In Iran some travellers asking and being allowed, while others have been told not to take photos. We’ve photographed the wall several times without trouble, but on the last visit we were briefly apprehended and led away before persuading our half-hearted captors that we hadn’t, in fact, taken any photos at all and were just dumb tourists.
In Douentza (Mali) village tourist tax should allow you to take photos of houses and other buildings (but not people, unless you get their permission), and to visit nearby cliff dwellings. Wheni Kashmir, avoid taking photos of anything military – when in doubt, ask. Expect regular bag searches when entering buildings and always carry your passport as soldiers can ask for your papers at any time. Fijians are usually happy to have their photo taken (or are too polite to say no) but always ask first. Consider sending photos as a thank-you present.
Around Dai temples (China) the same rules apply as elsewhere: dress appropriately (no tank tops or shorts); take off shoes before entering; don’t take photos of monks or the inside of temples without permission; leave a donation if you do take any shots and consider a token donation.
In Ethiopia People with guides typically have a more enjoyable time, as the guides can usually sort out fees for individual photos, or better yet, a lump sum for unlimited (and unpestered) shots. Some people recommend giving their camera to the guide, who’ll usually have an easier time getting shots while you happily wander. Remember that the local people have a right to benefit from tourism. In fact, it’s money bargained for photos instead of money bargained for crops. Tourism may even help to preserve the groups and their traditions by assisting them economically. Be aware that it’s strictly forbidden to photograph ‘sensitive areas’, including military and police installations and personnel, industrial buildings, government buildings, residences and royal palaces; and major ‘infrastructure’ such as bridges, dams, airports. Penalties for contravening this law range from confiscation of film and camera, to between three months’ and one year’s imprisonment!
Always ask before taking photos or video of people, but usually the East Timorese are quite happy to be photographed – a sign that East Timor is not overrun with tourists. Say ‘Bele?’ (‘May I?’ in Tetun) and you’ll likely get a smiling ‘bele, bele’ in response, which means ‘yes, yes’ in context. ‘Labele’ would mean no and that the photo is taboo.
In Burma some Internet cafés can burn digital photos onto a CD for about K1000, but you should have your own adapter. Colour film – Fuji and Kodak – is widely available in Yangon and Mandalay, a bit less so in smaller towns. Photo-supply shops don’t often sell cameras, but they can develop film. Usually it’s about K200 to develop a roll, then K50 per photo printed. Avoid taking travel photography of military facilities, uniformed individuals, road blocks and bridges. Aung Sang Suu Kyi’s home is absolutely off limits to all photographers. We’ve heard of travellers who took photos of the house having their film confiscated. Most locals are not at all unhappy about being photographed, but please ask first. If you have a digital camera with a display screen, some locals (kids, monks, anyone) will be overjoyed to see their image.
