directly on the highway. In Australia, it is illegal in some parts, similar to the U.S. situation. 

Living arrangements

This might be the weirdest law on this list and applies only to one state—North Carolina. The law states that living with a partner without a marriage license is illegal. Virginia only outlawed it a few years ago, so unmarried people can not do whatever they want in their homes. This must be one of the strangest things, especially if you come from Western Europe. 

Milk and cheese

Many foods from the States are forbidden in the rest of the world. Wheat Thins, Frosted Flakes, Coffee-mate creamer, Skittles, Gatorade, and more are among them. But raw milk is illegal in the U.S., but France is obsessed with raw milk cheese. Raw milk on-farm sales will become legal in West Virginia soon. 

Ferrets as pets

Owning pet ferrets in California, Hawaii, and the District of Columbia is illegal. The rest of the U.S. has specific rules, but having a pet ferrot is usually legal. In Japan and most of Europe, they are perfectly legal as long as they are appropriately vaccinated and chipped. 

It is not just the U.S. 

All countries have some weird laws, but one that caught our attention is equally bizarre and heartwarming. In Switzerland, it is illegal to have one goldfish. Why? Because it would be inhumane for them not to have company. So, owning two or ten is fine, but one is not.

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