ARGENTINA
Counterfeit money can be a problem here, especially in Buenos Aires. Taxi drivers are the most common distributors of bogus currency, giving fake 10s and 20s when making change for fares. One way to avoid these notes is to get cash from bank tellers and to carry lots of small bills for taxi fares so you don’t have to get change from the drivers. Several clues can help you detect counterfeit bills: smudge marks on serial numbers; smooth surface rather than raised printing; waxy feel; missing watermarks; middle portrait off center and lacking detail. The same problems exist in Bolivia, Chile and Peru.
CZECH REPUBLIC
Prague authorities are trying to reduce petty crime. Dozens of additional police officers are patrolling the city center while an awareness campaign about pickpocketing is running from December to February.
HONG KONG
Protests are expected during the Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organization Dec. 13-18. Demonstrations at these meetings in recent years have turned violent. The meeting will be held in Wan Chai. Other places that may see demonstrations are Victoria Park in Causeway Bay, and hotels and streets near the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center, where the meeting will be held.
PHILIPPINES
The U.S. Embassy in Manila closed Dec. 6 after receiving a plausible threat and will reopen “when deemed appropriate,” according to the Embassy’s Web site.
U.K.
A strike may shut down the London Underground Dec. 19-21 if a settlement isn’t reached with maintenance employees.
For the latest on world conditions, check the State Department’s automated service at 888-407-4747; fax 202-647-3000; travel.state.gov.