TRANSPORT
Most international and domestic flights arrive at Johannesburg International Airport, located about 45 km from Pretoria. Taxis and buses connect the international terminal with all major Pretoria hotels. The cost of such transfers is in the order of R 60 and is not included in the registration fee. Connecting flights to Durban leave Johannesburg International Airport frequently. Direct flights to Durban International Airport are available from various European cities (e.g. London).
PASSPORT, VISA AND VACCINATION
Most foreign visitors entering South Africa must have a valid passport and a valid visa. Visa must be obtained before departure and applications should be made to a South African Consulate or Diplomatic Mission in the country of residence. Delegates should ascertain how long it takes to obtain a visa.
Any visitor who has travelled through, or landed, in a place infected with yellow fever within the last six days before arriving in South Africa, will need a yellow fever vaccination certificate. This applies even if there was no outbreak of yellow fever in the infected area at the time of the visit. Yellow fever occurs mainly in West and Central Africa and in South America. No other health certificates are required.
CURRENCY
All prices quoted in this meeting programme are in South African Rands (ZAR). Only payment in this currency will be accepted. Major credit cards will also be accepted and the transaction processed in Rands.
Currency can be exchanged at any bank (official hours are weekdays: 09h00 - 15h30, Saturdays: 08h30 - 11h00) and at Johannesburg International Airport. It is not permitted to import more than R 500 in South African banknotes or coins per person.
South African banknotes are issued in the following denominations: R 200, R 100, R 50, R 20, R 10. Coins in use are R 5, R 2, R 1, 50 c, 20 c, 10 c, 5 c, 2 c, 1 c.
If you would like to change money back into your own currency, please keep a copy of your foreign exchange transactions.
As this programme was being prepared, 1 US Dollar was approximately equivalent to R 4.50.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Business hours
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Banks |
09h00 -15h30 |
08h30 - 11h00 |
Closed |
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Post offices |
09h00 - 16h30 |
08h30 - 12h00 |
Closed |
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Major shops |
09h00 - 17h30 |
08h30 - 17h00 |
08h30 - 13h00 |
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Public offices |
09h00 - 16h00 |
Closed |
Closed |
Climate
The weather in Pretoria during August is generally pleasant and sunny. The average maximum temperature for August is 22 °C and the average minimum is 8 °C. The second part of August is part of spring, public swimming pools open their season on 1 September. There is only a minimal chance of rain during August (long-term average 5 mm).
Durban is famed for its mild, sunny winter climate and year-round "fun-in-the-water" weather. It boasts at least 320 sunshine days a year. The average maximum temperature during September is 23 °C and the average minimum is 14 °C. Average rainfall for September is 58 mm.
August/September are excellent months for visiting South African game parks. The grass is low after the few dry winter months and animals are forced to visit water holes where they can be quite readily observed.
Credit cards
Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Diners Card and some other credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants and shops.
Electricity supply
The mains voltage in Pretoria is 240 V at 50 Hz.
Insurance
The organisers cannot accept responsibility for any accidents, losses and / or damages, which may occur. Delegates are advised to obtain travel, medical, personal accident and luggage insurance in their home country, prior to departure.
Tipping
Tipping is at your discretion and for good service only. As a guide, add 10 % to a restaurant bill and round a taxi fare up to the nearest Rand.
Tourism
Information about South Africa in general can be obtained from the South African Tourism Board (SATOUR),
Telephone +27 12 347-0600
Fax +27 12 45-4889
or via the appointed conference travel agent (see conference brochure).
Departure from South Africa
Reservations for outward-bound flights should be re-confirmed with the airline concerned at least 72 hours prior to departure. Visitors should be at the airport 2-3 hours before the departure time.
Language
Although South Africa has as many as 11 official languages, visitors conversant in English, which is one of the official languages, will have no problem communicating with most of the population.
South Africa
South Africa lies at the southern tip of the African continent. It has a population of approximately 40 million. Because of its rich cultural diversity it is often referred to as The Rainbow Nation. Its climate ranges from subtropical to cool, with occasional snowfalls in winter in certain areas. The country's main assets are its mineral resources, agriculture, manufacturing industry, infrastructure and its scenic beauty and wildlife, which make it a favourite tourist destination. An excellent Internet site with information on South Africa in general (including tourism) is provided by the South African embassy in Washington DC at http://www.southafrica.net
Pretoria
Pretoria was founded in 1855 by Marthinus Wessel Pretorius, who named it after his father Andries Pretorius. It is South Africa's administrative capital and is also home to significant businesses and industries, educational, sports and research institutions. A city of gardens, trees and open spaces, Pretoria is particularly spectacular during October, when its Jacaranda trees are in full bloom and the whole city has a purple hue. Apart from many historical buildings, Pretoria boasts outstanding restaurants, theatres and shopping centres. On the Internet see http://www.pta.co.za/
Durban
Durban, a city of over 2.6 million people and South Africa's major sea port, is South Africa's all year holiday playground on the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. The greater Durban region attracts some 3.4 million visitors a year and about 65 000 people are employed in the tourism industry. Durban's origins as a port city date back to 1824, when about 30 settlers were sent there with the blessing of the Governor of the Cape. It was named after the then Governor of the Cape, Sir Benjamin D'Urban in 1835. For further detailled information see Durban's World Wide Web site at http://www.durban.org.za on the Internet.