If you do the crime, then you do the time, and the unpleasantness of prison is certainly a reminder of that. The food sucks and inmates are constantly at each other’s throats. But despite these stereotypes, there are some surprising things that inmates are allowed to get while serving time. So let’s have a look at these totally shocking and unexpected items, shall we?

1. Their OWN Restaurant

Although many prisons use staff from on-site catering companies, many inmates are actually known for cooking their own food. The shocking part is that they even run their very own restaurant! This is the case of Jorge Guiterrez who is incarcerated in a Honduran prison where he is the head of the prison’s restaurant, serving burgers and various local dishes. He even hires other inmates as waiters and yes, they get paid as well. Despite being housed in one of the worst prisons in the world, Jorge actually likes it there as he uses the money to provide for his family.

2. Digital TV

Since inmates have the opportunity to earn money, prisons also give them the courtesy of allowing them to spend it on certain items. For some it’s digital TVs through which they can access streaming services such as SkyTV. Unsurprisingly, a few prisons in England have come under fire for allowing criminals to purchase televisions so they could hang up in a small room and catch up on their favorite shows and movies, even if they paid for it themselves. Seems fair enough, as long as it wasn’t funded by taxpayers’ money.

3. Game Consoles

Now the next best thing about having a digital TV in prison is being able to play video games, and this is what inmates decide to spend their money on as well. It’s no wonder why people were upset about getting digital TVs, because these prisoners are pretty much comfortable there. What better way to kill time and have fun than video games, without anyone complaining about you playing all day long. It’s a win-win for both guards and prisoners as the latter doesn’t have the time to tussle with his fellow inmates.

4. Pets

Many prisons have allowed their inmates to keep pets, and it’s actually proven to be quite beneficial for their mental health. Many prisons will bring in cats, dogs and other small animals as part of their rehabilitation program to teach inmates compassion and responsibility. This is because animals tend to have a soothing and calming effect on people—like that one hardened criminal who learned to read, just so he could learn how to take care of his pet canary. And because of this, they’re less likely to get into trouble like they normally would.

5. iPods

Music, like animals, can be a very relaxing and soothing way for us to process our emotions. And as you already know, prisoners are already prone to outbursts and aggression. It’s also a great way to kill time. Because of this, inmates are allowed to create their own custom playlist by downloading any song of their choosing from the millions that are available to them. Though songs containing obscene and racially charged language won’t make the cut, as per the orders of authorities.