1. CZECH REPUBLIC
Taxi drivers in Prague have a reputation for ripping off tourists, but officials have a new plan to combat those who cheat: taxi stands marked with “thumbs up” signs that guarantee honest fares. By mid-August, 49 stands certified as “Fair Taxi Places” will be set up and overseen by city officials to make sure the drivers deliver what the stands promise: fair fares.The situation has actually improved over last year.
2. INDONESIA
The North Sumatra provincial capital of Medan has drafted a law to levy heavy fines on tourists or others who give money to beggars. A charitable act could cost the giver the equivalent of $660 if the law is passed and enforced, and the beggar could face up to six weeks in jail.
3. ITALY
Officials scrambled to resolve a baggage impasse at Rome’s Leonardo da Vinci Airport Aug. 7 after thousands of bags for outbound flights were left unloaded and arriving passengers had long waits for luggage. Italy’s transport minister vowed to add some 80 new staff to clear out the congestion and try to improve normal operations.
4. GERMANY
A limited strike by train drivers planned for Aug. 9 was canceled when a court prohibited the union from striking until the end of September, but union officials appealed the ruling. If the appeal prevails, as some legal analysts believe it will, the strike could go on and would likely disrupt freight service and rail travel throughout the country.
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Compiled from various news services and travel sources. For the latest on world conditions, check the State Department’s automated service at 888-407-4747; fax 202-647-3000; travel.state.gov.
