@gerrit I've had an experience of an embassy employer (in his official capacity) giving me incorrect information about the need for a visa... (not Canadian, though)

This answer is incorrect. As stated in the other answer, Uzbekistan is a signatory of the Vienna convention, and a such its licence is accepted. Note that USA is not a signatory.

@Turkan Yes, the Polish Post explicitly talks about them and recommends to send an insured letter ("list wartościowy"). Maximum allowed sum is 1000 SDR (about 1300 CHF), though.

At the time Sky Europe folded, people (in Europe) who bought their tickets via internet generally got their money back, even if they used debit cards (payment via a debit card can still be made in a credit card mode and then most credit card rules apply, and even if not, contacting the bank and asking would be wise). People who bought the tickets through tourist agencies or in cash were not so lucky (and it was much more common at that time).

However. note that in Slovakia (a situation quite similar to that of Norway vs. Swedish), if would be considered, well, not rude, but lame, to ask "Do you speak Czech?", and the best answer you would get would be something like "I don't, but I understand it/I speak Slovak", and then you'd be engaged in a conversation in Slovak anyway.

"awareness of this fact varies greatly between airport ground staff" - not just that. Once I asked at the embassy (of a different country) if I need a transit visa, and the clerk rather vehemently insisted that I do, quite contrary to the established rules and also contrary to the truth.

@yo' and RACV even claims that Armenia drives on the left...

"According to the sidebar on the right, 99% of the population speaks English. As a tourist, you're not likely to encounter the other 1%." - and I guess much of the 1% speaks Polish (no disrespect to the Polish meant).