Brazil has granted the environmental license to build the Belo Monte hydroelectric dam on the Xingu River, a tributary to the Amazon, in the northern state of Pará. Construction is expected to start in 2015. 

Heavily protested by both indigenous peoples and environmentalists, the dam will be the third largest in the world and may produce 11 gigawatts of electric power. To protect the environment and for nearby locals, the government is requiring an offset fund of $830 million from the...

With locations in nine Mexico airports, TaxBack (www.taxback.com.mx) refunds travelers’ value-added tax (VAT) for purchases made in stores displaying the orange TaxBack sticker. A visitor must spend at least MXN1,200 (near $90) to get a refund, filling out a form and providing the shopping receipts. 

For refunds of MXN10,000 ($740) or less, up to 50% can be given in cash, with the rest electronically transferred to a debit or credit card account after 40 days. Refunds of more than...

Designed by I.M. Pei, the Macau Science Center (Avenida Dr. Sun Yat-Sen, Macao Science Center; phone +853 2888 0822) opened along the waterfront in January.

There is an Exhibition Center (12 permanent galleries, including hands-on exhibits), a Planetarium (135 seats with interactive controls — shows twice daily) and a Convention Center. 

10-6 Mon.-Sun. (closed Thurs.). Exhibition Hall, MOP25 ($3); Planetarium, MOP35 for show with 2D images or MOP45 ($5.65) for 3D show.