Car Rental Australia
Background Notes Archive - East Asia and the Pacific
U.S. Department of StateBackground Notes: Western Samoa, June 1996Bureau of East Asian and Pacific AffairsPrepared and released by the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs,Office of Pacific Island AffairsJune 1996Official Name: Independent State of Western SamoaPROFILEGeographyArea: 2,934 sq. km. (1,133 sq. mi.), about the size of Rhode Island.Cities: Capital--Apia (pop. 35,000).Terrain: MountainousClimate: Tropical.PeopleNationality: Noun and adjective--Western Samoan(s).Population (19991: 161,000.Annual growth rate (1986-91): 0.5%.Ethnic groups: Samoan, European-Samoan, Chinese-Samoan.Religion: Christian.Languages: Samoan, English.Education: Years compulsory--ages 5-14. Elementary school attendance--85%. Literacy--70%.Health: Infant mortality rate--19/1,000 live births. Life expectancy--64 yrs.Work force: Agriculture--90%.GovernmentType: Parliamentary democracy.Independence: January 1,1962.Constitution: January 1, 1962.Branches: Executive--head of state. Legislative ... [Read More]
Papua New Guinea
CRIME: Papua New Guinea has a high crime rate. Numerous U.S. citizen residents and visitors have been victims of violent crime in recent years, and they have sometimes suffered severe injuries. Carjackings, armed robberies, and stoning of vehicles are problems in Port Moresby, Lae and Mount Hagen. Pickpockets and bag-snatchers frequent crowded public areas. Hiking in rural areas and visiting isolated public sites such as parks, golf courses, beaches, or cemeteries can be dangerous. Individuals traveling alone are at greater risk for robbery or gang rape than are those who are part of an organized tour or under escort. Visitors to Papua New Guinea should avoid using taxis or buses, known as Public Motor Vehicles (PMV's), and should instead rely on their sponsor or hotel to arrange for taxi service o ... [Read More]
US Department Of State Post Report
Business cards are used in Papua New Guinea. The Chief of Mission and the DCM should bring at least 500 cards. Other officers need about 300 cards for a two-year tour. Cards should bear diplomatic titles, telephone and fax numbers and e-mail addresses. (The Embassy can provide each officer with their e-mail address following announcement of the assignment.) Cards can be printed locally, but are more expensive than in the U.S. Special InformationLast Updated: 12/31/1999 6:00 PM ... [Read More]
US Department Of State Post Report
Most diplomatic officers should bring at least 200 calling cards, but check with your predecessor; some positions require a much higher number. Australia is a very open society and professionals exchange business cards frequently. Married couples need a reasonable number of “Mr. & Mrs.” invitation cards. Engraving of a high standard is very expensive, but printed cards of excellent quality are affordable but still more expensive than in the U.S. (Paper products tend to be costly in Australia.) ... [Read More]
Department of State Washington File: Text: USTR National Trade Estimate Report on Indonesia
The Indonesian government substantially lowered tariff rates in all market segments for motor vehicles. The maximum tariff has been reduced from 200 to 80 percent. Tariffs on kits imported for assembly, which had ranged from zero to 65 percent, are now a flat 25 percent for all but passenger cars, which are 35, 40 or 50 percent depending on engine size. The tariff schedule for auto components and parts imported for local assembly has also been simplified to a flat rate 15 percent for imported parts for passenger cars and minivans. Like tariffs, luxury taxes have generally been lowered across the board. The Indonesian government has also lifted the previous regulations under which only registered importers or sole agents of foreign automakers could import vehicles. The current policy framework permits any licensed general importer to import automobiles without special permission, and relaxes certain regulations related to bonded warehouse zones for the automotive industry. ... [Read More]
Department of State Washington File: Text: IMF Official Condemns Protectionism, Supports Free Trade
It's a similar story in Britain and elsewhere in Europe for cars; and for most industrial countries who over the years tried to protect a range of industries from foreign competition. Britain lost its domestically-owned car industry (though it became an efficient car producer as a result of foreign ownership and international competition). The manufacturers of European video recorders were not helped by a French ruling that all such electronic products made in Japan had to be imported via Poitiers -- though Japanese producers once again enjoyed higher profits for a while. ... [Read More]
US State Department Road Safety Overseas
U.S. Department of State [Read More]
USIS Washington File: TEXT: FOREIGN TRADE BARRIERS IN INDONESIA
In the copyright law amendments itself, the International Intellectual Property Alliance (IIPA) cites favorably the establishment of exclusive rental rights for computer programs and sound recordings and the extension of term of protection of computer programs to 50 years; the ratification of the Paris text of the Berne Convention and the WIPO copyright treaty. U.S. industry also noted that the new patent law is an improvement over the previous. ... In February 1998, the government issued decrees canceling all special tax, customs or credit privileges previously granted to the national car program. Tariff preferences tied to local content levels for auto producers are scheduled to be eliminated by 2000. ... [Read More]
Frequently Asked Questions - General Information
An International Driving Permit serves as proof of validation of your Australian state license and as another form of photo identification. However, you must also carry your Australian state license. Some rental car agencies require an international driver's license as part of the agreement. Contact your local Australian motoring association for more information. ... "[2] Carry only such quantity as might normally be carried by an individual having some sort of health problem; ... [Read More]
Australia
MEDICAL FACILITIES AND HEALTH INFORMATION: Excellent medical care is available. Serious medical problems requiring hospitalization and/or medical evacuation to the United States can cost thousands of dollars. Most doctors and hospitals expect immediate cash/credit card payment for health services. ... U.S. Department of State [Read More]
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